My late grandfather once told me that if I was going to seek advice from someone who has been where I'm headed, to make sure I only ask people who have a smile on their face. This advice has led me to ask older men and women that are smiling or radiant – what's the secret to life?
“Only seek advice from someone with a smile on their face.”
The other day while in the lobby of a doctor's office, a gentleman walked in – he was so illuminating I stopped reading my book. He had such a radiant glow about him. I built up the courage to ask him, and as soon as we made eye contact I blurted out, "Hi, what's the secret to life?" He paused and said, "I have five tenets I live by." He waited as I scrambled for my pen. From memory, these are the five things he recited and I have found them to be profound and insightful and I hope you do too. (I later found out his name was Robert Olson. Thanks Mr. Olson, for sharing your insight.)
1. I love myself unconditionally. I am especially happy to be me. (Tweet This)
2. I never devalue myself through destructive self-criticism. If I have a challenging situation, I ask what did I learn from the experience.
3. I have genuine warm regards for all people at all times. (Tweet This)
4. I think, speak, and act with enthusiasm 100% of the time.
5. I am completely self-determined and allow others the very same right, especially my wife. (He has been married 61 years!)
Can you live by these tenets?
Please add to the conversation—comment below or on Twitter at @gregbellspeaks.