One Shoe Can Change Your Life

While sitting at my workstation a few weeks ago my boss handed me a stack of papers he had printed out from his email. Sometimes he shares HR case studies or other career oriented literature. Other times it’s the typical pictures of Barack Obama from around the world/inauguration celebrations. In more recent memory, there was MJ’s Memorial program. You know, the usual stuff. So, while de-cluttering my desk today I ran across a list he had given me in passing and really gave it a thorough look over. It was an email forward claiming to originate from Regina Brett of “The Plain Dealer” fame in Cleveland, Ohio. After a simple Google search, the origins proved to be valid. I was expecting Snopes to shoot it down, but hey, who knew some email forwards weren’t riddled (used loosely here) with lies and exaggerations. Anyway, she had a lot of good points and I’ve taken the liberty to extract some of them here and paraphrase others. You can check out her full unadulterated list here.

Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
When in doubt, just take the next small step.
Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.
Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
If a relationship has to be secret, you shouldn’t be in it.
Whatever don’t kill you really does make you stronger.
When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.
Today is special.
Over prepare, then go with the flow.
Be eccentric now.
No one is in charge of your happiness, but you.
Always choose life.
Forgive everyone everything.
What other people think of you is none of your business.
Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
Believe in miracles.
Get outside everyday. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
The best is yet to come. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

Here’s an extra morsel for your pallet if you’ve made it this far. You can apply it as you see fit.

One shoe can change your life.
-Cinderella-

Spotted on the receptionist’s paperweight. Take it for what it’s worth.

Pic