Another person's writings whom I like is this guy, Bob Perks.
I believe his wisdom comes from a really basic point of view. Nothing fancy, but very simple and down to earth.
Here's a great piece from him.
The Toughest Things
by Bob Perks
There are lessons to be learned and people to teach them. I find that to be true in every part of my life. It is important to note that sometimes we are the student and sometimes we are the teacher.
So, how do we know if we are learning or teaching?
It all depends on our attitude.
For me, I take the attitude of the student. I want to learn. I want to see the world, not as a gigantic classroom, but as a fun, exciting field trip without textbooks, instructions, or rules. This means I learn more from the mistakes I make than the accuracy of the steps I take in the right direction.
In my life, the best lessons are learned the hard way. What comes easy to me, I forget. So, here is a list of what would appear to be easy things that require more than we realize:
To love a dog is easy, but to be worthy of its love is tough...
Our pets love us unconditionally. Which means we hardly need to do anything to get that love.
But ask yourself based on the time and attention you give, if you really deserve it? This applies to our relationship with people, too.
To teach a child is easy, but to live what we teach...
I can remember the old phrase "Do as I say, not as I do!" What you do may be the true lesson your child is learning. Teach by example.
To watch a sunset is easy, but to see it as a new beginning... How many times have you said, "I can't wait until this day is over!" When it ends, do you simply brush it off? Linger in anger and stress over it? Adjust your attitude and see the day's end as a new chance to begin again?
To see what's wrong is easy, but to make it right...
We can't right every wrong in the world, but just pointing out what's wrong won't make the world a better place. What the world needs are people who take action. If you don't have the ability to change it, find someone who does then help them. "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." Martin Luther King Jr.
To fall down is easy, but to get up again and again...
Sometimes life is unbearable. Failure is not how many times you fall, but the last time you chose not to get up again.
To give is easy, but to give when it calls for sacrifice...Even in these tough economic times there are things we can do to help others. It may call for belt tightening, or giving a little extra time to a cause, but sacrifice gives to both the giver and the receiver.
To lie is easy, but to tell the truth when you have lied...
The greatest enemy in any relationship is the lie. Upon it grows mistrust. Revealing it brings about rebirth and a chance to grow even closer.
To be angry is easy, but to forgive...
It is said that "forgiveness frees the forgiver." One can let go through forgiveness or be weighed down with the burden of remembering forever.
To criticize is easy, but to praise...
I have found that there are more things to praise in life than to criticize. It has also helped me to find life more enjoyable. Praise is like oxygen to one who is suffocating under criticism.
To pray for help is easy, but to be thankful for the need...
Prayer often times becomes a shopping list of needs rather than a thank you note. If you find yourself in a situation that needs some guidance, see it as an opportunity to learn and be grateful for it. That attitude will help you to see the the solution more clearly.
To try is easy, but to do...
I can say "I'll try!" and make very little commitment to do it. But if I say "I'll do it!" my mind and body will respond differently to the challenge. "Do or do not. There is no try." Yoda
To begin is easy, but to finish...is tough...
"Begin" is an idea. "Finish" becomes a reality. Most people say, "If I only had the money I would..." You don't have a money problem, you have a idea problem. Any plan can begin on paper without costing anything but time and effort. Finish the project, evaluate it and work the plan. Or begin a new one based on what you've learned
Life is easier when you make tough choices!
"I Wish You enough!" © 2001 Bob Perks
