It’s Hard To Go Wrong with These Important Life Lessons
Sometimes you will stumble across meaningful and inspirational life lessons in surprising ways. It happened to me recently, shortly after my 94-year-old father passed away.
There is no denying that I learned a lot from my Dad. However, my Dad’s neighbor Troy made me think about how he lived his life more objectively.
For background, Troy is a 30ish-year-old man. He bought the house across the street from my Dad several years ago. Over time they became friends.
Shortly after my Dad’s passing, my brother and I received the following note from Troy.
“I just remembered I wrote this poem about your Dad over two years ago, and I wanted you to have it.”
As a result, I will share Troy’s masterpiece with you. But, better yet, I distilled his poem into seven important life lessons.
So first, allow me to summarize the seven valuable life lessons. Second, I will share Troy’s poem that inspired them. Then, finally, I will dive deeper into these seven lessons about life to see how much we can learn.
That’s the plan for this article. Let’s get moving because it’s time to start improving.
7 Inspirational Life Lessons To Live By Starting Now
Troy’s poem about my Dad’s life has taught me the following:
- You get out of life what you put in
- You are what you think you are
- Take pride in who you are and what you do
- Strike a positive attitude
- Be kind and take an interest in others
- Give more than you take
- Be grateful for what you have
Next is the poem that inspired the list of inspirational life lessons from above.
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Lessons Learned In Life From The Old Man Across The Street – A Poem
There is an old man I know that lives over yonder. And as the days go by, our bond becomes ever stronger.
I especially admire his dash and passion for life. His memory, too, because it’s sharp as a knife.
He’s old but strong. However, his days seem numbered. I know in his heart; he thinks he’s as tough as lumber.
You see, he carries this cane that hardly touches the ground. Yet it took me a while to understand that silly cane didn’t hold up a single pound.
The stories he’s shared with me are some of the best I’ve ever been told. And as I have come to know him better, I learned his pride was much heavier than any cane was meant to hold.
Yes, I’ve come to know this old man that lives across the street. But, looking that way, I am amazed that his house and yard are so polished and perfectly neat.
He holds his head high each and every day – no matter the problems or challenges from old age that come his way.
When I arrive home, I hear his voice echo from across the way.
Saying loud and clear, “Hey Troy, how was your day?”.
But what I like most is the things he remembers that others ignore. You know, like leaving a case of my favorite beer at the front door.
Yes, that old man over yonder has taught me more than he knows. So, I must cherish his friendship now and for as long as it goes.
Next, let’s unpack these seven inspirational life lessons one at a time.
Full disclosure: I cry every time I read that darn poem. It captures my Dad to a tee.
1. You Get Out Of Life What You Put In
I especially admire his dash and passion for life.
Whatever you choose to do, give it your all. The good things in life are neither free nor easy. As a result:
- Work hard
- Be creative
- Learn continuously
- Look for opportunity
- Set personal goals
- Be resilient
Most importantly, decide what you love about life and go for it with all your heart and passion. Doing so is the best way to keep moving forward. Your success depends on it.
2. You Are What You Think You Are
He thinks he’s as tough as lumber.
Regular readers know I like to say, “If you can envision it, you can achieve it.” Thus, your thoughts are your most significant limitations.
So, think big and develop a winning mindset.
If you want to be tough, you must think you are tough. If you want to be rich, learn to think like the rich.
That’s how to challenge yourself and reach your full potential.
To help, I recommend this MasterClass: How to Prepare Your Mind for Success.
3. Take Pride In Who You Are And What You Do
His pride was much heavier than any cane was meant to hold.
Find yourself, be yourself, and never waste a second trying to be someone you are not. You are unique to the world. So make the most of what mother nature gave you.
Think big thoughts and achieve your goals no matter how big or small.
Finally, and most importantly, take great pride in who you are, what you do, and what you accomplish every month.
4. Strike A Positive Attitude
He holds his head high each and every day.
Yes. It’s easy to be positive when things are going well. But that’s not what I’m discussing here. Anyone can do that.
I’m talking about being positive when facing obstacles and adversity. It takes intelligence and perseverance to profit when you have losses. Or to see and capitalize on the silver lining.
Here is one of the best life lessons quotes to hammer this point home:
“Two men looked out from prison bars; one saw mud, and the other saw the stars.”
So, be positive. Your mental health depends on it!
Next up is another one of the very good life lessons I learned from my Dad.
5. Be Kind And Take An Interest In Others
The things he remembers that others ignore.
Be kind and take a sincere interest in other people. Talk less, speak low, and listen more. Always make the other person feel important no matter their status in life.
Remember, the golden rule is to do unto others as you would have others do unto you. So a simple hello, please, thank you goes a long way and costs nothing, regardless of the month or time of year.
6. Give More Than You Take
That old man over yonder has taught me more than he knows.
My mother used to tell me that you always receive back twice as much as you give. So, as a result, be generous with your time, money, knowledge, and skills.
7. Be Grateful For What You Have
I must cherish his friendship now and for as long as it goes.
Last but not least is inspirational life lesson number seven. Be grateful for what you have. Never take for granted what life offers you.
After all, tomorrow isn’t promised for you or me. So count your blessings and remember this motivational quote:
“I had the blues because I had no shoes until, on the street, I met a man who had no feet.”
Okay. That’s all of the lessons in life and motivational quotes I have for today.
So, please allow me to wrap up. And before you go, save this image to your favorite Pinterest board so you can return here later.
7 Inspirational Live Lessons I Learned From Dad
I hope you find inspiration in today’s seven life lessons examples, and one or more will motivate you to change your life positively.
Always remember, your thoughts make up your life. So, think big, be positive, pick yourself up when you fall, and be grateful for another day’s opportunity to live life to its fullest.
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Author Bio: Tom Scott founded the consulting and coaching firm Dividends Diversify, LLC. He leverages his expertise and decades of experience in goal setting, relocation assistance, and investing for long-term wealth to help clients reach their full potential.