The Wisdom of “Ordinary People”

These “Gems” of wisdom were shared by the 38 people I was fortunate enough to include in my book, “Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives.”

Collectively, we have almost 2,800 years of life experiences shared. I have learned more from family, friends, clients and community than I can teach them. Who knows? These may form the quotes on next year’s calendars.

Marg Duckett

“Communication is crucial. Couples must develop excellent communication skills and openly discuss their feelings and opinions. They should also respect each other’s input and understand there are no wrong answers regarding personal feelings and beliefs.”

Jim Shaw & Judie Nevers

Judie Nevers, “Relationships evolve and change. Be there for each stage.”

Jim Shaw, “Don’t be an asshole. Avoid whining, drinking too much, and smoking. As you age, having a sense of humour is much better than having none.”

Myrwood Scott

“Value the friendships that you have established throughout your journey. They are valuable, and that’s a two-way street.”

Ed Farquharson

“The most important things in life are your Children and Grandchildren”

John & Sue Corbett

Sue Corbett, “Be kind! When you are fortunate enough to have kindness done for you, pay it forward. Give a coffee to the guy behind you at Tim's. Buy the guy on the street corner a sandwich. It will make the world a better place and fill your heart.”

John Corbett, “Things are never as bad as they may seem AND never as good as they may appear.”

Tom Boneham

“Don’t be afraid to take a chance; you’ve got to jump at the opportunity when it presents itself.”

Mary Gharghoury

“Each one has a blessed route and is born with a particular skill. It is up to you to find it and develop it. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is primordial. If you need a push or a solid hand to move, ask for it. Superman is a myth. I had good parents and sincere friends, and I continue to need sympathy and affection. Look around you and learn. You learn first from your own mistakes. And from what you don’t like in others. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find work immediately. Trust your lucky star. AMEN”

Tara Kerba

”My journey is a treasure hunt - I keep collecting gems along the way:

• Learn to listen to and trust your gut. It is more reliable than following your heart or your rational brain. While you may seek others' opinions and advice, you ultimately know what to do, even if it's uncomfortable.

• If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you. Nothing worth doing is ever easy, but it is worth it. That feeling of anxiety is your body's helpful way of giving you the energy to get through it.

• If you'll laugh about it one day, start today. That one is from my dad, the author of this book. He never expected me to cite it when sharing cooking mishaps and clothing malfunctions on social media.

• People will treat you the way you let them treat you. Maintain your boundaries and expect respect. If someone's disrespecting me, I've learned to ask how I have disrespected them. When they can't say how I follow it up by asking why they feel it's okay to disrespect me.

• To my younger self, I would encourage her to slow down and enjoy the journey. I would enable her to look for gems, but she needs the experience of uncovering them for herself.”

Heron, on the “Road Less Travelled” on the way to the cottage.

Chris Kerba

“What would I tell a younger me? You'll get there. There will be a lot of bumps, bruises, scrapes, cuts, and tears, but you'll get there.”

Ruth Forrester

“Enjoy each day as much as you can and keep short accounts." Life is fleeting, and it is essential to appreciate each moment while maintaining harmonious relationships.”

Monique MacDonald

"All things happen for a reason. You might not see it that way when it happens, but when you look back, you’ll see the positive results it leads to."

Yvonne Tyml

“I’ve learned that life is hard. Some people are burdened with more than their share. Some people have advantages that can help them on their way; other people are given next to none. Some people seem to rise from the ashes; others fail to cope. Some people fall into despair; others lash out in anger. Where possible, I try hard not to judge and to believe that we all start good. Undoubtedly simplistic, but my one gem – we’re all doing the best we can. Be kind.”

Bob & Lynda Pope

“Bob: God is our Father, and we are all His children — brothers and sisters to one another. Therefore, we should love one another. This is the essence of the Good News or Gospel: The Fatherhood of God and the resulting Brotherhood of Man, which must be shared with the world.

Lynda: Never take anything for granted. Be kind to one another. Be patient. Greet people with a smile.”

Natasha Borota

“I have been blessed with so many gems, not diamonds or rubies but gems of wisdom, that I have learned from many amazing people. I share that your time is the greatest gift you can give. Don’t be selfish with your time because the more you give, the more you get from giving. If we all give a little more than we take, try to fix more than we break, and stand up for those who can’t stand for themselves, this will leave the world a better place than when we found it. This is what a true legacy is made of, not the diamonds and rubies we have accumulated.”

The Essence of Dan Bodanis