PEARLS OF WISDOM/INSPIRATION/ADVICE
Principles to Live By from a Wise Woman
My aunt can offer a fountain of wisdom and advice

“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” — Marcus Aurelius
I recently had a profound and meaningful conversation with my dear aunt about life in general.
Her beloved husband passed away several years ago.
This remarkable woman has endured incredible adversity but has never been bitter or resentful. Above all, she has never felt sorry for herself.
She is undoubtedly one of the most pragmatic and straightforward people I know. Her philosophical outlook on life inspires other family members and me.
In my opinion, everyone can benefit from her knowledge and insights garnered from a well-lived life.
Important Points from Our Discussion
1. Emotions and situations pass quickly
- If you are depressed and miserable with your current situation, it does not mean you will always remain this way.
- It is critical to remember that emotions are fleeting and come and go. Think this too shall pass.
- It is critical to focus on the positive aspects of your life rather than on the negative. Cherish every moment of happiness.
2. Be grateful for the joyful moments
- We should remember the happy days but not yearn for them or feel sorry for ourselves if our current circumstances are not ideal.
- Instead, we should be grateful that we had those positive experiences for however long they may have lasted.
- It is preferable to be happy for a short period of time rather than not be happy at all.
3. Make the best of every circumstance
- We must accept our lot in life as it has been handed down to us by a higher power. It’s foolish to bemoan ourselves.
- There will be good and bad times. We must make the best of any situation.
4. Settle any unresolved issues among family members
- If we disagree with someone, especially a family member, we must clear the air and sort out our differences. Blood is thicker than water.
- It serves no use to hold grudges and keep them bottled up inside. Life is too brief to squander it, wallowing in hate and bitterness.

Closing Thoughts
- Emotions and situations pass quickly.
- Be grateful for the joyful moments we experienced for however long they lasted.
- Make the most of every situation.
- Make it a point not to have any outstanding conflicts amongst family members.
My conversation with my aunt was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and rekindle familial relations.
Do you share a similar sentiment on how to approach life? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
I would like to shout out this beautiful post by Sorina Raluca Băbău, where she discusses how speaking to herself with compassion, love, and grace has changed her life for the better.
I would also like to highlight this beautiful essay by John C. Davis, where he discusses how the storms in our lives only serve to strengthen us.
Finally, I would like to draw attention to a wonderful piece by my Medium friend Rose Lee. Her pieces are always inspiring and heartfelt.
