We’ve all been there…the victims of being subjected to unsolicited advice from friends, family and strangers. Every now and then, it sticks. I love when someone drops a truth bomb on you that makes you stop and utter: “WHHOOOAAAA” for five straight seconds.
This happened to me when recently, after bellyaching to a trusted source about how some crazily-dressed rando on Instagram told me that I “wear too many boring colours and I should…blah blah blah”. My friend looked at me, looked at that rando’s own Instagram account and told me firmly: “Never take advice from someone you wouldn’t trade places with.” That truth bomb will stick with me forever.
I took to my Instagram stories and YouTube Community Feed to ask you all what was the best advice you have ever received and got some stellar responses. Here are those that made the cut:
If you can’t find a job, make one for yourself.
“Don’t put spoiled milk back in the fridge and expect it to be fresh again.” – referring to exes (there’s a reason he or she is now an ex)
Be obsessed with greatness.
Perfect is good. Done is better.
Whenever someone speaks negatively of you, consider the source.
What you think of me is none of my business.
Manners can take you further in life than money can.
After a setback, put a time limit on feeling bad, then MOVE ON. Love this one!
Don’t let someone else’s crazy become your crazy. And on that note… “Your emergency is not my urgency!”
You’ll miss out on a whole lot waiting for other people to be ready. Don’t be afraid to do things alone. Love this and a personal mantra of mine.
Wear sunscreen!
Life happens when you’re busy making plans. Cherish every moment and don’t overthink things.
When people show you who they are, believe them.
If your ship doesn’t come in, swim out to it.
Know your value and worth at all times.
A family member once told me: “You need two kinds of money. “Walking around money” and “running away money.” – and always keep them separate.
It’s ok to be selfish with your time.
Don’t f*ck with people you don’t know!!!!
Before sending an angry email, sleep on it first.
Sometimes, it’s okay to quit. Quitting is good!
Shut your mouth and listen more often.
Trust, but verify.
Do no harm, but take no sh*t.
I really loved each and every response I got! This was definitely one of the most fun posts I have ever written. A big thank you to each and every one of you who wrote in!
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received? Please share in the comments…
Dominique is a Canadian-based fashion and beauty influencer with a strong voice in Ottawa’s black community. Since launching her blog Style Domination in 2015, she has amassed a global fanbase. Dominique shares her life through beautiful imagery and compelling story-telling that speaks to her fans on a personal level. She’s been featured in The Guardian, Flare, The Kit and Cityline. She also hosts events for Dress for Success, the Gem Conference, and has been named a United Way Person 2 Know for the past three years.
Great post, Dom. My favourite quotes of all time are
“Be yourself, everyone else is already taken”-Oscar Wilde
“Watch my dust.”-Dorothy Parker, a legendary writer with great wit and a sharp tongue – check out the movie “Dorothy Parker and the Vicious Circle”
“Follow your bliss.”-Joseph Campbell
“I am enough.”-Brené Brown
My own: Be gentle with yourself. Self-love and self-care are important.
And I try to live by all of those.
Author
Ahhh! I love those, Michelle…especially “Be gentle with yourself.” Really lovely! Thanks for contributing xoxox
I have 2 pieces of advice that stick with me. Feel the fear and do it anyways and your life is always on time.
Author
Oh wow! I love that! Thank you, Ruth!
Years ago, I printed out Desiderata and stuck it where I could see it every day. I had the best advice for life I have ever found together in one place. “You are a child of the universe; no doubt the world is unfolding as it should.”
Author
Ooooh. I need to look this up! Thank you, Kathryn…and thanks for reading! xo
Love this!
Which family member said the walking around money and running away money??? LOL. Love that one.
Author
Heyyyyyy! ERPHO!!! Thanks so much for reading! Feeling pretty special right now! I’m sorry – I should have clarified that. An IG follower of mine submitted that. Her family member told her that… I just copied and pasted!
These are great pieces of advice, especially the last one.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
This headline got me intrigued – and I was not disappointed!
Love the topic and all the advice. especially the “Know your value and worth at all times.”
lots of love, Miri | Meet Miri
Author
Thanks, Miri! That advice has served me well with my blogging!
Don’t eat a yard of anybody’s shit just to get to their ass..
Author
That one hits home!!
OMG! This article just made my day. Thank you thank you thank you!!! I was searching and searching on the internet some advice on how to deal with negative people or people who constantly judge you and gossip on you for no reason. And here I am, in one post I got my answers, I feel so much better… helpful quotes. I will write down a couple and look at them when needed 😊
Below are two French quotes I like:
“La beauté commence au moment où vous décidez d’être vous même.” – Coco Chanel
Translation: “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.”
“La vie ce n’est pas d’attendre que les orages passent, c’est d’apprendre comment danser sous la pluie.” – Sénèque
Translation: “Life isn’t about waiting for the end of the storms. It’s about to learn how to dance in the rain.”
Author
Loving these additional quotes of yours. They are bang on! And I’m so glad you found my article. I loved writing it and the feedback I’ve gotten about it resonating with so many fills my heart!