Enlightened Perspectives - Something A Little Different

A friend of mine forwarded the following perspectives to me the other day. Like you, I'm sure; I get a lot of these forwarded emails claiming some person of some significant celebrity had authored the great words of wisdom. It might be George Carlin or Bill Cosby or Mother Teresa, you know what I mean. In this case, the late Andy Rooney, the former 60 Minutes news magazine commentator who closed the show for 30+ years with his pithy insights into life.

Well, I've long ago learned that most of the stuff that is attributed to these folks was never written or uttered by them. Actually, the words they are credited with are often not even in context to who they actually were. But, we read them and perhaps, feel a little better. I did my research and sure enough, just as I had suspected, Andy Rooney was not the author of these "enlightened perspectives." In fact, they've possibly been the accumulated perspectives of several individuals, all unnamed. I guess they could be attributed to that well-known author Anonymous.

However, despite the fact that our dear, departed friend, Andy, is not the author, I still found them to be - as the email subject titled them, "Enlightened Perspectives." As I approach the end of my 7th decade of experiential existence on this planet, I found that they agreed with my own perspectives, especially as I was enjoying the relaxation and ambiance of the Paradise I had been enjoying for well over a week. So, maybe you've seen these before, maybe not, but I present them to you, have added a few to the list and take credit for authoring them since they pretty well express my attitudes and perspectives about this blessing we call life. I hope there is something meaningful, reassuring or enlightening here for you.

Enlightened Perspectives

Take the time to read these. You'll come away with an enlightened perspective. The subjects covered affect us all on a daily basis:

They're written by Anonymous or Andy Rooney or Ed Helvey, I'm not sure it really matters.

I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.

I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with him or her.

I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.

I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned.... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

I've learned.... That no matter what it is you plan, it will always take longer than you planned.

I've learned.... That no matter how much you budget for something, it will always cost more.

I've learned.... That once you buy something from the least expensive source, there will always be someone cheaper.

I've learned.... That life is short and goes by fast, follow your dreams and live them NOW.

I've learned.... That what you don't know can hurt you, so never stop being inquisitive and learning new things.

I've learned.... That you should pay someone else to do the things you don't enjoy doing or are not good at, both parties benefit.

Final Words

So, there you have them "My Enlightened Perspectives" and now they are yours to do with as you will. You can embrace them and share them, use my name or Andy Rooney's or your own name. A gift once given is yours to do with as you please. I hope these platitudes will raise your attitudes . . . for today and the rest of your life. Life is too short to miss all the beauty, joy, happiness and grace that is ours to enjoy and embrace. Have a fantastic day wherever you are and smile at everyone you encounter, it's infectious.