As part of our continued participation in the DC Ladies Blogtober Challenge, I’m addressing today’s writing prompt “What’s the Best Advice You’ve Ever Been Given.”
I could easily say it’s “When life hands you lemons, sell them to purchase wine” , which is very true and entrepreneurial, but today I’ll go with the longer standing piece of advice from my dad which is “You’ve Got To Be Your Own Best Friend in Life”.
Growing up, my father was my motivator and the person who inspired me to think about my life and the best way to live it. He spent countless hours sharing his thoughts on life, encouraging me to set goals for myself and see the glass as half full. He would regularly post motivational messages under my light switch from Zig Ziglar, Brian Tracy, Winston Churchill and others.
“It’s always darkest before the dawn.”
Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.
“If you can dream it, you can achieve it.”
All of these were thought provoking and valuable but to me, the most important advice was that I needed to be by own best friend. At the time, I wasn’t sure what it meant but over the years, I’ve come to understand.
If you think about it, you are the only person that you will be with for the rest of your life. Relationships, even the most amazing ones, will come and go. And, life isn’t always filled with fun times and highs.
Sometimes you’re alone either physically, emotionally or mentally. It’s those times when you need to be comfortable with yourself and who you are in order to get through. Or, be your own best friend.
It’s not as easy as it sounds. We’re all filled with self-doubt and even hate for ourselves on occasion. You’ve got to be very disciplined to stop those voices in your head and give yourself a break.
Spend quality time alone. Do things that make you happy. Practice being grateful for the things in your life that are good. Focus on the good. Drink some wine (from the proceeds of the lemons).
After 46 years, I think I can say I’ve done a pretty good job on this one. It’s taken a lot of work and a shitload of laughs at myself. I think my dad would be proud.
Now, time to unveil MY OWN motivational quote which may well be YOUR best piece of advice. (Feel free to use.)
“Life is too short to eat stale bread”– Kristen
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