Advice

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Arguably, one of the best pieces of life advice I ever received was given to my class at large by our grade 10 English teacher. I don’t know if it struck anyone else as deeply as it did me, I can only say I hope so.

During one particular day the topic of compromise came up. Now, I’m not anti-compromise, but neither do I think that you should settle when it comes to the really important things. Compromise has a time and a place.

Basically, what Mrs. G said, as she was telling us a personal story, is this (poorly recalled nearly 10 years later, mind you):

“30 years from now, when your parents are gone –because all parents unfortunately pass on– and you’re a doctor because that’s what they wanted for you, are you going to be happy? Are you going to be happy having done what they wanted, to make them happy, when all is said and done and it’s just you years from now?”

Nope, happiness is not the most important thing. But satisfaction, a sense of purpose, and passion are all important things. Those things, and maybe a bit of happiness, are what I really read into when I recall this memory.

And I live by this. I really do. I’ve always been stubborn and done things my way, and this idea cemented my need to embrace those personality traits. It likely comes across as extremely selfish, maybe it truly is, but I don’t care. Making others happy by making myself unhappy is not something I’m willing to do. Sure, circumstances dictate, but big picture-wise I have to root for myself.

This piece of advice reinforced my decision to get an English degree, it has even given me the courage to write, to strive to turn writing into my career, despite all of the people who told me none of these were a very good idea.

Years from now I can look back and say I did everything I did, how I did it, the way I wanted to, for me and not for anyone else. That makes me happy.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?

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