Ever since we shared our secrets to self-confidence and the ways we stop ourselves from worrying, I’ve been thinking about all the solid advice we’ve received over the years from family, friends and even strangers. I’d love to explore that today, friends! Have a question? I’d love to hear it, so feel free to email me (mellow1422 [at] aol) or ask me on Facebook or Twitter, friends! Today’s question…
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I’ve always been a firm believer that our first — and most important — role models are our parents. They help shape the way we look at the world and our place in it. My mom has always said that her most important job in life was being a mother, and that was never a responsibility she took lightly. My father was the same way, so when you put the two of them together, I suppose it was inevitable that some of their advice would rub off on me. But the biggest life lesson — the lesson that all parents should teach their children?
Live your life not caring what other people think.
I’ll admit that it can be hard to always remember this one, but when you consider the alternative where you live your entire life based on other people’s perceptions of you? Well, that just sounds incredibly tiring, draining and downright depressing. People will try to change you. Stand your ground and don’t let them. And of course, never be afraid to be who you are. I’ve never thought of being anything but honest. It can all get a bit scary sometimes, but I’m even more scared of losing myself.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, friends? Who gave it to you? When it comes to advice, are you usually the one giving the advice or asking for it? Let’s chat! xoxo
P.S. A want to hang this quote above my computer: “Worry about your character and not your reputation. Your character is who you are; your reputation is who people think you are.”.
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Couture Carrie says
That's awesome advice.
My best advice was simple: Be true to yourself!
xoxox,
CC
Melissa Blake says
Sometimes the best pieces of advice are simple, aren't they, Carrie?
Alexa says
Such great advice. We take so much away from our parents, which gets me thinking what I want to teach my own daughter about life.
Anonymous says
That's some good advice from your parents. 🙂
Best pieces of advice I've gotten:
"Stop putting yourself down. People don't think it's funny or cute." (She phrased it more kindly than that, but it was really a turning point where I realized what I thought was just self-depreciating humor was flat-out negativity.)
Me: No guy will ever like me, because I'm shy.
Friend: One day a guy will like you BECAUSE you are shy.
(Which turned out to be true, by the way.)
And of course, "You have to love yourself before others will love you."
J+H @ Beyond The Stoop says
i think i need to print that theo quote and just stick it in the edge of the frame of my bathroom mirror. it could be a nice daily reminder 😀
T. says
I like that first quote!
Melissa Blake says
Anon — YES!!! It's so important to stop putting yourself down. If we don't make a conscious effort to stop the negative self-talk, it will get out of hand really quickly!
p.s. and i also agree about shy girls!
Laura says
Ooh, this made me think! My grandfather was always great with advice and one of his favorites was "you can only eat one good meal at a time." It was a reminder that having a lot of material things and extravagance shouldn't be your focus in life, you should live in the moment, enjoy your experiences as they're happening and appreciate what you have in front of you rather than always wanting something more or different.
Melissa Blake says
That's a great one, Laura! xoxo
Shannon Hughes says
My grandparents used to say, "Whatever you do, do it your best!" They applied that to washing the dishes, going to school, playing sports, and social interactions. We always tried to do our *best* in every situation.