Chattanooga Pulse

Written by Dr. Rick Pimental-Habib, Ph.D
Wednesday, 27 August 2008 21:24
Good advice from friends and readers

As many of you know, I really enjoy a good quote-perhaps in the form of wisdom from an ancient voice, an affirmation that serves the ol’ self-esteem, an inspirational story, or a meditation that opens the mind and heart. If you’ve been a regular reader of this column, you know that from time to time I offer meditations and affirmations to ponder and maybe even find a bit of enlightenment within.
One therapeutic use of a motivational word or phrase that I find very helpful, and recommend to friends and clients alike, is to start your day with a thought that you wish to keep in the forefront of your mind. It might be simply one word, such as “Create.” Or it might be a short phrase: “Today I will make three people smile.” Perhaps it’s an affirmation to aid your personal growth, for instance, “My thoughts about myself today will only be positive.”

Readers and friends send many quotes that inspire me. I’ve gathered some of my recent favorites here to share with you. Among these perhaps you’ll find some that offer a fresh perspective on an old problem. Or maybe you’ll feel inspired to incorporate some into your daily meditations. Perhaps you have a friend who’s struggling, who could benefit from hearing something uplifting or humorous.

My suggestion is to see which of the following resonate with you and then incorporate them into your own life in a way that helps you become who you wish to be, a way that helps you live your highest self. At the very least, if one hits your funny bone, let yourself have a good laugh. You know-a dose of the best medicine. Enjoy.

• The happiness of my life depends on the quality of my thoughts.
• Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about the ones who don’t. Believe everything happens for a reason.
• If you always tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.
• Do not waste your precious energy on gossip, negativity, or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the present moment.
• Envy is a waste of time. You already have everything you need.
• The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue.
• A closed mouth gathers no foot.
• There is no excuse for boredom. It’s up to you to continually rediscover your purpose.
• How often do you try to fill open space with needless action or words? Emptiness leaves room for things to just be.
• My lips have not touched ice cream in 10 years. I love ice cream. But it goes straight to my hips. The other day I stopped the car and bought a triple-decker. If my car had hit an iceberg on the way home, I would have died happy.
• If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably a wise investment.
• When anyone calls my “seize the moment” friend, she is open to adventure. She keeps an open mind on new ideas. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious. You talk with her for five minutes, and you’re ready to trade your sore feet for a pair of roller blades and skip an elevator for a bungee cord.
• If your dog is fat, you’re not getting enough exercise.
• Be kinder than necessary, because every person you meet is grieving a loss, grappling with an old wound, or just trying to find their way.

And until next week, here’s my current favorite: “Kiss slowly, laugh insanely, love truly, and forgive quickly.”

Dr. Rick Pimental-Habib, Ph.D., is a psychotherapist, minister, and educator, in private practice in Chattanooga, and is the author of “Empowering the Tribe” and “The Power of a Partner.” His live talk radio show, “Feel Good with Dr. Rick,” will return after the summer hiatus. Visit his website at www.DrRPH.com