In the movie How do you know? Reese Witherspoon asks her therapist: “Is there one general piece of advice that can help almost anyone in almost any situation?” 
Good question.
What’s your answer? You may not be a psychologist or a life coach and you may not help people find their way in any formal way. But your words, advice, and example change lives. Probably much more than you even know.
So what’s one general piece of advice you think can help almost anyone in almost any situation?
The psychiatrist in the movie said: “Figure out what you want and learn how to ask for it.”
I can see that. I like that answer.
My answer? It’s hard; there are so many possibilities. I think I’d have to go with: “Treat yourself the way you’d treat an innocent little child”.
Because at the root of every problem I’ve ever seen with anyone is a failure to cut themselves some slack. Failure to relax. Failure to choose to love themselves right now, not once they meet some condition.
What an interesting question though, don’t you think? What’s your answer? Give us some advice!
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The first thing that leaps to mind is “be yourself.” We waste so much time trying to be like everyone else or trying to figure out the right way to respond in any given situation. Listen within to the still small voice (which I happen to believe is one and the same as God) and act accordingly.
Great one, Charlotte!
Addendum. I reread Dr Amy’s column, and saw her advice answer. Mine is similar; treat yourself as your best friend would treat you. I think that’s good advice for all of us who are too harsh on ourselves. -Paul
The piece of advice that I’m using the most lately is “you have no control over how others perceive you”. You can try to control this, but it’s never a guarantee. And yes, I’m having friendship issues, which is why this is so important to me right now.
That is secondary to my philosophy (not advice to me) of “treat others as you would have them treat you”, aka The Golden Rule.
Hope this helps somebody.
-Paul
“You have no control over how others perceive you” is an excellent one, Paul! This comes up ALL the time and could save us a world of pain.
Thanks for sharing!!