The Wisdom of “Ordinary People”

These “Gems” of wisdom were shared by the 38 people I was fortunate enough to include in my book, “Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives.”

Collectively, we have almost 2,800 years of life experiences shared. I have learned more from family, friends, clients and community than I can teach them. Who knows? These may form the quotes on next year’s calendars.

Graham McWaters

“Giving back to others is one of the most important things I have learned through my journey. Nothing is better than seeing someone smile, get excited, laugh and jump for joy when you do something that helps them or their family. “

Paul Patskou

“Live a life of purpose, passion, and meaning! By giving unconditionally, you get back a heck of a lot more”

Emily Yarascavitch

“I would tell my younger self not to worry so much about what other people think and say, not to be so hard on myself, and to find something to be grateful for each day. Time goes by faster than you think. Also, your peers will all think you have the coolest job!”

Charlie Mckittrick

“Most things you worry about never happen anyway. Believe in yourself. Everything has a way of working out.”

George Laurencic

“FAMILY FIRST, in all aspects of life.
If you love your work/job, it will feel like you’ve never worked a day.
Never give up on your dreams and work hard for them.”

Minella Riley

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, just as long as you can.”

Rick Kahler

“If there’s one gem I’ve learned, it’s this: I’ve recognized the difficulty and blessing of turning toward, rather than running from, the things I so profoundly resist — the things that cause me the most significant pain, the things I fear the most.”

Bobbie Munroe

“• Be yourself. There is an old Jewish proverb: “If I am not me, who will be?” All of this is challenging. But you can work on it over time, and your efforts will fertilize your garden.

• As for what I would tell a younger self, and I steal from Eleanor Roosevelt, “When you are at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” And I did. • I tell others that when they make a mistake, be as kind to themselves as they would be to a friend who had done the same thing. Just be kind all around. It goes a long way.

• I would remind them that giving generously of yourself and your resources is the only way to

get the most essential things in life.

• As corny as it sounds, it is true that the only thing you can control is your attitude. So, even in the darkest moments, try to think of how you can learn something and go from where you are to a place much better than where you were.”

Haystack Rock, Oregon portion of Pacific Coast Highway

Dick Vodra

“In my life, ideas are fundamental, both mine and other people’s, but so are connections between people. (Math people call this pattern nodes and edges.) I have found that helping promote links and connections has been as valuable as developing ideas. I encourage everyone to look for opportunities to convene groups at any scale (from local to global), to lead, to participate, to be welcoming and inclusive, and to reach out to those who may be reluctant to join. This allows everyone to build on their strengths, learn from others, and form networks of networks. Real connections have been better for me than what is offered on social networks.”

The first picture with the new lens, the chauffeur was Larry on Lakeview Generating station lands

Larry Onisto

“The most essential thing in our lives is to be grateful for the meaningful human relationships we share with others — those with our families and close old friends. Ultimately, it is not about how much money we make or how much power we have. It’s about how we influence all the lives we touch in positive and meaningful ways, accepting the things we cannot change, changing those things we can for the better, and being wise enough to know the difference. I would tell a younger me the most important words ever uttered were by the Oracle at Delphi, who said Know thyself, and thy not need to know anymore.”

North East Exit by the Beartooth Highway, Yellowstone National Park,

Jean Roux

“Have no regrets; understand that every decision you made was the best at the time. I could never move forward if all I did was look backwards.” Another thought has stuck in my head since we did the interview. I quote directly here, “I’m not afraid of dying; I am afraid of dying slowly.”

Diane Groves

“Dream big. You set your limits.”

Michelle Burleigh

“The world is full of distractions and turmoil. It is essential to spend some energy, mitigate risk, and prepare for the future. Still, the end is never guaranteed, so allow yourself to be present, truly appreciate the beauty around you, and play when you get the chance.”

Patti & Phil Chiasson

“Make every day special and never take love and family for granted. A snuggle in the kitchen while making dinner on a Tuesday can be as unique and romantic as a fancy dinner on her birthday. Not that fancy dinners aren’t necessary, just that sometimes the little daily moments are ultimately even more significant than the big gesture moments.” Phil Chiasson

“Love yourself, love your children, your spouse, your family, your friends, your life. You must start by loving yourself … if you love yourself, you will surround yourself with good people who love you, too.” Patti Chiasson

Carol Beagle

“Everything happens for a reason, although you don't know it now. We all have challenges in life. What I have learned is that most work out for the better.”

Paula Montgomery

“When others treat you poorly, it is their issue. Instead of taking their actions personally, try to empathize and understand that their behaviour reflects their turmoil. Surround yourself with positive people and remember your worth. Counselling never hurts, communication is essential, and having a great circle of friends and laughing lots is vital for mental health. I would tell my younger self to be active, remain active and avoid sugar and drama. Look after your mental health ALWAYS, as it is the key!”

Inuksuk, flying in fishing trip, Beaulieu Lake, Ontario

Bob May

“Be aware of your blessings and appreciate all of them. You never know when you will be dealt a bad hand.”

Marg Duckett

“Communication is crucial. Couples must develop excellent communication skills and openly discuss their feelings and opinions. They should also respect each other’s input and understand there are no wrong answers regarding personal feelings and beliefs.”

Jim Shaw & Judie Nevers

Judie Nevers, “Relationships evolve and change. Be there for each stage.”

Jim Shaw, “Don’t be an asshole. Avoid whining, drinking too much, and smoking. As you age, having a sense of humour is much better than having none.”

Myrwood Scott

“Value the friendships that you have established throughout your journey. They are valuable, and that’s a two-way street.”

Ed Farquharson

“The most important things in life are your Children and Grandchildren”

John & Sue Corbett

Sue Corbett, “Be kind! When you are fortunate enough to have kindness done for you, pay it forward. Give a coffee to the guy behind you at Tim's. Buy the guy on the street corner a sandwich. It will make the world a better place and fill your heart.”

John Corbett, “Things are never as bad as they may seem AND never as good as they may appear.”

Tom Boneham

“Don’t be afraid to take a chance; you’ve got to jump at the opportunity when it presents itself.”

Mary Gharghoury

“Each one has a blessed route and is born with a particular skill. It is up to you to find it and develop it. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is primordial. If you need a push or a solid hand to move, ask for it. Superman is a myth. I had good parents and sincere friends, and I continue to need sympathy and affection. Look around you and learn. You learn first from your own mistakes. And from what you don’t like in others. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find work immediately. Trust your lucky star. AMEN”

Tara Kerba

”My journey is a treasure hunt - I keep collecting gems along the way:

• Learn to listen to and trust your gut. It is more reliable than following your heart or your rational brain. While you may seek others' opinions and advice, you ultimately know what to do, even if it's uncomfortable.

• If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you. Nothing worth doing is ever easy, but it is worth it. That feeling of anxiety is your body's helpful way of giving you the energy to get through it.

• If you'll laugh about it one day, start today. That one is from my dad, the author of this book. He never expected me to cite it when sharing cooking mishaps and clothing malfunctions on social media.

• People will treat you the way you let them treat you. Maintain your boundaries and expect respect. If someone's disrespecting me, I've learned to ask how I have disrespected them. When they can't say how I follow it up by asking why they feel it's okay to disrespect me.

• To my younger self, I would encourage her to slow down and enjoy the journey. I would enable her to look for gems, but she needs the experience of uncovering them for herself.”

Heron, on the “Road Less Travelled” on the way to the cottage.

Chris Kerba

“What would I tell a younger me? You'll get there. There will be a lot of bumps, bruises, scrapes, cuts, and tears, but you'll get there.”

Ruth Forrester

“Enjoy each day as much as you can and keep short accounts." Life is fleeting, and it is essential to appreciate each moment while maintaining harmonious relationships.”

Monique MacDonald

"All things happen for a reason. You might not see it that way when it happens, but when you look back, you’ll see the positive results it leads to."

Yvonne Tyml

“I’ve learned that life is hard. Some people are burdened with more than their share. Some people have advantages that can help them on their way; other people are given next to none. Some people seem to rise from the ashes; others fail to cope. Some people fall into despair; others lash out in anger. Where possible, I try hard not to judge and to believe that we all start good. Undoubtedly simplistic, but my one gem – we’re all doing the best we can. Be kind.”

Bob & Lynda Pope

“Bob: God is our Father, and we are all His children — brothers and sisters to one another. Therefore, we should love one another. This is the essence of the Good News or Gospel: The Fatherhood of God and the resulting Brotherhood of Man, which must be shared with the world.

Lynda: Never take anything for granted. Be kind to one another. Be patient. Greet people with a smile.”

Natasha Borota

“I have been blessed with so many gems, not diamonds or rubies but gems of wisdom, that I have learned from many amazing people. I share that your time is the greatest gift you can give. Don’t be selfish with your time because the more you give, the more you get from giving. If we all give a little more than we take, try to fix more than we break, and stand up for those who can’t stand for themselves, this will leave the world a better place than when we found it. This is what a true legacy is made of, not the diamonds and rubies we have accumulated.”

The Essence of Dan Bodanis