Woody’s new novel “The Butterfly Tree” is available at Amazon (click here), other online retailers, and orderable at all bookshops.
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The mile marker of a birthday is a good time for reflection and so today, four days before beginning my sixty-sixth lap around the sun, here are a few things I have come to know…
Always double-knot your shoelaces.
Never pass up a barefoot walk on the beach.
Love is more powerful than penicillin.
Never ever pass up a chance to gaze at a sunrise, or sunset, or rainbow.
Always take the opportunity to gaze at the stars on a clear night – or at Starry Night and other masterpiece paintings.
Speaking of art and masterpieces, these two bookend John Wooden-isms will carry you far: “Make friendship a fine art” and “Make each day your masterpiece.”
Who you travel with is far more important than where you travel.
All the same, Robert Frost was right: Take the road less traveled by.
Even if wrongly attributed to John Muir, this advice is also right: “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.”
Don’t save the good china plates and crystal goblets and heirloom silverware only for special occasions.
Do spend as much time as you can with people who lift you up and as little as possible with those who pull you down.
Writing a thank-you note, or handwritten letter, is always a few minutes well spent.
A good many movies and books are too long, but most hugs are too short.
A positive attitude will positively carry you far.
Never pass up a chance to hold hands with a boyfriend or girlfriend, husband or wife or partner, child or elderly.
“I’m sorry” can be as healing as “I love you.”
Don’t let your fears outweigh your dreams.
One minute of encouragement following a defeat or painful failure is worth far more than an hour of accolades and praise after a triumph or big success.
Artificial Intelligence worries me, but not half so much as Real Stupidity does.
The value of a compliment is often underrated by the giver, but is rarely underappreciated by the recipient.
This African proverb is right: “There are two lasting gifts you can give your child: one is roots, the other is wings.”
Do unto others as you would have them do unto your children or grandchildren is a better Golden Rule.
We can always make room for one more at the dinner table, or in our heart.
Maya Angelou was right: “When you leave home, you take home with you.”
The best travels, and life journeys too, often wind about a bit crookedly.
Even a “bad” road trip will give you some good memories to last a lifetime.
It is not truly a favor if you make a person feel like you are doing them a favor.
It takes worn-out running shoes to finish a marathon; worn-out brushes before you can paint a masterpiece; burnt pans to become a seasoned chef; and blistered fingertips to master the guitar.
Some of my very favorite adults seem like they are just tall children.
No matter your age, never pass up a chance to ride a Ferris wheel or carousel.
If you can be world class at only one thing, make it kindness.
JFK was right when he said, “One person can make a difference and everyone should try.”
My dear friend Wayne Bryan is even more right: “If you don’t make an effort to help others less fortunate than you, then you’re just wasting your time on Earth.”
Don’t waste your time on Earth.
Stopping to smell the roses is never a waste of time.
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Essay copyrights Woody Woodburn
Woody’s new novel “The Butterfly Tree” is now available in paperback and eBook at Amazon (click here), other online bookstores, and is orderable at all bookshops.
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Woody writes a weekly column for The Ventura County Star and can be contacted at WoodyWriter@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @woodywoodburn.