Discernment of Advice

Daily writing prompt

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

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Growing up, a person who gets much advice either in need or unwanted at different times for various situations. The individual must discern the message as well as the messenger regards to applying it to him/her self. Below is my back story of my journey.

As a child being born premature thus being the odd one in mainstream America, I was teased and bullied for many years being told that I was “ugly” and “stupid.” With that being stated, my trust in humanity has never been very strong. As I grew older, my looks improved but my free spirit remained thus the comments changed from the way I looked to the way I acted. The bullying not only included coworkers and others but also my siblings. The Kelly Clarkson song, “Stronger,” applies to most of my life.

For me, it was the credibility of the person who bestowed wisdom on me more than what was stated. Throughout my life, I have been given bits of advice from people who I didn’t trust and who believed that they were “helping” me out. Helping someone who they considered to be less important than them. I did listen but took it for what it was. Sometimes, it’s what isn’t said as well as the credibility of the person.

My Mom would encourage me to trust my intuition and to learn to listen to my inner voice from who I could trust to what actions if anything that I should take. Oddly, my sister who believes herself to be the intellectual type who relies on her smarts with the available resources. But, for me, trusting my gut feeling along with lived experiences has also provided wisdom.

In closing, discernment of advice and information given is as credible as the one giving it. Use your knowledge, experience and intuition to make the best decision for you.

Yours Truly,

Leslie Elizabeth David.