Carter [In Voice Over]: Edward Perriman Cold died in May. It was a Sunday afternoon, and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. It’s difficult to understand the sum of a person’s life. Some people would tell you it’s measured by the ones left behind. Some believe it can be measured in faith. Some say by love. Other folks say life has no meaning at all. Me? I believe that you measure yourself by the people who measured themselves by you. What I can tell you for sure is that by any measure Edward Cole lived more in his lasts days on Earth than most people manage to wring out of a lifetime. I know that when he died, his eyes were closed and his heart was open.
—The Bucket List, 2007.
The better understanding we have of life, the more we live in the truth.
Here are 5 important lessons:
1. Life’s two most important questions are Why? And Why not? The trick is knowing which one to ask.
Acquiring some understanding of why we do things is often a prerequisite to change. This is especially true when talking about repetitive patterns of behavior that do not serve us well. This is what Socrates meant when he said, ‘The unexamined life is not worth living.’
2. Think progress, no perfection.
Do the best with what you’ve got. At some point, you have to compromise.
3. Let the right ones in.
Look for people who have the attributes that you want in your own life.
A true mentor is someone who cares about you. He or she is not afraid to give you tough love. He or she challenges you regularly. He or she teaches you by setting a great example themselves. He or she has a great vision. He or she has a solid foundation of character–a good personal life as well as business life.
4. Show gratitude.
Every day appreciate where you are, where you’ve been, and what you’ve accomplished.
Gratitude is a state of being.
Being in a state of gratitude is about having an awareness of, and a deep appreciation for, the many miracles of life.
5. Love yourself like your life depends on it.
Photo Source: Thinking Faith
