Selectively Juggling

I view heartfelt constructive compassionate advice as being similar to plant seeds. At first when given, or planted there is no obviously outside indication that the plant is growing, or the advice adequately processed or understood. Yes, given the right timing and circumstances the seed breaks open, or the advice becomes internalised, becoming an impetus for change.

So, best advice?

1. You don’t need to attend every argument that you’re invited to.
2. Learn to respond, not react.
3. Healthy boundaries are essential.
4. Communicate, communicate, communicate.
5. Never underestimate your true inner beauty and worth.
6. A mountain is climbed one step at a time.
7. A glass of water is drank one sip at a time. Life is lived one breath at a time. Pace yourself, ground yourself in each moment.
8. Have an attitude of gratitude.
9. You’ve got this!
10. You’re both captor and free, hold the lock and own the key.
11. Don’t argue with fools, it’s not just worth it.
12. Don’t judge others, you’ve no idea of the journey they’ve walked. (within reason – judge/respond to cruel, inhumane, socially unjust actions as these are not acceptable)
13. You’ve walked through much worse, just keep going.
14. You’re beautiful, never forget that.
15. Don’t broadcast to the world your good needs or kind actions – keep it real.
16. You’re unique, only one of you exists – learn to love yourself as you are, not how you think you should be.
17. Action is the enemy of thought.
18. The present is called the present, because it is a gift. Unwrap it and enjoy the preciousness of each moment. It’s where life is lived.
19. Finally, get out into nature and feel its healing energy, its beauty, its grounding power

There are so many more seeds of advice that have been planted in my mind and heart, some by gardeners I’ve known all my life. In the end they become like precious gifts, especially if given to me by someone very dear, like my dad who has since passed away. They end up blooming, creating depth and meaning, texture and richness to my life’s palate. Great advice is almost a promissory note that keeps on giving, long after it is written. Great advice can be like a constellation of stars helping to point you in the right direction. It’s up to you to navigate, working out which star is worth following. Happy travels fellow writer.