Whatever happened to the days when it was politically correct to raise your children by a set of guiding principles? It seems as though every time you utter a proverb, people around you scoff because you are being totally cliché. Actually, there is something quite wonderful about those proverbs, those cliché expressions, many of us grew up on. Sometimes a single sentence says it all.
1. An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
While apples truly are good for you, this phrase can be applied to any good eating habit. The message is clear. Foods packed in nutrients can keep you healthy while everyone around you is getting ill. Similarly, many people say, “You are what you eat.”
2. To Give Is Better Than to Receive
There is actually a science behind this philosophy. When polled, most people agreed that giving is better than receiving because the very act of giving makes them feel better about who they are.
3. An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure
Another proverb is also quoted with the same underlying lesson: “It’s better to be safe than sorry.” Once the damage is done, it may be hard or impossible to fix, without taking into consideration that it costs more to fix or replace what you have than it does to prevent damage or loss in the first place.
4. Sharing Is Caring
Sharing is a sign that you recognize the need in others. While no one expects you to renounce all worldly goods like Mother Teresa, sharing a bit of what you have is a sign that others matter. Share your sandwich with a kid who forgot their lunch or give a donation to cancer research on https://pcrf-kids.org/. If you really care about finding a cure for pediatric cancer, a few dollars here and there will not hurt you but will play a huge part in finding that cure.
5. When the Going Gets Tough the Tough Get Going
No one ever promised you that life would be easy, so when things start getting difficult, buckle down and keep going. Some people say, “Where there’s a will there’s a way,” which means pretty much the same thing. If life gets hard, willpower can get you through when everything around you fails.
6. Don’t Throw the Baby Out with the Bath Water
Sometimes in an effort to fix things we go too far. Similarly, “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.” Life is already crazy enough without adding more tasks and stress. Keep what works and fix or replace the rest.
7. A Penny Saved Is a Penny Earned
While this may mean different things to different people, it’s really all about frugal living. Your life is already busy and stressful enough and if you can learn to get by on less, you won’t have to work so hard to survive. Take the time to understand the difference between wanting and needing something. If it’s not a need, maybe it’s wiser to be a penny up rather than a penny down. When troubles set in, “Don’t be caught with your pants down!” Be prepared for anything life throws your way.
Use only what you need, share from the heart and “Take time out to smell the roses.” Keep a smile on your face and be prepared for the worst. These are some of life’s lessons we are neglecting to teach our kids. Remember, “Actions speak louder than words,” so be the role model your children deserve, and life will be that much richer for your efforts.
