“I give myself very good advice, but I very seldom follow it.” ~~Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
But when the very good advice comes from others I have found that it can be life changing.
The summer of my fifteenth year I attended a young woman’s conference in Flagstaff and there received advice that I’ve never forgotten.
“Don’t point out your physical flaws to others.”
One of the guest speakers told us.
“I hate this twisted tooth.” She said, pointing inside of her mouth, “And I used to point it out to everyone I spoke to. Until I finally realized that people weren’t thinking about my tooth and had I not pointed it out to them they probably would never have noticed it at all.”
I took that advice to heart and–other than an occasional slip or when I’ve felt prompted otherwise–I have remained fairly tight lipped about what I have perceived as my physical flaws.
A gift that in turn has helped me to heed this other very good advice,
“Don’t make others responsible for your self-esteem.” ~~Lisa Nichols
~~~~~
A few years later I received the advice,
“Compliments are gifts. Receive graciously and simply say, Thank you.”
I learned, though I can’t remember the source, that when someone offers a compliment they are giving a gift from their heart and if I do not receive it graciously, I selfishly take their moment of generosity and love from them. I diminish the light that they are trying to share.
Because of this advice I have always been able to feel love toward those who selflessly offer me a compliment and simply say thank you with genuine gratitude.
~~~~~
More recently the following beautiful advice was introduced to my heart,
“I want you to say thank you. Say thank you because you know God has put a rainbow in the clouds.” ~~Maya Angelou
A reminder to say thank you in the midst of trial, struggle and disappointment is the very best advice of all.
When my flaws–that I don’t speak of to others–become perceptible to me I can say thank you. Thank you for the immeasurable blessings that fill my life.
When others are less than complimentary or I find myself feeling hurt or offended I can say thank you. Thank you that I know what it is to feel loved and that I know the source of all peace.
And when my heart gets shattered–as it recently did–I can say thank you. Thank you for using this experience to lift me higher than I ever dreamed possible. Thank you for using it to introduce me more deeply to your Son. Thank you for showing me my strength.
And thank you for filling this world with angels who use their voices–and their very good advice–to remind me to look up and see the rainbow that you have put in the clouds.
And bless me, that I might someday be one of them.