I’m not sure if it’s a character flaw, or a massive ego, or simply a bad memory, but—I’ve never been one to ask for life advice very often.

I usually follow my own intuition on the big things.

Little things? For some reason, I find myself much more likely to be sending a quick “help!” text to my mom, or to my best friend, asking their opinion. I like hearing opinions and different perspectives, but I don’t like being told what people think I should do. I’m stubborn that way.

I want to forge my own path.

But I don’t necessarily want to do it the hard way.

So, sometimes, you need a little advice along the way. A little helping hand. And, yes, the experience of those who have traveled the path before you and can save you a little pain and suffering.

I recently shared the image above on our Elephant Journal Facebook page and I asked, “What life advice would you add?”

I was curious what a league of mindful internet strangers could share with me—with us—and here’s a round-up of some of the best:

“Get Outside!” ~ Ginny

“Listen to music, enjoy the outdoors, keep moving, don’t sweat the small stuff, read to a child and plant seeds of faith, hope and love.” ~ Teresa

“Live simply.” ~ Lisa

“Be Grateful.” ~ John

“Always wear clean underwear—my mom.” ~ Robin

“You can not love until you love yourself first.” ~ Elizabeth

“Have more patience with yourself and others.” ~ Tish

“Just be kind and don’t let your kindness being taken advantage of.” ~ Jessica 

“Learn how to forgive.” ~ Ali

“What can you learn from others? How can you be a better person and having a bigger impact on others? When we die, the gravestone will show our date of birth and our date of death. The two dates are separated by a dash. The dash can be measured by the difference we made in the world.” ~ Timothy

“Listen to learn not to respond.” ~ Nicholas

“Stand against government overreach.” ~ Glenn

“The best thing a human being can do is help another human being. No more.” ~ Tim

“Meditate.” ~ Dan

“Be curious.” ~ Ann

“Be tolerant.” ~ Paula

“Mr Rodgers: Find the helpers.” ~ Kim

“Learn how to just be. Being without narrative. Then ground yourself in that.” ~ Hakim

“Listen, before speaking. Understand before reacting.” ~ April

“Find female role models.” ~ Maureen

“Don’t speak hate if you want to be remembered with love.” ~ April

“Respect life.” ~ Linda

“Be patient and respectful.” ~ Lisa

“Just be yourself.” ~ Carol

“It’s okay to rest.” ~ Callie

“Be open to different ideas!” ~ Natalie

“Include women in the conversation.” ~ Jennifer

“Be. Here. Now.” ~ Sybil

“Get off Facebook and your phone in general and go live. This sh*t isn’t it.” ~ Ash

And we’ve got some humorous takes on life advice too, but they are no less wise:

“Never fry bacon naked.” ~ James

“Never play leap frog with a unicorn.” ~ Julie

Special mention to this advice based on the image, which I wholeheartedly agree with!

“I would add: listen to and quote woman as well.” ~ Amanda

And so I thank you, Internet Strangers, for your insights, your wisdom, and a few good laughs.

These are the kind of life advice bits and bobs that I needed today, and all days. The basics. The reminders of our humanity and of the humanity of others. Thank an Internet Stranger today for their insight, rather than leaving an angry and divisive comment on social media. We’re all people behind our screens—with stories to share, wisdom to offer, and experiences that are oh-so similar to one another.

I ask, again, “What life advice would you add?” 

Drop it in the comments and share it with the Elephant Community!

~