By: Barbra Sue Yurachek

PROMPT: WHAT WAS YOUR MOM LIKE WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD? WHAT WAS YOUR DAD LIKE WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD?

Advice is a strange and dangerous thing. It can make you forget who you really are if you are too dependent on it, or it can become a quiet thief of unique thought and expression. One wonders how much genius has been wasted because someone gave up an important, brilliant idea when another suggested “a better way.” Robert Frost’s “Road not Taken” is forever lost because we are so often swayed by the advice of others. 

On the other hand, ignoring good solid advice backed by evidence and results or consequences can send you into spiralling oblivion that can take a lifetime to overcome. So…my advice to you:

• Opinion is worth nothing
• Chance is risky but sometimes worth a try
• Choice is everything

Advice is a part of everyday life. Give it only when asked for. NEVER give it unsolicited. You are a different person than who you are advising. You do not live his life. You cannot! Only professionals who you pay can tell you what to do. And you can disagree if you must. 

When you are an adult, use all your mental power to think things through before you take the chance or make the choice. If you are a child, and have many adults around that you admire and respect, feel free to ask anything. They may not answer for they don’t know everything (much to the disbelief of most children ) So…my advice to you:

• Use your own brain if at all possible
• Remember, “excuse” is another word for whining —and a whiner is annoying.
• Procrastination is stalling the inevitable, so just do it
• Always be truthful—saves so much time later.
• NEVER lie to a doctor—could save your life

Many people (especially grandparents) have their own set of advice that they are eager to share with anyone who will listen. Some is worthwhile, yet, likely as not, the rest is pure superstition. So…my advise to you: take it or leave it.

“…Do not sneeze 40 times in a row—you will die.” My advice: keep it at no more than 38 for Longevity.

“…Dogs draw lightening so keep them outside during a storm.” My advice: lightening rod ears for Christmas.

“…Eat salt pork on Jan. 1 for a lucky year.” My advice: Eat a pound of bacon instead. Too much salt is bad for your health.

“…Wash your newborn’s eyes with boric acid.” My advice: Don’t let boric acid get within 100 feet of your newborn

“…If your cow licks your bald head, hair will grow.” My advice: Who owns a cow??

As you all know, I am in my 8th decade. Most octogenarians can tell you anything you need to know, if they remember your question and it has nothing to do with a pdf file. Most of us don’t like advice, but the world is in such a mess, Lord knows we need to give it. We can tell you how to raise your children, how to manage your money, where to live, how to keep your powder dry, and where to buy your mulch. We know most everything and hate being told what we don’t know. We all have our lists of what you must do in life to be a certified human. And here is mine.

• Learn to drive—independence
• Learn to swim—could save your life
• Learn to play piano—basic music education
• Read—never be bored
• Practice The Golden Rule—respect all people, especially yourself

Advice is like mud. It has always been; it will always be. Use it sparingly. Take it willingly and do what you know is best for you.