It’s funny how we never really know when or where or from whom the best advice will flow. At the time, I don’t think I was even fully aware that I would still remember that conversation so clearly nearly ten years later.
It was just a random afternoon one spring day after classes had finished, when I crossed the hall to chat with a fellow science teacher about curriculum we’d be using.
Now this science teacher was the real deal: white lab coat, black rimmed glasses, methodical, brimming with scientific understanding and close to three decades of experience. I was a second year teacher who’d never before taught science.
Needless to say, I learned quite a bit from my colleague about the minutia of physical and life science, for which I am grateful. But, the most important lesson I learned from him was vastly relevant to so much more.
That afternoon, as I was beginning to succumb to the stresses of too much to do, he looked at me so sincerely and kindly declared, “Just KISS.”
At first, I was frozen, having no idea what in the world he was talking about, until he saw the bewilderment on my face and quickly explained the acronym…
KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID.
After moving past the fact that he had just called me stupid, I began to realize that his advice was brilliant. What better motto for living than to keep things simple?
So, I’ve modified this insight:
KEEP IT SIMPLE SWEETHEART.
And, I remind myself, and the people I love, of this all the time.
When I make plans, when I feel overwhelmed, when I want to explain something, when I don’t know where to begin, I reflect on these perfect powerful words that encourage me to live with ease and go with the flow…
Are there any times in your life when you could benefit from heeding this advice…how can you just keep it simple, sweetheart?
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