Life’s lessons: We teach what we need to learn

“We teach best what we most need to learn.”
~ Richard Bach

One of the things I’ve learned in my life is that I preach what I need to learn myself. So I thought I’d go back through my social media posts and share with you the things that I thought were important for me to learn…and share with others.

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Do you have a dream? Are you pursuing it? Or are you building someone else’s dream?

One of the things that holds us back the most is tunnel vision. Not being open to possibilities. Watch your self-talk and don’t automatically discount an opportunity because it is unexpected.

Learn from the past; don’t be its hostage. You cannot change what happened. Just keep moving forward.

Yeah…just recognize that it happens on occasion. If it happens all the time, then it’s time to reassess your boundaries and what you allow.

I read a story about a world-class athlete who was rendered a paraplegic due to an accident. His approach to life: “What can I create from this?” Brilliant. If he can do it, so can we.

We assume that what we believe — what we’ve been told about ourselves — is true. Maybe yes, but more than likely, it’s false. Check your belief system and see if it matches your reality.

I’m not a  big fan of Dr. Phil; I think he’s Jerry Springer with a doctorate. But when I saw this quote, I thought he hit a home run. Whether people like us is their issue, not ours. Don’t make it personal. P.S. He won’t give a crap what I think of him.

If you find yourself stressed, stop and look at what (and who) is in your life. If these people or situations take away from your enjoyment or add to your stress, it’s time to make some changes.

This was a big one for me and on occasion still is. If something or someone is bothering you, ask how you can improve it. If you can’t, release it.

“If only I were as thin as she is. I wish I could live in a big oceanfront house. I want that fancy car! Mine sucks.” We all have said these or similar things to ourselves. Comparing us to others and what they have only destroys our present joy.

Women especially have boundary problems. Don’t be afraid to draw a line in the sand. You will be healthier and happier.

This comes from my newspaper days. My reporter was assigned to cover one of those cute “kids at work” things. She drew a boy, about 8, who was in a bank, learning how to run the calculator and other office machines. When asked how he liked it, this is what he said. Brilliant! We all need to remember this when we beat ourselves up for failing to be perfectly capable and competent the first time we try something new.

Mark Twain is one of my all-time favorite authors, and this is one of my all-time favorite quotes from him. Think about it: How many times have your worries actually come true? Run the probabilities; if your worst-case scenario is more than 50% likely to occur, what can you do to prevent it from happening?

This one is related to the young banker. Practice may not make perfect — perfection is unattainable (which you know…right?) — but it does make you faster, more efficient and better at what you do. Cut yourself some slack.

I worked with a woman who apologized about everything, up to and including the weather. That is not only really whack-a-doodle, but it is very self-centered as well. The universe does not revolve around you. I hate to break it to you, but you do not have control over the weather, or other people’s actions, thoughts or behaviors. Get over it.

Which of these rings your chimes? Please say in the comments.