Lillian's Laws for Living Life

Today would've been my mother's 82nd birthday, and it's gray and dreary here. An appropriate backdrop for my reflective mood. The best way I can think of to honor her memory is to republish her collected wisdom; she and I worked on this short piece a few months before her death. Actually, I take it back, that's the second-best way. The best way was to use some of our inheritance from her to complete the work she was unable to complete herself, and we set up an endowed scholarship in her name; more on that another time.

Lillian's Laws for Living Life

You can be anything you want to be, if you're willing to work hard enough. No one else has the right to define you, your hopes, dreams, priorities, and goals. Never accept limitations or labels put on you by anyone.

You control your environment. You have the privilege and responsibility for making it what you want to live in -- both your physical environment and the types of people you surround yourself with. If you abdicate that responsibility, you deserve to live in what you get.

When you've really arrived, you don't have to shout about it. Understatement is often the most elegant way to call attention to something (or yourself).

Concentrate on getting an "A" for effort, and the rest will take care of itself. Doing your best is more important than being the best.

Keep your promises, no matter what. If you're not certain you can keep it, don't make it!

Always tell the truth. Not only is it ethically correct, it's easier to remember than a lie.

Moderation is always the wiser course. There is no black or white, just shades of gray.

Education is the most valuable thing you can acquire. The truly wise person knows how much there is still to learn, and is willing to take lessons from everyone and everything in the world.

All of your most valuable possessions are intangible. Your skills, your friends, your health are more important than "stuff" you accumulate because it is useful, or beautiful, or amusing, or reminds you of someone special.

Never let anyone pressure you for an immediate answer. Any important decision is worth sleeping on. A good deal can stand scrutiny and will still look good in the morning.

Make your own decisions, and take responsibility for the consequences.

Buck the trend -- do what makes sense for you, no matter what "they" may think.

Stand up for your rights; no one else will do it for you.

Keep things in perspective and pick your battles. Identify what's really important, and fight as hard as you can for that; be ready to give in on anything else.

Contemplating the nature of God is a procrastination technique--the world becomes a better place only through your positive action. Even if you don't know what God is, you know what good works are. You should be out there making a difference!

Tolerance is one of the most beautiful words in the English language.

Don't burn your bridges -- keep as many options open as possible, as long as possible.

Saying "thank you" is a great investment. So inexpensive, and you never know when a kind word to someone else will give you a delightful payback.