While I was doing some research this week, I happened on a website dedicated to providing guidance to Native American youth facing various social issues within their Tribes. I found it interesting that their site had a page addressing the joint Tribes’ view of Elders. Depending on the particular Tribe, an Elder is someone over 60-65 years of age. The page emphasized the respect the Tribes give their seniors. For instance, here’s what they say on their page:
“When an Elder speaks, an informed individual knows to listen. An Elder’s wisdom is invaluable to a tribe’s prosperity and well-being. Elders are sacred bearers of golden truths and know many valuable stories about the Old Ways. God often speaks through Elders.”
Later on, I happened on a collection of responses from seniors when asked what life lesson they would like to pass on. I had time to go through the list slowly, to let each thought sink in. That’s the only good way to read quotations, I’ve found. It lets you extract the juice from them.
Try it as I share with you a few of the seniors’ offerings. Read them one at a time, pausing after each one long enough to let it settle in. Maybe consider, as you read, which ones apply most for you right now.
Here‘s a dozen that I thought were worth tucking in our pockets . . .
- Guard well your thoughts when alone and your words when accompanied.
- The fact that you aren’t where you want to be should be enough motivation.
- Done is better than perfect.
- Don’t let anyone ever make you feel like you don’t deserve what you want.
- Have patience. All things are difficult before they become easy.
- Your future needs you; your past doesn’t.
- Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will.
- If someone tells you that you can’t, they’re showing you their limits, not yours.
- Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most.
- Your strongest asset and worst enemy is your mind; train it well.
- Sometimes being alone is the best medicine for your soul. And finally . . .
- Remember, some of the best times of your life haven’t even happened yet.
Yes, especially that last one.
Wishing you a week of fine accomplishments and ease.
Warmly,
Susan