I think the encouragement to keep reading is good advice for anyone, don’t you? I certainly never lack for books to read … and while sometimes I just read for pleasure, there are certain books that have influenced me greatly, changing my thoughts about life and about myself.

There are any number of quotes about advice:

“No one can give you better advice than yourself.” -Cicero (106 BC – 43 BC), Roman philosopher (Not sure I agree with Cicero.)

“Wise men don’t need advice. Fools won’t take it.” -Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), one of the Founding Fathers of the United States (Ben has a point.)

“I owe my success to listening respectfully to the best advice, and then going away and doing the exact opposite.” -G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936), English writer & theologian (Had to laugh at G.K.’s attitude.)

“Whatever advice you give, be brief.” -Horace (65 BC – 8 BC), Roman lyric poet (Totally agree with Horace.)

I’ve both given and received advice. Over the years, I’ve learned to wait before offering any, “Here’s what I think you should do … ” words of so-called wisdom. Wait and pray — and maybe end up not saying anything at all because maybe it’s not my place. And I’ve also learned to wait . . . listen . . . and pray when someone offers me advice. To be honest, receiving advice is always the greater challenge.

But I am thankful for the advice of others, sometimes spoken, sometimes lived out (no words needed.) Advice that has helped me be a better person, a better wife, a better mom, a better friend, a better writer . . .

Here’s one of the best pieces of advice I ever heard about how to deal with feeling overwhelmed. (I met Joe Cook and his wife while my husband and I were stationed overseas.):

Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed, I remember Joe’s words — “Don’t wash the elephants that aren’t going to be in the parade.” — and I start eliminating “elephants,” — the things I don’t have to do. His advice makes me laugh — and it’s stress-relieving, too!

In Your Words: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

[ctt template=”8″ link=”aJYC2″ via=”yes” ]In Others\’ Words: The Best Advice http://wp.me/p63waO-2iV #InOthersWords #quotes #thebestadvice[/ctt] [ctt template=”8″ link=”9vyQ7″ via=”yes” ]\”The best advice I ever got was that knowledge is power and to keep reading.\” http://wp.me/p63waO-2iV #quotes #thebestadvice[/ctt]

 

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