Wise Words to Live By: A Collection of Advice My Friends & I Have Received

I treasure the pieces of advice I’ve been given throughout my life. Whether it be good, bad, or somewhere in-between, the words of wisdom and guidance I have received, I believe have shaped me into who I am today by the decisions I have made from the advice I’ve been given.

This last week I asked my closest friends if they would share a piece of advice, a quote, or a memorable saying that they hold close to their hearts and in their own words share how it has affected their perception of life and the choices they make every day. I hope that reading something that has positively affected someone’s life will have that same impact on you or allow you the opportunity to slow down and reflect on your own life and the ways you approach situations.

“Clear is kind.”

This advice was given to me by a mentor of mine. She meant it in the context of leadership, however, I have thought about it and applied it to other areas of my life as well. Being clear in what you want is kind. This is true in friendships, relationships, business, anything! Know what you want and don’t be afraid to ask for it. Be clear. I think especially as a woman this can be hard to do, to speak up and make our needs and wants heard, but it’s so, so important. Clear is kind.

- B

“This too shall pass.”

This is a phrase my Mother has said to me for as long as I can remember. In times of turmoil or despair, this phrase has carried me through with strength and optimism. It has given me hope to know that all things can and will get better as time passes.

- N

“You can’t think your way through life. The only way to figure out what to do is to do—something.” - Meg Jay

I read this quote in a book called ‘The Defining Decade’, written by Meg Jay. I find myself overthinking a lot, especially these days. It’s really easy to get lost in your thoughts and worries, especially about the future! But you literally cannot “think your way through life”. If you want to make a change, finish a task that’s been on your mind, or start something you’ve been putting off, you literally have to do something. You have to start somewhere. This advice gives me hope and energy when I am feeling lost, nervous, or afraid of the unknown future. It allows me to think of my current situation and start somewhere, even if it’s starting small!

- R

“Listen to what everyone says, but do what you want.”

This is something that my Dad has been saying to me since I was young and I have tried to carry with me into adulthood. When I was younger I would always ask everyone for their opinion on what I should do and pretty much just listened to their suggestion. As I got older my Dad would tell me that living my life based on others’ opinions and decisions would never make me happy. So that lead to him giving me this piece of advice, yes sometimes others have opinions that shape us for the better but you have to decide whether or not their opinion fits into your life.

- K

“Everything happens for a reason.”

As cliche as it may sound, I am finding this to be more and more true as the years go by. Even if it may be hard to believe in times of despair, everything that has happened in my life thus far has brought me to where I am today. Now, it has become a principle I apply to my everyday life in order to reach my full potential.

- L

I have two quotes that have been said to me by my Mum and Dad since I was young. I couldn’t choose between the two so I thought I would just share both!

“Always ask yourself ‘why?’.”

This is something that my Mum instilled in me when I was young and I have carried it into adulthood. When I was younger, I was a very giving person. Someone who would bend over backward for those around me without asking what the intentions were of the person I was giving to. Whether it be physical objects, my time, thoughts, or energy, I was very giving but was oftentimes taken advantage of in my “friendships”. Growing up always mentally asking “why?” has allowed me to take a step back before being so willing to help or be there for someone who may not be there for me in return.

“Do what you think is right.”

My Dad has said this for as long as I can remember. Anytime I would want to make a purchase or go out with friends or skip school, he would just say to me “do what you think is right” and this would shake me to realize the decision I was about to make and its importance. He wanted me to rationalize what I was doing by thinking my decisions through before jumping into something I may regret later. Him saying this has allowed me to have better legs to stand on financially as well as a sense of independence as I am making my own decisions but considering the consequences and what others (my parents) might think about the choices I make.

I hope the words my friends and I have shared allow you a chance to reflect on your own lives and philosophies and inspires you to take a moment to appreciate the people you have around you that have shared their own advice with you in the hopes you succeed at whatever you set out to do.

A huge thank you to my dear friends who sent me responses and for their continued love, support, and encouragement they give me daily. I love you all so much!

xx Lex