If anyone ever asked me for words of wisdom {and since they haven’t I’ll blog them 😉 }, I would say:

Be nice.  If “nice” seems too much of a stretch, be polite.  It’s not that hard and if it seems hard, challenge yourself.  Challenging yourself can provide an opportunity to grow and become a better person.

As Shakespeare said, “To thine own self be true.”  If something doesn’t “feel” right, it probably isn’t right for you (even if it seems right to everyone else).  Don’t cave to pressure to do something that doesn’t feel right in your heart.

Half-assed can be better than nothing.  I used to procrastinate by saying I didn’t have time to do a task thoroughly.  Since I began working full-time while having an active family, five acres and animals – I have decided that making an effort and doing what I can, when I can is better than not even “hitting a lick at a snake.”  I’m not perfect.  My house isn’t perfect.  My yard and “farm” aren’t perfect.  However, I try to make improvements to all of them.  Even when it is 1 step forward and 3 steps back …. make that 1 step forward.

Remember, “This too shall pass.”  This goes for constipation, pain, rebellious kids, sleepless nights, homework, reports, tests, crazy teachers, crazy parents, crazy family and most things that aren’t worth getting worked up about anyway.  It doesn’t work as well with scars and tattoos, but even their impact will fade with time!

Make something better.  Could you pick up and throw away trash instead of ignoring it and walking by?  Can you give praise instead of a complaint?  Can you let an insult or sarcastic remark slide off your back instead of letting it build resentment and turn your mood (and everyone’s mood around you) toxic?  Could you smile and say, “Thank you!” to someone, today and every day?  When feeling frustrated, could you imagine watching yourself and how you react on hidden camera…on national tv or Youtube!?

Most importantly – regardless of your circumstances – shine anyway!

Lightning bugs do not know or care that they have made millions of kids’ summer nights fun and memorable.  They shine for their own buggy reasons and provide joy just by being what they are.

I have noticed that people are attracted to items that shine.  I have also noticed that some people are envious of people that shine. Shine anyway.

Think no one is watching?  Shine anyway.

 Think no one cares?  Shine anyway.

Feeling tarnished?  It will wipe away – so shine anyway.

Broken glass still reflects light – be the light and shine anyway.