You say potato, I say potat-oh. You say tenets, I say ten “it’s.” These are beliefs I have about how to navigate the world and become the best version of yourself
My ten “it’s”:
• It’s wonderful to win and certainly nice to celebrate victory but temper it with the reality that someone else may be feeling terrible that they lost or didn’t do their best. Exuberant humility should be the standard. Relish the win, but be a good winner at the same time.
• It’s tough to lose. It hurts when you try your best, play hard and come up short. Lose with dignity. Be gracious. Move on and get ’em next time.
• It’s easy to be kind when it is someone you know and care about. Work on being kind and understanding to strangers. Everyone has a story; seek to understand it.
• It’s great to be smart. But remember, you don’t have to come across as the smartest person in the room all the time. Know when to listen and when to talk.
• It’s nice to be self-sufficient and independent. Never lose those character traits. However, much in the world requires working together and teamwork. Strive to be a great team leader and team member.
• It’s admirable to a have strong beliefs and values. It is also admirable to recognize other people’s belief systems and core values. Dig a little deeper to understand.
• It’s never okay to exalt yourself by tearing someone else down. Find your self-esteem inwardly.
• It’s easy to be jealous of other people’s talents, personalities, wealth, etc. The green-eyed monster can damage relationships and stunt your ability to thrive and live the best version of yourself.
• It’s important to understand yourself and how you affect others. Socrates wrote, “Know thyself.” Self-awareness is critical in navigating all the human interactions in one’s life.
• It’s easy to love when Cupid shoots an arrow in your heart. We certainly long for that kind of love. It is harder to love those that are difficult, different, aloof and contrary. Find a way to love anyway. It’s what our common humanity compels us to do.
I am sure there are more than ten “it’s.” Honesty and truthfulness and faith come to mind. You may have “it’s” of your own. I hope so.
I included these ideas in a book I wrote to tell my life story to my kids and grandkids and generations to come. I hope reading this encourages you to communicate to your loved ones something you have learned along the journey to becoming you.
Tim Norton joined The Active Age’s board of directors earlier this year. He is a former Haysville mayor and Sedgwick County commissioner. He can be reached at Tnorton6@hotmail.com.
