On my first Father’s Day many years ago, my wife gave me “Life’s Little Instruction Book” compiled by H. Jackson Browne, Jr. I was leafing through it today as it lay on an upstairs table near my computer. Here are few of the 511 pearls of wisdom that can be found therein.
#454 – Show respect for everyone that works for a living, regardless of how trivial their job.
#276 – Patronize local merchants even if it costs a little more.
#186 – Be insatiably curious. Ask “why” a lot.
#158 – Pray not for things, but for wisdom and courage.
#107 – Smile a lot. It costs nothing and is beyond the price.
#246 – Wave at children on school’s buses.
#426 – Share the credit.
#375 – Take charge of your attitude. Don’t let someone else choose it for you.
#127 – Wear the most audacious of underwear under the most solemn business attire.
#58 – Always accept an outstretched hand.
Many of the above are not among the usual instructions. The first two remind me of what we need to do more of in today’s pandemic. Of course, the more startling one is my favorite about “audacious underwear.”
It reminds me of the a staid company I worked for, where the very dignified manager of a department had an “underwear optional” day for the troops. Going commando was never so much fun.
The last one is hard, but should not be. Why don’t we want to accept help? After 9/11, America’s approval ratings were at its highest. Other countries wanted to help, but we did not accept it very well. That was unwise.
The one I gravitate to the most and often advise is a variation of don’t cede your power to someone else. Take charge of your attitude. You are not offended, if you do not take offense.
musingsofanoldfart 
These are great reminders that we do have control over our own behaviour/ approach. Thanks for the inspiration this morning.
Thanks VJ. I was leafing through it again this morning as my computer booted up. Here are two more: Keith
#253 – Be modest. A lot was accomplished before you were born.
#123 – Learn to listen. Opportunity sometimes knocks very softly.
Ohhh…good ones!
I agree.
#454 – “Show respect for everyone that works for a living, regardless of how trivial their job.”
I’ll go for that one!
I once encountered a self-promoting video from some ‘business’ person (foul mouthed at that) whose approach seemed to be selling by any means was essential (and buying his video/dvd/book etc). At one part he denigrated the cleaner in a restaurant because that was all they would ever do….at that stage I thought ‘If you sat in a dirty restaurant you’d be the first to whine’…Contemptable character.
Roger, agreed on the contemptible comments. Keith
I’m reminded of the classic advice from a mother to her daughter going on a first date: “If he is good to you but he is not good to the waitress, then he is not good.”
Good advice. I also detest people who treat perceived subordinates (in their own company) poorly. They are sycophants to superiors and better with peers, yet they feel they have license to demean others. What they don’t realize is people notice, including the perceived subordinate. Keith
Sage words indeed…I must remember that one!
the very dignified manager of a department had an “underwear optional” day for the troops
How could he even tell whether people were wearing underwear or not? Did he used to check?
Patronize local merchants even if it costs a little more.
I wonder if Amazon refuses to stock this book.
My hope there was no inspection. I am reminded of the old “Seinfeld” episode when Kramer was “out there” feeling free. Keith