Do you have a little cache of go-to wisdom? Choice phrases that came your way and took up residence in your psyche? There they wait, ready to be drawn upon in times of need, a perfect morsel of guidance for the journey. Rather than reacting with emotions of resentment, disappointment, or anger at a personality level, we can respond to our life events at an archetypal level and see them from a broader perspective … with a little wisdom in our pocket.
Some may not have meaning to anyone but you. Some may be time-honored statements from the wise. Regardless of the source, these are words that steady your heart, inform your decisions, or direct your path. Here are a few of my tried-and-trues …
“Make new friends, but keep the old.
One is silver and the other gold.”
I first heard these song lyrics as a young girl and took them as a wise directive. I also had a mother who lived them. As a result, I am blessed with rich, life-sustaining friendships. If I’m feeling hesitant about extending myself to a new friendship, these lines sometimes come back to me, soften my armor, and open my heart.
“My good lies elsewhere.”
A dear friend paid this one forward and it has been invaluable to me whenever a door closes. It reminds me that there is much I don’t know about why situations turn out as they do, especially when a different outcome was hoped for or expected. But the truth in these four words has helped me center, release, and move on many, many times.
“It’ll shine when it shines.”
This is a statement I’ve heard my brother use for decades. I’ve used it in turn. It’s good not just for extended rainy days, but for anything that we’re awaiting, over which we have no control. I finally asked him recently if he knew the source. It comes from a song lyric written by the Ozark Mountain Daredevils (written by Steve Cash/John Dillon, band members), one of his favorite old bands.
“Don’t go where you’re not invited.
Don’t stay where you’re not welcomed.”
You know those baffling situations where people are saying one thing but you’re getting a clear vibe that something else is going on? Maybe you were invited, maybe you weren’t. But if there’s not a place for you, move on. This helped me back away from a spiritual community where I wanted to belong, but in spite of what was stated, there wasn’t a true welcome.
“I am safe. It’s only change.”
You may recognize this wonderful affirmation from Louise Hay of Hay House Publishing (and much more). It has come to my aid when a project changed or ended mid-stream, or an unanticipated life change showed up on my doorstep. Especially for introverts and highly sensitive people, this is a good one to remember. It’s on my office bulletin board.
“Thee I adore. Lord, have mercy. Into Thy hands.”
I love 3-word prayers. These come from a book about life in a small English village and were spoken to a lonely young girl in the story by an eccentric old man who recognized something of himself in her. They were a gift she never forgot. Together or separately, they come in handy to quickly reconnect to Divine Source.
“Disappointment is drawing conclusions too soon.”
From the Abraham-Hicks teachings, this juicy morsel has put the kibosh on an approaching avalanche of disappointment more than once. Ha! What do I know? Sit back and be patient. Our view is from the ground floor (human). The Source of All That Is has a view from the penthouse (divine).
“All is well.”
Also from Abraham-Hicks, I call on this one when circumstances beg to differ (or when all is aligned and flowing!). It affirms that there’s more going on in the Big Picture than we can know. It asks that we trust; yield to the Mystery. There is an abundance of similar wise words across the centuries. Here are a few:
- from Desiderata — “And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the Universe is unfolding as it should.”
- from Emerson — “Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.”
- spoken by Sonny Kapoor — “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.” (in the film, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) (attributed to John Lennon but unconfirmed)
Celebrate your wise words and appreciate the way they found their way into your life. Collect them. Use them. Share them.
Until next time …
