6 Phrases That Shaped Me
People say profound things, and a few phrases often stick with us. I have many of these, but 6 of them stand out.
1. No education is ever wasted.
I studied beauty therapy for 2 years, straight out of high school. Within 3 or 4 years I realized that it wasn’t for me. I felt guilty for changing careers, because my parents paid for my college with money they really didn’t have.
I joined a sanitary and hardware wholesaler as the assistant international buyer. A far cry from massages and facials.
I confided in my boss about how I felt guilty for changing careers. She asked about the courses that I took in my certification. I listed the obvious ones: massage therapy, manicures, pedicures etc.
Then I listed the business and deportment courses. They were included just in case we wanted to open our own salons.
“There!” she said.
I could use the business side of the certification in my new profession as a shower door and toilet seat buyer, among other sanitary and hardware items.
Whew! It was a big relief.
Joking aside though, she was right that no education is ever wasted. There is always a skills transfer opportunity from one profession to another.
2. Don’t leave anything for tomorrow. Tomorrow comes with its own challenges.
I joined a freight company in my later 20's. My superior sat me down on my first day and laid out his rules first. Then he laid out the company rules. He expected us to follow them in that order.
One thing he insisted on was efficiency. He didn’t like loose ends. We had to complete all the work set out for the day before leaving. I worked a lot of overtime in the beginning, but I learned to appreciate his insistence.
I didn’t procrastinate at work. I set up systems that made me more efficient. Within months, I was going home earlier. He taught me to be resourceful, hard working and focused and for that I am grateful.
3. We have 2 ears and 1 mouth. Use them in that order.
I talk a lot. I even talk to myself. I often talk to fill awkward silent moments. This is when I say stupid unnecessary things.
I was at a networking meeting where everyone is invited to introduce their business. I worked for our family travel company at the time. I had evolved from moving freight in my 20’s to moving people in my 30’s. Let me tell you, I prefer freight. It doesn’t complain as much.
I babbled along until the 1-minute timer mercifully stopped me. I was so nervous. When attendees approached me after the meeting to introduce themselves, I babbled again. I answered questions with lengthy answers and not once did I ask them a question.
One of the ladies must have taken pity on me. She came over and whispered, “Honey, you have 2 ears and 1 mouth. You should use them in that order.”
Thankfully, I listened (with both ears). I still talk to myself, but I also ask more questions. Her quick whisper was a true gift and helped the younger me to be a better listener.
4. Life is too short to be boring.
This was a snarky comment I threw out to a colleague when she accused me of laughing at work. If I must spend 8 to 9 hours working my tail off, I will find the funnies in my day to get through it.
Humor helped me through many tough days. I thought she was boring, and I also thought she could live a little.
5. Be careful what you wish for. You might get it.
I don’t remember where I heard this, but it made me stop and think.
When we believe the grass is always greener on the other side. I mean it could be, but weeds are green too.
It’s dangerous to covet what others have, because then you don’t value what you have.
I have many examples in my life where I wished I was thinner, richer, more successful and on and on.
When I take a deeper look at someone else’s life I realize that it isn’t perfect. They have challenges that may be far greater than mine.
If I keep wishing for what others have, I might miss opportunities to grow in my own way.
6. Perfection is an illusion.
Katy Perry told a contestant on American Idol that perfection was an illusion and I believe her. It’s like beauty. It’s in the eye or mind of the beholder.
I strive to be the best I can be in a situation. Life evolves. My best yesterday is not the same as my best today. Perfection is a moving target.
My conclusion
There is no real conclusion here.
I learn as I go.
I listen more.
I value what I have versus wanting what others have.
I laugh a lot. Even when I’m probably not supposed to.
Life is a journey. Just remember to sight see along the way.
Thank you
Thank you for reading my article. I really appreciate your support and interest. To read more of my articles click here. https://medium.com/@cwstoryteller
Join Medium
Please consider joining Medium for $5 a month to get full access to all the incredible writers on the platform. Your membership supports writers like myself to continue doing what we love most. To write and entertain.
Please click on my referral link below to join.
Another article from Celeste that you might enjoy reading.
