Hello, readers, and welcome to another Wednesday Words. Years ago, I discovered a little list with a big message about living well, the sort of list that goes along with the idea that when trying to make the world a better place, start with yourself. Or the old saying: “tend your own garden.”
Here’s the list that, when I first saw it, hung on the refrigerator of the man I later married, Hoyt Edge. Enjoy!
Golden Rules for Living
(author unknown)
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- If you open it, close it.
- If you turn it on, turn it off.
- If you unlock it, lock it up.
- If you break it, admit it.
- If you can’t fix it, call in someone who can.
- If you borrow it, return it.
- If you value it, take care of it.
- If you make a mess, clean it up.
- If you move it, put it back.
- If it belongs to someone else, get permission to use it.
- If you don’t know how to operate it, leave it alone.
- If it’s none of your business, don’t ask questions.
We could add many more to this list. I’d add:
13. “If you want to be heard, learn to listen well.”
What would you add?
Thanks for reading!
Best wishes from your writer on the wing,
Charlene
John Arnett
Admiral Jakoby was our Chief Medical Office when I was in residency at the Bethesda Naval Hospital from 1971-75. He shared with us three mottos he liked:
1. Do it now
2. All blow, no go (he liked those who did rather than just talked)
3. A man’s desk is like his mind. (I think he meant neatness was a virtue, but I often wondered if an empty uncluttered desk might also mean an empty head unable to deal with the nuances, grey areas, paradoxes, and ambiguities of life)
Charlene Edge
Thanks, John. That’s a wonderful story with three memorable bits to consider!
Suzanne Keefe
Excellent! Thanks!
Steve Muratore
My favorite: “If you want to be heard, learn to listen well.”
🦉❤️✊🌻