How to Live an Admirable Life, or What I Learned From My Grandfather
Hi loves, this is a reblog from @HelloGiggles on August 26, 2012. All about what I learned from my Grandad, William Bates. xo! Let go of what you think people think of you. Make it low on your list of priorities, and never make it a part of your view of yourself.
Never chastise yourself for thinking of an idea or for trying to create something from nothing. Honor the idea as valid and if it’s not worthwhile, let it go.
Be able to laugh at yourself and others will see how truly big and confident you are.
Focus on potential before doubt.
Assume first, that things are fixable and give yourself room and time.
Never think yourself above others. Assume their greatness is just different.
There is nothing more attractive and enchanting than authenticity.
Never let pride stop you from doing something.
If you’re embarrassed from a failure, rethink of the experience as a triumph. Because you got back up again and learned, which is a greater gift than a success.
Be brave about pursuing and expressing your ideas and originality. They are given to you as a gift and you should honor them whenever possible. The more you embrace them, the more of them you will have, and overtime they will be greater.
Trying your hardest is just as great as winning.
Practice doing things, making things, and using your creative voice. The more you do the things that scare, intimidate, and challenge you the more your life and understanding of yourself will improve. So will your confidence.
Acknowledge and savor beauty around you whenever possible. There is nothing wasted in opening your senses and investing fully in your experiences.
Expect greatness from yourself and from those in whom you see potential. In doing so you will light the path toward it.
Assume you can do absolutely anything you put your mind to. It’s true– you just have to decide what that thing is.
Be a fan. Celebrate people and recognize human accomplishments that are amazing. The abilities you appreciate in others will illuminate treasures inside you.
Celebrate often. Be thankful, always. And don’t feel guilty for time spent being happy.
Remember that money is just money. It has no value outside of how it affects life. It’s not really worth anything next to life and the lives of your loved ones.
Invest in yourself and your dreams for your future. Have lofty goals for yourself and think of them often. In simply identifying your dream you’ve already stepped toward it.
Don’t take yourself too seriously, ever. Be able to laugh out loud, heartily, without being self-conscious.
Recall your truest self and spirit as often as possible by keeping the people and habits that reflect it back to you.
It’s always okay to have your thoughts, opinions, and feelings. They belong to you and no one else.
Smile for photos and let go of whether or not you look good. You will better see yourself later.
There is nothing more strong and confident than one who can be vulnerable.
Do not apologize for being yourself. Do not diminish it: it’s your greatest asset.
Try not to have any regrets that involve not saying how you feel or trying something that involves a lot of work.
Know that when you get to know a beautiful person, they grow to become the most beautiful person you’ve ever seen.
Trust that true love exists, as do honest people.
Honor and practice rituals that connect you to a bigger picture, whatever that might be.
Maintain and build upon family traditions. It will add perspective to your life and experiences in their entirety.
Never be ashamed or afraid of not knowing something. Make a habit of asking and you will learn a great deal more than most, and faster.
If you simply strive to be your best and always come from love, you will become a bright shining light in the life of everyone around you. Even strangers.
Life is just as beautiful and full of possibility as you can see it is.
Never feel guilty for being confident or good at something. Enjoy it. It’s there for a reason.
Live your life like you cannot believe how rich and amazing it is about to become.
Dedicated to my grandfather and one of my heroes, William Bates. He had a pretty amazing life, one I would aspire toward. I hope that one or two of these touch upon something in you too!
Happy Sunday all, xox Sarah May B.
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