I Will Seek Wisdom

After seeing the discussion generated from my “The Buck Stops Here” post, I thought I wold continue posting the rest of the excerpts from the book The Traveler’s Gift. These excerpts are the 7 life decisions given to the main character in the book in letter form from various historical figures throughout time, which he met during his magical journey. The author Andy Andrews feels these seven decisions are the key to personal success and happiness.  I poster the first decision, and so here’s the second.

The first time I read this book I knew hardly anything about Buddhism, and It’s been interesting how the message I find in these words has changed since my perspective on life and living have changed over the course of my personal spiritual journey.

I’d love to hear your personal take on this and what message or meaning you find within.

(Excerpt From The Traveler’s Gift by Andy Andrews)

I will seek wisdom.

Knowing that wisdom waits to be gathered, I will actively search her out. My past can never be changed, but I can change the future by changing my actions today. I will change my actions today! I will train my eyes and ears to read and listen to books and recordings that bring about positive changes in my personal relationships and a greater understanding of my fellow man. No longer will I bombard my mind with materials that feed my doubts and fears. I will read and listen only to that which increases my belief in myself and my future.

I will seek wisdom. I will choose my friends with care.

I am who my friends are. I speak their language, and I wear their clothes. I share their opinions and their habits. From this moment forward, I will choose to associate with people whose lives and lifestyles I admire. If I associate with chickens, I will learn to scratch at the ground and squabble over crumbs. If I associate with eagles, I will learn to soar great heights. I am an eagle. It is my destiny to fly.

I will seek wisdom. I will listen to the counsel of wise men.

The words of a wise man are like raindrops on dry ground. They are precious and quickly used for immediate results. Only the blade of grass that catches a raindrop will prosper and grow. The person who ignores wise counsel is like the blade of grass untouched by the rain—soon to wither and die. When I counsel with myself, I can only make decisions according to what I already know. By counseling with a wise man, I add his knowledge and experience to my own and dramatically increase my success.

I will seek wisdom. I will be a servant to others.

A wise man will cultivate a servant’s spirit, for that particular attribute attracts people like no other. As I humbly serve others, their wisdom will be freely shared with me. Often, the person who develops a servant’s spirit becomes wealthy beyond measure. Many times, a servant has the ear of the king, and a humble servant becomes king for he is the popular choice of the people. He who serves the most grows the fastest.

I will become a humble servant.

I will not look for someone to open my door—I will look to open the door for someone. I will not be distressed when no one is available to help me—I will be excited when I am available to help.

I will be a servant to others.

I will listen to the counsel of wise men.

I will choose my friends with care.

I will seek wisdom.