Wednesday Wisdom 4/29/09

A couple weeks ago, baseball players, coaches and referees across the country adorned their uniforms with the “sacred” number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson’s 60th anniversary as the first African-American in the Majors. At a time when baseball was a microcosm of US culture, Jackie broke the color barrier in sports. When asked about his influence on baseball and his role as an innovator in sports and American society he responded:

A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.

It is, without a doubt, hard to comprehend the threats, challenges and obstacles Jackie endured every single day on the field and off. Yet, game after game, he opened doors for others. His example is a call to ask ourselves regularly: What am I DOING on a daily basis to make my life important?

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Wednesday Wisdom 4/22/09

I received this message last week:

These are the times when hopes are dashed and chaos abounds, that golden opportunities, prized ideas, and new friends emerge into the view of all, but only seen by the few who look.
– The Universe

Okay, so I get emails from the Universe. The point is: It reminded me that I need to look. Are you one of the few who are really paying attention?

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Wednesday Wisdom 4/15/09

When it comes to taxes, everyone has an opinion. Although I tried to resist the urge of writing about the topic of the day, I couldn’t help myself. The following is from a Washington Post word contest:

Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a refund from the IRS, which lasts only until you realize it was your money in the first place.

May a few of you experience a moment of euphoria today, and may others quickly get over the angst of having to get that check in the mail by midnight.

People try to live within their income so they can afford to pay taxes to a government that can’t live within its income. – Robert Half

Happy April 15th!

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Wednesday Wisdom 4/08/09

There’s a Chinese saying:

The best time to plant a tree was always 20 years ago. The second best is always today.

It’s interesting how planting trees and taking action on the life of our dreams are the same in that way. It’s pointless to think about the lost hours of our yesterdays. The question is: Today, what can I plant or fertilize to cultivate the seeds of the dreams I’ll harvest in my tomorrows?

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Wednesday Wisdom 4/01/09

By three methods we learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is the noblest; second, by imitation, which is the easiest; and third, by experience, which is the bitterest. – Confucius

Learn by experience. Teach yourself from experience. Do yourself a favor: Imagine yourself as 95 years old. You’re sitting on a rocking chair, feeling quite experienced, insightful and full of the wisdom you’ve gathered over several decades. Breathe and take in the picture. Now, give yourself a gift. Think you yourself – or better yet, take out a piece of paper and write a letter from your 95 year old self to you at your current age.

Be specific. What advice would you give yourself? What interests would you urge yourself to pursue? What dreams would you encourage? What would you tell yourself to let go of? Do more of? Be more of?

All you need to do is receive guidance is to ask for it and listen. – Sanaya Roman

If you could sit in a chair today and give yourself advice 20 years ago, would the advice be the same? What’s changed? What hasn’t?

Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is enlightenment. – Lao Tzu

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