Snippets and insights

I love the power of words, but I especially love simple words of wisdom.

Sometimes, a phrase or poem can change a persons life. It can inspire them to follow happiness, dignity, even misery I suppose!

I've yet to find my phrase or poem, the one that a person lives by no matter what, or passes on because it feels like it is their own to give away.

But there is a nice little poem, penned by Audrey Hepburn, that was read some years later at her funeral.

These were her beauty tips:

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others

I know little about Ms. Hepburn, but I shall now read her biography and discover whether or not she lived by this philosophy.

There is also a wonderful prayer, written by an anonymous 14th, or more likely, 17th century Nun (two different schools of thought I've found) that I just love;

Lord,

Thou knowest better than I do myself, that I am growing older and will some day be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from the craving to straighten out everybody’s affairs.
Make me thoughtful but not moody; helpful but not bossy. With my great store of wisdom it seems a pity not to use it all, but Thou knowest, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end.
Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details; give me wings to get to the point. Seal my lips from aches and pains. They are increasing, and love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others’ pains, but help me to endure them with patience.
I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a sureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken.
Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not want to be a saint – some are hard to live with – but a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil.
Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places, and talents in unexpected people. And give me, Lord, the grace to tell them so.
Amen.

I think it's so insightful, human and humble. And more than a little bit amusing!

Unlike the little prayer my mate said she always recited before bed, which was 'If I die before I wake up, I pray the Lord don't smudge my make-up'.

Not the same thing at all.

Every woman knows, it's a cardinal sin to leave make-up on overnight, so there's just no saving her!!