An NPR interview with Norman Lear recently inspired me with a piece of profound and simple wisdom. (He is the creator of All in the Family, Maude and many other successful endeavors). His words were exactly what I needed to hear at the exact right moment.
When Mr. Lear was asked the secret behind his longevity, spry mind and active life at age 93 he said, “I can sum it up in two words. Those two words are Over (and) Next.” He went on to explain that when something is over, it’s Over. He suggested allowing it to be over so you can move to what’s Next. Then he added, “If there’s a hammock between the two, that’s being in the moment.” It is also called relaxing and enjoying what is as opposed to stressing about what is next.
True wisdom is pithy, memorable and infinitely applicable. I wrote a little book a few years ago called The Wisdom of The Wizard. The book is a summary of nuggets of wisdom I learned while listening quietly in the forest. (Being open to wisdom I can use is ever present for me).
The Norman Lear interview got me thinking about the value of using wisdom to get through each day. Here are some of the wise words I have put into action to live a life that’s good. Mick Jagger, Baba Ram Dass, Werner Erhardt, AA, friends and family shared the following advice:
- Take one day at a time.
- To thine own self be true.
- Put your hands on the lens and change your focus.
- You are as stressed as the story you are telling yourself.
- Be here now.
- Successful people are afraid but do it anyway.
- Ride the horse in the direction it is going.
- Being right is the booby prize.
- Thank You Very Much are the most important words you can ever hear or say.
- Is this hurtful or helpful?
- Don’t expect things from people that never promised them.
- When you make statements add the words “Or Not.” It changes everything.
- Bloom where you are planted.
- Stop, take it all in and make a memory.
- Respect yourself OR nobody’s ever gonna give a good God Damn about you.
Wisdom is everywhere. Be on the lookout.
I would love to hear your thoughts. Kindly share the quotes that inspire you and help you navigate and appreciate this maze of a lifetime.