Good Advice From An Experienced Old Lady

By Anne M. DeGeorge

In the 60-something years that I've been alive, I've learned a few things. Following is some advice and insights that I have found out to be true and can be applied to anyone.

I am daily reminded to “Bloom where you are planted”. That's a quote from Mary Engelbreit. As I have sat and pondered that quote over the years – it still comes to mean the same thing to me. Breaking it down – for me it means; where you (I) am planted = in the place that I live, work or attend regularly. So wherever it is that I am, I must “bloom”. Bloom = to do my best at whatever it is; a task at hand that I'm involved in, to not just do my best but to be helpful and kind to another person or group of people. Not just people but all of God's creatures.

So take a few moments to sit quietly and think about your life thus far. Have you bloomed where you are planted?

Also during the course of my life I have found – if I (you) want something done – do it myself. Take responsibility for what you have to get done and “just do it” (Nike). Putting things off for another day isn't always a good idea. Putting off a “must do” gets done better when taken care of at the time. Sometimes when I (you) are to busy with “too much on your plate”, putting something off for another day is the best course. Tasks need to be accomplished after I (you) are well rested and nourished. Lately, I have found this to be very true.

I have recently had a short list of things I wanted to accomplish. I prioritized the list and one by one – got the items done. Now I have found time to write this blog.

PERSISTENCE

Persistence: according to Websters Dictionary persistence is  the quality that allows someone to continue doing something or trying to do something even though it is difficult or opposed by other people.

Sometimes in life, I have found that there is a time to be persistant and there is a time to let a task or an idea go. If the task or idea isn't going to be beneficial to me (you) or someone else, then the wise thing to do is let it go and maybe rethink how to get a problem solved or a task done. In your life you need to learn to “choose your battles”. Don't ware yourself out trying to accomplish something that is a lost cause.

Of course knowing what to pursue and what not – is a mater of wisdom – or following ones “gut” instinct. This brings me back to the Serenity Prayer.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the WISDOM to know the difference.

My other prayer of guidance is the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi.

In your life, no matter what age you are at this moment – I pray that you will find courage, wisdom and peace. May God bless you in all that you do.