There was this guy named Picasso, remember him? He did a few paintings, a few works of art which people still pay a pretty penny to own.
Well, the great artist also had some good advice when it came to getting better in life and using the ideas of other people to help. After all, no one starts from scratch. Picasso said: “Lesser artists borrow, great artists steal.”
With apologies to Picasso, I’m about to rob someone blind.
So I’m scanning Facebook the other day, (I actually don’t spend more than a few minutes a day on there), and stumble across a post from a Dad to his daughter. I know this Dad as a well-respected doctor in my community and occasionally run into him around town. What I did not know is what sage advice he could deliver.
The post I am about to borrow, heck, let’s be honest, I’m stealing it…is certainly worthy of repeating and appearing here on this blog about life, becoming more and finding your WHY. They are words any child would be inspired to hear from their parent as they make this next big turn in this journey we call life. Love and support go a long way…
These words come from the mind and heart, (and a dash of Picasso ;)), of Dr. Louis Malinow and are worthy of a few minutes of your time.
The following is graduation advice from Sara’s graduation dinner toast by Dad:
Success is measured by who you are and how you live, not by how much money you make or what kind of car you drive.
Treat all people with respect and be nice to everyone. NO exceptions.
Always be true to yourself, don’t succumb to peer pressure. Peer pressure is all about insecurity. Be confident about who you are and you won’t have to try to fit in, people will want to fit in with you.
When you find that person you want to be with forever…and remember in the future when you do find that person, you shouldn’t have to “do” anything for someone to love you, the right person will love everything you “do”, or don’t do.
Have lots of good friends, they’ll help you through inevitable tough times.
Don’t expect too much from others, but expect a lot from yourself.
Do the right thing, even if the right thing is more difficult than taking the easy way out.
Don’t ruminate about the past and things you can’t change…it will only make you miserable.
Don’t spend your time criticizing or complaining, that requires no skills, intelligence, or experience.
You have more power and more abilities than you think – you especially with your writing – you can make anything happen.
Do more than expected at work and at home, but don’t expect pats on the back. Rewards will come.
Never be afraid to tell the truth even if it is bad news. Hiding problems only makes them worse.
Stay healthy.
And most important, a sense of humor will get you through everything. Life is far too important to be taken seriously.
Sara, we couldn’t be more proud of who you are and what you’ll become…
Love Mom, Dad, Ian and Evan
Good work doctor. 🙂 And best of luck Sara.
Congratulations!!
Until next time, thanks for taking the time
Mark
Mark Brodinsky, Author, Blogger, Speaker, Emmy Winner, USHEALTH Advisors (http://www.ushagent.com/markbrodinsky)
Author: The #1 Amazon Best-Seller: It Takes 2. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story
(http://www.spouses-story.com/)
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What great advice and so well put!