Thirdy is turning 2-years-old next month. How time flies, indeed. Sometimes I can't wait for him to become a 1st grader, that way I could already address his rational mind, and I could impart to him some of the lessons I have learned in life. Growing up, I didn't have anyone to listen to me and give me sound advice about school, relationships, decisions, and basically just about life. I pretty much learned things on my own. In any case, I would like Thirdy to discover things on his own, too, but I'll make sure that I'll be here as his Mom so that his decision-making foundation will be anchored on rationality and logic .
These aphorisms, quotations, idiomatic expressions, and just plain common sense have helped me dealt up with some hard knocks I have encountered along the way. Thirdy, I hope you'll get to read this eventually.
1. You can't please everyone.
I walked through life being such a miss-goody-two-shoes. But I also had to make unpopular decisions, ones that disappointed and hurt other people. And so what?! Fact is people will always have different opinions from each other. If you go on pleasing everyone, you'll end up a miserable old man.
2. Live within your means.
There's nothing wrong with wearing designer clothes and shoes or to covet them. The problem is when you spend more than you can earn. Thirdy, my son, we are not rich. We can only give you a loving home and blissful family memories and the best education that we can afford for you, but more than that, well, you have to work hard for them.
3. People who shine from within doesn't need the spotlight.
Keep your feet grounded at all times. You are loved by your family, so you don't have to win anyone's approval. There is no need for you to be loud. Do not be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. Remember, a shallow brook babbles the loudest.
4. Integrity is what you do when no one is watching.
Being a person of virtue and character doesn't need to be tough. Be honest in all your dealings. Do this all the time, and it will be a hard habit to break.
5. There are no shortcuts in life.
Great things take effort to achieve because they don't work overnight. You'll have to put in extra hours and sacrifice some of your 'me' time if you want to succeed.
6. What others think of you is none of your business.
People will talk about you behind your back. Don't let other people's opinion of you be your yardstick for measuring your self-worth.
7. Good luck comes to those who work hard and prepare.
This one's from your Dad. This one's a no-brainer, but go ahead and ask him about this.
This is all for now, Thirdy. I will add up something on this list once I learn something new.
Love, Mom
