Food For Thought

While browsing through the Salish Lodge & Spa gift shop this summer, I came across a book called The Complete Life’s Little Instruction Book written by H. Jackson Brown Jr. (Rutledge Hill Press). This book was originally written when Mr. Brown’s son was leaving for college in 1990. He wanted his son to take with him basic principles to live by and live well. As years passed, the book grew into three volumes and now all three books are available under one cover with 1,560 entries. The entries range from spiritual, to practical, to humorous. I was going to list my favorites below, but there are too many good ones. I’ll post more as the mood strikes…

- Drink Champagne for no reason.

- When someone is relating an important event that has happened to them, don’t try to top them with a story  of your own. Let them have the stage.

- Avoid negative people.

- Give people a second chance, but not a third.

- Let people know what you stand for – and what you won’t stand for.

- Don’t waste time grieving over past mistakes. Learn from them and move on.

- When complimented, a sincere “thank you” is the only response required.

- Show respect for others’ time. Call whenever you’re going to be more than ten minutes late for an appointment.

- When meeting someone for the first time, resist asking what they do for a living. Enjoy their company without attaching any labels.

- Remember that a successful marriage depends on two things: (1) finding the right person (2) being the right person.

- Don’t let anyone talk you out of pursuing what you know to be a great idea.

- Carry stamps in your wallet. You never know when you’ll discover the perfect card for a friend or loved one.

- When faced with a serious health problem, get at least three medical opinions.

- Have some knowledge of three religions other than your own.

- Look for opportunities to make people feel important.