Point to Ponder:
What's the best piece of advice you have ever received?
I'm a total sucker for good advice and wisdom, and over the past few years several of our iGnite members shared the best advice they ever received. And so, without further adieu I hope their best advice inspires you as much it did them and me!
1). Sam McClure- My family has a motto: “If you never go, you never know.” I’m not sure
who started it, but we pretty much live by it.
2). Lisa Wade- The best advice came from my father. When I was a little girl and we were standing at a corner in New York, he pointed to the crossing signal and told me “When it says don’t walk, walk.” I guess I’ve been doing that my whole life…stepping off the curb and taking chances.
3). Jeri Brock- The best advice I’ve ever been given is from the Bible, “For the goal of our instruction is love, from a pure heart a good conscience and sincere faith.”
4). Mary Bell- The book of Luke: "Do to others as you would have them do to you."
5). Ali Clayton- One of my favorite pieces of advice came from my grandpa, Pappy. He has always encouraged me to “dream big and enjoy the journey!” As crazy or hectic as life can seem, sometimes we just have to stop and realize how far we have come. Enjoy life and where it takes you!
6). Nikki McCormick- One of my favorite pieces of advice is from my husband who, a long time ago told me, “The grass is greener where you water it.” I try and focus on that statement in all verticals in my life and try to be present in the moment because I know the more positive energy you put into an experience, the more you will get out of it.
7). Melissa Morrow- When I was expecting twins, a friend who had twins told me that every time someone offers to help you, always say yes. I think that is great advice even if you don’t have newborn twins.
8). Jana Harker- I’m paraphrasing but it’s “think about what you want to leave behind when you leave this world. What will you regret not doing?” This was my inspiration for returning to school. I don’t remember where I heard this, but it was in the late nineties, so probably Oprah.
9). Kaye Eichler- The best advice I have been given was from my mother. She always said to be yourself, be happy with who you are and don’t compare yourself to others.
10). Nancy Dacy- Take responsibility for your own happiness. Happiness is a choice that comes from within. Being happy doesn’t mean everything is perfect. It means you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections. There are choices you can make every day to feel the effects of happiness. Choose to do something meaningful. Choose to take care of your body. Choose to be around the right people. Choose a good attitude. Choose to express gratitude. Choose to forgive. Choose to focus on what you have, not on what you haven’t. -
11). Martha Lynn Mangum- The best advice I’ve been given and continue to work on daily is from my young adult son, Jackson. He is one of my best teachers and reminds me to LISTEN before I judge, respond or react. - Martha Lynn Mangum
12). Susan Palombo- Through his wonderful examples, my 90 year old active and healthy father has taught me so much. One particularly pertinent lesson is: Listen more, talk less.
13). Carol Reifsnyder- The best advice I have been given is from my Brazilian scuba instructor way back in college. I still use his instructions today when dealing with a crisis. Per my instructor, the two most important rules of scuba are:
Always stay with your buddy. I use this symbolically at work as in “always have the back of/always support your co-workers and employees”. For my family, I use it to stay present and attentive to their needs and issues. And for my ailing mother, I use it to diligently advocate for her at times when she is vulnerable.
Stay calm. Don’t panic. I learned the hard way that if anything can go wrong, it will! I am a planner by nature so I constantly try to consider all the possible scenarios before I act. Now, if things do go astray, I don’t sweat it much anymore. I just stay calm, refocus, reconsider and get to it.
14). Mary Torkelson- When I was a freshman at Texas A&M, I had a problem with my schedule and called my mom. She was very firm and said I needed to speak up for myself and get the problem resolved. She flipped the switch in my brain that told me I was an adult now and whatever happened to me was up to me alone. I’ve never had a problem speaking up after that. Just ask my friends!
15). Jamie Deming- "Take the cookies when they are passed." In other words, when offered something or offered to do something, accept the offer, say "yes" and grab that cookie!
Action Item:
Help add to our advice and wisdom sharing by sharing your best piece of advice on our blog and definitely share with a friend who is in need.
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