Wisdom Nuggets From a Grandpa on Living Life to The Fullest
The book of proverbs is filled with words of wisdom from Solomon, the wisest man to ever walk this earth. However, there’s another wise man that never laid claim to fame during his lifetime but he was wise beyond compare. His name was James K. Flanagan and before he died, he wrote a letter to his five grandchildren which was filled with epic and timeless words of wisdom, which we could all learn a thing or two from. Here are the 20 wisdom nuggets that Grandpa Flanagan left for his grandchildren.
1. You are God’s special gift to the world. Bear this in mind when doubts arise and you feel discouraged.
2. Live life to the fullest and don’t let fear hold you back. Pursue your dreams at all costs and don’t be swayed by what people think. Many people fail to pursue their hearts desire because they fear the critics. If those people are not there for you when you really need them, then they really don’t matter.
3. Avoid pessimists! When you tell them your dreams and aspirations, they will discourage you with “what ifs and buts”. Don’t harbour any doubt in your mind about your dreams. Just do it! If you don’t do that, you will always regret the things you should’ve, could’ve and would’ve done. Dont be afraid of risks. If you fail, just learn from your mistakes.
4. Everyone is an ordinary person like you regardless of their position in life. They may laud their power over you and want you to think that they are above everyone else. Nothing could be farther from the truth. They have doubts, fears and hopes too.
5. Learn to question authority but exercise wisdom in doing so.
6. Make a long bucket list and attempt to do something from that list each year. Don’t procrastinate and say you will do it tomorrow because there is no time like the present.
7. Actively practice the Irish proverb: Moi an Olge agus tiocfaidh si. This is translated, “Praise the child and she will flourish.”
8. Go the extra mile to be kind to others, especially children, the helpless and the fearful. Exercise compassion because everyone carries a special sorrow.
9. Refrain from joining organizations such as the military that advocate wars. Wars are pointless and good and innocent people die during wars.
10. Read as much as you can. Books provide knowledge and wisdom. They also have the power to inspire you.
11. Always tell the truth.
12. Travel. Dont wait until you retire or when you have enough money. Do it while you are still young.
13. Choose your profession based on your passion. It may be hard but you must get some amount of joy from what you do. Be careful about taking a job only because of the money-your soul will become crippled.
14. Don’t yell. It doesn’t achieve anything and you end up hurting yourself and others.
15. Don’t make empty promises to children. Don’t tell them “we’ll see” when you know in your heart that you have no intention of doing it. Tell your child the truth but do it in kind and loving way.
16. Embrace nature. Take a trek into the forest, visit the sea or go hiking in the mountains. Your soul will thrive off of it.17. Visit Ireland, especially in the west. It is where our family roots are.
18. Embrace those you love. Seize the opportunity to tell them how important they are too you. You may regret it if you wait until it’s too late.
19. If you don’t love someone, don’t tell them that you do.
20. Learn to be grateful. “This is a day in our lives and it will not come again” is a popular Irish proverb. Bear this in mind every day.
Source Huff Post
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