I’m a collector of “one-liners”, and I’ve found them in various places. Some are found in the Holy Scriptures and some came from bumper stickers and other sources. A lot of wisdom can come from very few words. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Life may not be tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.
- It’s bad enough to mess up your own life, but you don’t have to mess up someone else’s.
- Live by the Ten Commandments.
- Never stumble on anything behind you. If it’s in the past, let it be.
- You have a right to be wrong. Smart people will admit it.
- When the student is ready, the teacher will arrive.
- We don’t have to label or stereotype people, for all of us belong to the human race.
- Judge not, that you not be judged.
- It’s hard to see what you’ve never been told to look for, so listen to the wisest among you.
- It is good to give thanks to God and to sing praises.
- Though my outer nature is wasting away, my inner nature is being renewed every day.
- The safest place in the world is the center of God’s heart.
- You cannot change anyone but yourself.
- Most mental and emotional problems come from the desperate attempt to resist the changes of life.
- You have a right to say, “No” and you don’t have to explain why.
- It’s okay to let your children see you cry. It’s better than crying alone.
- God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.
- There’s a time to mourn and a time to dance.
- Be interested in other people’s successes, and be generous with compliments.
- Forgive everyone for everything.
- Until further notice, celebrate everything.
- Use your good china, silver, nice sheets, underwear or lingerie. Don’t shave it for a special occasion, for today is special.
- No one can make you feel anything, for you are in charge of your own feelings and happiness.
- What others think of you or whatever they say about you is none of your business.
- If we threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we would probably grab ours back.
- It’s never too late to have a childhood, but the second one is up to you.
- However good or bad a situation is, just remember: This, too, shall pass.
- No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
- For those who are married: Don’t let your love lose its luster—keep dating each other.
- Go out-of-doors every day and notice the formation of clouds, trees, sunsets, flowers, etc, and thank God for so many free gifts.
- Carve out a time (at least 30 minutes) a day for solitude, reflection and prayer.
- Keep your life simple; don’t over-schedule and never make a promise you can’t keep.
- Stop trying to please everybody, which is impossible anyway.
- Express love every day to those in your life. All that matters in the end is the faith you have and the love you’ve expressed.
- We need seven hugs a day just to maintain our emotional balance.
- Laughing at yourself is one sure sign of good mental health.
- Don’t talk unless you can improve on silence.
- Deal with what is, not what ought to be.
- God does not deliver us from trouble, but is with us in trouble.
- Never trust a doctor whose plants have died.
If you have a favorite one-liner you didn’t see here, please send it to me at 4716 Bayou Court Drive, Alexandria, LA 71303 and share it in the comment section below. Thank you!