Wisdom From the Woodpile

Wisdom from the Woodpile
by Matt Presti

Not every one will be able to go where you go.  Not everyone can.  
Meet them half way.  That may be as far as they can reach.

If you leave everyone behind, you'll find yourself alone.

A good usher doesn't leave people in the dark.  He helps them get to where they're going by shining a light for them to see.

Going too far too fast can lead to burnout.  Pace yourself.  You've a long way yet to go.

The finish line isn't the goal of existence.  Happiness is being content with every passing moment.

While it is true, every thing that lives ends in death.  This is not as important as living itself.

The smallest things bring the greatest joys.  A single laugh, a simple smile.  A tiny sip of coffee.

Work a day, work away.  Every moment isn't about getting closer to something.  It's about learning to enjoy it as it comes and goes.

Don't count time, learn to command it.  Clocks and watches ironically remove you from the moment.

All great works are created in a series of steps.  The most complete accomplishments are made of many small and hard fought battles--both lost and won.

Your own mind is your greatest asset.  We set its every limit, repress it and lend it out to oppression.  The 'government' isn't an external enemy, it is an internal one.

Those who inflict pain on others were taught by professionals.  The world is full of inflictors.  Pain is their nourishment.  Withhold it from them and they will starve to death.  Serve it to them and they will more freely inflict it upon others.

Pain and pleasure are an ouroboros.  One inevitably feeds upon the other.  Only love can break its cycle.  

Careful who you insult.  Remember where you came from.  You were there once too.

If your future - as of yet - unspoken insult of another even slightly applied to you at some point in the past, perhaps remaining silent would be the better option.

Hubris is the perfect blend of arrogance, over-confidence and ignorance.  It is a bitter cup.

Argument is first won within yourself.  That’s where you get good at it.

Reasonableness is a hard earned quality in a world of poor judgement.

The poor of any kind aren’t necessarily lacking in resources, but rather will-power.  Inspire them to strive above their station and watch as they surprise themselves.

Will-power is like kindling under the brush.  Set it on fire and watch it spread.

Riches are not external.  Only the poorest among us cling to that which can be hoarded.

Spirit is like wind.  It cannot be seen yet it flows through all worlds.

The mirror is a cosmic teacher.  Everyone can see a reflection of you, but only you see what needs to be improved.

Do not think of yourself as great, you'll leave no room for improvement.

Never take a job you can't move up in.  Quitters are incapable of self-promotion.  They'll likely be stuck in dead end jobs.

Love yourself enough that your cup runneth over, but not so much that you develop a drinking problem.

Consciousness is infinite potential.  It is the only thing that can grow in absolute darkness.

Live life as a prosumer.  Collect your tools and get to work.  Consumers feed off of other's productivity.

Every day be humble.  The universe doesn't revolve around you alone.  We live with 8 billion simultaneous worlds.

Rejoice in differences.  If everyone was like you, we'd all die from boredom.

See the eternal in the smallest things.  There is a sun inside every blade of grass, in every wildflower and bee.

Bees are most industrious creatures.  They work every day and never once complain about it.

Someone once said, "when a wise man and a fool argue, you can't tell the difference."  If you could, which one would you be?

How is it that everyone who lives off of outrage, sharing one post after another can truly say they are happy if they are what they eat (feed)?

Careful the headlines you consume.  Most who constantly share outrage dare not eat what they themselves have prepared.  They do it for the clicks and feed it to you.

A man cannot live off clicks alone.  One human smile is worth a hundred thousand clicks.  One kiss--a million likes.

When in the wee hours of the morning should you awake, by God find a pen, write, type, speak or record.  These finer moments disappear when nature wakes up with the sun.  The world soon follows and the inner voice becomes harder to hear amongst the noise of the world.

It is in the darkness that light shines the brightest.  Shadows cannot reflect light even thought they are fed from it.  

There is only one "your own worst enemy."  Get to know him intimately, because whether you like it or not, you're stuck with him for eternity.

Wisdom is not a matter of trust, it is a matter of knowing.  Is is the ability to use knowledge wisely.  

If everyone were wise, what would be the point of learning?  We'd be in a world of know-it-alls.

What a marvelous journey is life.  Humble yourself at its feet, for the mountaintop is not meant to be lived upon like a hermit.  What you bring down from it can feed multitudes for generations to come if you share it.  Besides, it is in the valleys where all the fun takes place.  That is where we rejoice in kindred spirit and toast to the glorious heavens above and within us.

In the court are life's lessons and all they contain. 
A wealth beyond measure of both loss and gain.
Dance and be merry.  Sing, and make praise. 
Love and be loved.  Let these be your days. 

Matt Presti

Authentic | Inspiring | Original