Beech Tree News Network

I’ve been reading quotes on various topics. The things people think and say can be interesting. The following quotes are unconnected and listed randomly. I’ve also shared some of my thoughts related to each quote.

1.      “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” – Jim Rohn

After thinking about being the average of so few people, I don’t agree with Rohn. However, if this is true, then my current five people are likely my mother, my daughters, and a grandchild (Maybe this helps to explain how families are alike.).

2.     “We learned about honesty and integrity – that the truth matters… that you don’t take shortcuts or play by your own set of rules… and success doesn’t count unless you earn it fair and square.” – Michelle Obama

This quote is from a 2012 speech Michelle Obama made, referring to the way she was raised. I agree with these values. And truth does matter – everywhere, every day.

3.      “Always do your best. Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.” – Don Miguel Ruiz (Miguel Ángel Ruiz Macías)

Although I do not follow Ruiz’s spiritual teachings, I do think our best will vary depending on circumstances. Also, giving our best effort at any time suppresses regret.

 4.    “Everyone has their own definition of a healthy lifestyle, and mine has come to mean making health a priority but not an obsession.” – Daphne Oz

This attitude makes sense to me. I want health to be a priority in my life. However, practicing a healthy lifestyle can run from total neglect to obsessive behavior, and I’d prefer my practices be somewhere in a healthy middle.

 5.     “A lot of people in our generation like to make excuses about little things that really don’t hinder them from doing what they want to. It always comes down to the work ethic.” – Shaquem Griffin

This quote indicates that work ethic is a choice or a commitment. Barring health issues, that may be true – even if it’s a subconscious choice. I believe a good work ethic is critical to achieving most goals.

 6.      "Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.” – Dalai Lama

This quote is definitely thought-provoking. Can love and compassion be taught to the next generation, or is it intrinsic?

 7. “We can’t avoid age. However, we can avoid some aging. Continue to do things. Be active. Life is fantastic in the way it adjusts to demands; if you use your muscles and mind, they stay there much longer.” – Charles H. Townes

I’m old enough to agree with Townes. Staying active physically and mentally – to the best of our ability – is absolutely good for us.

 8.   “Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” Scott Adams

Adams is right about this. Kindness is a commodity that can change our day, making us more likely to be kind, too.

 9.    “Butler County has been good to me and to my family.” – Larry Craig (Nov. 3, 1982)

My late husband first voiced those words in a Green River Republican editorial, but he said those words often. I agree. I choose to live here and am proud of and thankful for our community.

10“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” – Jesus, Matthew 7:12 (NIV) . 

The ‘Golden Rule’ simplifies the guidelines for the way we should live.

I enjoy reading what others have to say. It helps me to clarify my own thinking and reinforces my appreciation for freedom of speech. Whether we agree or disagree with others, we can learn from them.