Most important life lesson?

Parent Cafe
21

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<p>Actually, much of the time that phrase really does ring true. But there are limits to what the human spirit can endure. Everyone has their own pain threshold. I’m amazed though, at how some people can bounce back with their spirit intact after what seem to be the most insurmountable of circumstances. Some people just have resilience, others are easily crushed with typical life experiences of loss. Most of us fall somewhere in between, going through rough spots, happy times, and periods of just pretty much treading water.</p>

22

<p>There is no substitute for excellence, but sometimes personal connections can trump even excellence.</p>

<p>Always have a Plan B.</p>

23

<p>If someone will do something with you, (lie, cheat, gossip, etc.) they’ll do it to you.</p>

24

<p>Blood is thicker than water (not always, of course).</p>

25

<p>Put your own oxygen mask on first before assisting other passengers. Translation: Take care of yourself, or you will be in no position to help anyone else.</p>

26

<p>In a functional family, parents have our backs. No one will ever love us as much, or be as trustworthy, as Mom and Dad.</p>

27

<p>It’s never the wrong time to do the right thing.</p>

28

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<p>However, if you’re eager to offer a hand you do have to do it sensitively. I had a friend in college who would always explain things to me without my asking, and ask me if I had any questions on the material, as if he were my teacher. A couple of times he even said, out of the blue, that I could copy his homework! I’m sure he had good intents (though the copying part was clearly unethical), but by the end of the semester I could not stand his belittling behavior and finally told him to cut it out. And the most puzzling part was that we were pretty much equal students! </p>

<p>As I began TAing I occasionally caught myself being “too helpful,” if that makes sense. Now I make it a practice not to offer help unless asked, or, when appropriate, offer it carefully.</p>

29

<p>Hope for the best, plan for the worst…(another version of always have a plan “B”)</p>

<p>Also, I really only regret the things I DIDN’T do, very, very rarely the things that I did do.</p>

30

<p>Doing what is right is not always easy and doing what is easy is seldom right.</p>

<p>You wouldn’t need a “second chance” if you didn’t mess up the first one.</p>

31

<p>Never sweat the small stuff.</p>

32

<p>If you don’t ask - you don’t get.</p>

<p>When someone shows you who they are - believe them.</p>