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“When you look back at yourself and don’t see yourself
smiling, change gears!”
Translation: Do all you can that is in your powers to make
sure that each decision you make, you can live with yourself
and it is part of your character and you are pleased with
it. If not, change as to how you think so that you are not
captive to negative thoughts or experiences that can slow or
shut you down.
“When choosing between salt and pepper, one is not always
better than the other!”
Translation: There are times in your life journey that when
you are presented with what appears to be opposite choices
to a problem, examine both options and do not rule one out
because you never experienced it before. Sweet and sour can
be in harmony after all.
“If you are not a swimmer, still venture into the water but
stay close to the shoreline!”
Translation: There will be times that you are not equipped
to take on a task or a challenge but you are willing to
learn how to undertake it. Plunge in with questions. Read up
on the subject and slowly wade in knowing that as you wade
in, you will learn as you go and you will be able to venture
out a little further each time.
“When you sit down to a meal with friends, remember not to
sit across from the person who chews with his mouth open!”
Translation: There are times in life when it is OK! to
relax and kick back but remember: To get the full benefit of
a time out, do not associate with people or with their
habits that causes you to lose your joy.
“When you are in a big city and are ready to cross a busy
intersection, remember to look up … and then cross!”
Translation: All things that may happen to you do not
necessarily come from expected sources but rather your
mind's radar should include unexpected sources that could
catch you off guard and you never saw it coming.
“When picking out travel luggage, always choose what is
lighter and smaller!”
Translation: You will find out in your life's journey that
big is not always the best but being able to "turn on a
dime" is advantageous and at the end of the journey, you
will realize, with a chuckle, that you did not need all of
that "stuff" in the first place!
“When ready to buy a book, don’t read the reviews first but
read the bio of the author!”
Translation: Don't let the crowd or the experts influence
your decision as to what you should read, but rather first
read the biography of the author. The same goes for food and
film critics. The author wants you to first enter into their
experience and not the second hand experiences of critics.
“If you find two $5 bills on the street, keep one and hand
the other bill to a needy person, with a smile!”
Translation: If the "universe" hands you a blessing, extend
the experience by passing some of it along to someone else.
Don't worry, the universe is unlimited!
“When going out on a blind date, remember to look!”
Translation: If your date starts to text or look at their
phone screen more than they speak or look at you, simply
say, "Check please!" and get out of Dodge!
Don't let a smart phone in the hands of a clueless blind
date, undercut your worth or value.
“If two of you are in the woods and are being chased by a
bear, don’t worry about outrunning the bear – just outrun
your friend!”
Translation: Your present danger may not initially be what
you first think it is.
Check again to make sure that you know who the players are
and how you relate to them and to the present circumstances
or danger.
“When it comes time to make out an invite list for a
birthday party, choose guests who are least able to pay you
back!”
Translation: Gratitude and thankfulness are inversely
related to one's inability to match up with those people who
can easily afford to make a showy monetary fuss over you
with their gifts.
“When dining at a friend’s table, always remember to leave
a little something uneaten on your plate!”
Translation: By doing that, you show that you are in control
of your appetites and not the other way around and you show
discipline in not wiping your plate clean. A statement of
genuine contentment to the host will more than cover for any
scraps of uneaten food.
Well, dear readers, there you have it. Wisdom to live
by. A final word from the famed UCLA basketball coach, John
Wooden: "Be quick but don't be in a hurry!"
Contact Lafe Tolliver at tolliver@juno.com
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