I was inspired by a discussion on another board that I frequent (non-JW) about things we discover, get the hang of, or come to understand through experience, maturity, and learning.
Without cut and pasting cliches, quotes, and proverbs, what are some ?secrets? that you've personally uncovered on your life journey?
Here are some of mine:
Check that both shoes match before leaving the shoe store.
Just be you. Being who you are and true to yourself (as opposed to always adapting to what other people want you to be) helps strengthen your three selves: self-respect, self-esteem, and self-acceptance.
Always have a pen, notepad, and list of questions with you on a job interview. It gives a good impression and makes you appear interested, prepared, and *not* desperate.
You can say no. And you don't have to feel guilty or explain why.
You have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others.
Going to bed with a clean conscience makes a better night's sleep.
Always experiment on a small sample of something (especially w/food, fabric, and paint).
People like to hear their name when you speak to them.
Nice post alias.. I'll have to think on what secrets I have learned.. I had kind of a stressful burnt out day so I can't think right now..
I could definately relate to your first one.. and add to it.. if you buy more than one color of the same pair of shoes make sure you check them before going out............
I have made the mistake of having a black pair and blue pair of the same shoes and then going to work...(and out for drinks afterward) with a black and BLUE shoe!!
Check your fly before speaking in public. Always note what level you left your car at in the parking ramp. Polish your shoes before attending an interview. Don't be afraid to ask questions in a meeting. Don't assume anything when working with electrical wiring. Tell the people you love that you love them.
I could go on and on but from the few above I have been burnt, embarrassed and frustrated on occasion.
You don't get to know everything about a person just by reading their posts on a board like this one.
Everyone is at a different place in personal growth, healing, acceptance, and discovery.
Too much ice cream in one sitting spoils the delicious experience.
Learn how to use your new cell phone *before* you find yourself in a meeting room with strangers (bells, rings, on/off switch)
College classes are enjoyed by people of all ages (even seniors!)
Never clip your spare key to your main set, even for a *few hours".
Make sure you have your spare key on you before closing the door on a running car. In the winter. While it's snowing. At night. Ten miles from home. Without a cell phone. (Arggg!)
Coming away from the organization is different for everyone. So are the reasons and subsequent viewpoint of those still in.
You never learn *it all*, but the quest to learn new things and understand alternative viewpoints can really enrich your life.
Respecting others goes a long way to be respected yourself.
If you run out of cough drops, try chewing whole cloves.
The only way to keep from locking your keys into your car/the room is to have them IN YOUR HAND when you leave. Don't assume they're in your pocket or purse. They never are.
You can bathe a cat, sort of, if you set the cat in a dry bathtub, hold him securely, and shampoo him. Rinse with warm water. Work fast. The cat won't like it, but will put up with it for just about long enough.
When shopping on eBay, check for: high level of positive reviews of the seller; clear picture of the item (or better yet, several); detailed measurements and description.
The reason they tell you not to smoke weed when you have a respiratory infection is that it hurts, dammit.
When you're breaking into a new social scene, don't overdo it. Don't expect to be the life of the party the first time out. Give yourself permission to be a wallflower the first time, but do resolve to go back at least once. Unless, of course, it thoroughly sucks.
Never hesitate to ask for help or instruction. Most people are willing to explain. It's not asking questions, and then trying to fake it, that makes you look stupid.
You can bathe a cat, sort of, if you set the cat in a dry bathtub, hold him securely, and shampoo him. Rinse with warm water. Work fast. The cat won't like it, but will put up with it for just about long enough.
Alternatively, drop the cat in the toilet, close the lid quickly and flush. Open the bathroom door and stand well back before lifting the lid.
