 Photo: Freepik.com "Wisdom is not a product of schooling, but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it." ~ Albert Einstein When I was younger, I used to enjoy reading advice columns in our local papers. One interesting piece I would often ponder was that, quite often, the writer already knew the answer to his or her dilemma. Perhaps simply a new perspective or validation was what the writer was seeking. Each case is different, but seeking wisdom on how to respond to various situations is certainly commendable. Early in my career journey, I was employed as a social worker at the Salvation Army. In this role, I counseled people who were in the strongholds of, or in recovery from, drug and alcohol addiction. Week after week, I imparted advice and strategies to clients, seeking to empower them to overcome their serious issues with substances. I was invested in their recovery and partnered with them to see their lives changed for the better. Through this experience, and my many years as a teacher, I have gathered insights about wisdom that I would like to share. Let’s dig a little deeper together. Wisdom Listens Before It Speaks Photo: Freepik.com Before we can truly help someone, we need to attentively listen to their story and get a good handle on what the situation is and where the problems lie. Jumping into problem-solving prematurely is very counterproductive to both the speaker and the listener. It opens us up to misunderstanding and frustration if it feels that what someone is saying to us is not being understood. Wise people listen well and share guidance at the appropriate time. There are times when listening only could be the best option. People are at different stages of needing help, so being very sensitive to people sharing their hearts is essential. I have been blessed to have several people share parts of their story with me that they have never shared with anyone. I feel honoured that they trust me and want to always maintain an atmosphere of comfort and safety so they can share freely. Listening with our hearts, not just our ears, does that. Wise People Apply What They Hear Photo: Freepik.com The most productive people do more than just listen to great advice. They actually take it to heart and apply it to their lives. Decision-making can be challenging. Seeking input from others who have walked a similar path to you can be so helpful. They can share their success tips and help you avoid pitfalls they experienced. When seeking wisdom from others, be very open-minded and attentive. Expect to acquire tools that will empower you to take positive steps to change your life. Actions speak louder than words. Just listening to advice does nothing to move the needle for your problem-solving. Take messy action. Take the first step. You do not have to do everything perfectly. Many aspects of life change are works in progress. Believe in yourself. You are not confused. You are figuring this out little by little, and you can do it! Counsel Is Meant to Refine Us, Not Just Comfort Us Photo: Freepik.com When seeking counsel, envision yourself on the other side of your struggles. It is a very powerful visualization strategy. I would often tell my friends and clients that I would chat with that someday the challenges they are experiencing will one day be an inspiration to others. At times they found this hard to believe but time after time this was the case if they were willing to do the hard work needed. People can rise above their struggles and be a role model to others. When seeking advice and wisdom from others, be very proactive in your approach. Believe that this process will really change you and your situations from this day forward. Wisdom requires teachability. Seek wise counsel and soak up what they have to share with you. Go with a notepad and pen and record the strategies you will use. Be accountable. Check back with updates and record your progress. Trust me. When you are serious about change, your story will be a beacon of hope for others someday. Call to action:
Until next time, Dana
Tags: wisdom, life lessons, personal growth, advice, listening skills, problem solving, decision making, social work, recovery, mentorship, self improvement, empowerment, teachability, guidance, personal development, motivation, growth mindset, positive changeCopyright: littlelessonslearnedbydana, © 2025
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 Photo by Nubia Navarro at Pexels.com “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” When we think of gifts that money can't buy, integrity may not be something that comes immediately to mind. Integrity is not something that you can see, but it is something that speaks volumes about a person. It is the reputation that a person has established. It is the ability to live your life with honour and respect, choosing to do the correct thing even when it is not in the public eye. My parents taught me the value of integrity from an early age. I can remember many times where they would let a salesperson know that they were given too much change, or they would go the extra mile with any and all tasks they were given. My mom had a quote she would always say, which was, “Any job worth doing is worth doing right.” Both her and my dad prided themselves in being the kind of people who would move Heaven and Earth to be there for people in their time of need. They even had a name for their missions work called Through the Roof Ministries. It was based on the Bible story where a group of believers lowered their friend through a roof to access Jesus and His healing touch in a busy place. They, too, wanted to do whatever they could to ensure that people were taken care of. My mom and dad did not brag or flaunt their actions but, on occasion, would tell me and my siblings what they did as examples of integrity for us to follow. They were such incredible role models for Judy, Matt, and I. I recall one time when some friends came from the church to visit my parents. This couple was having serious financial difficulties, and my parents had already blessed them with an anonymous gift of money. They came to tell my parents how touched they were to have received this anonymous gift from someone very generous, but they shared that although it helped, it still did not meet their need entirely. My parents, without missing a beat, wrote them another cheque on the spot, never ever indicating that they were the original donors. I never forgot that story, and it was my parents’ desire that this couple never know that they had indeed been blessed twice by them.  Photo by Sai Krishna at Pexels.com Integrity mattersIt is true, as the quote says, that integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. The truth of the matter is that even when no human is watching, God is always watching. He sees what we do and what we don't do. I want to live my life to make Him proud and to represent Him well. As a Christ follower, I desire to ask myself in various scenarios, “What would Jesus do?” Do I get it spot on each and every time? Of course not. I am only human, of course, but living my life with integrity is how I was raised, and it is the way I want to present myself to the world. I teach this to my students as well, sharing many life lessons and teachable moments on kindness, respect, mutuality, reputation, and integrity. As we move through this busy season, let’s pause and ask ourselves: Am I living in a way that aligns with who I say I am? Integrity is built one small choice at a time. Choose honesty. Choose faithfulness. Choose to be the same person in private that you are in public. Call to Action
Until next time, Dana Copyright: littlelessonslearnedbydana, © 2025
 Photo by NastyaSensei at Pexels.com In church today, we talked about finding peace at Christmas. It was so fitting, as peace is next on the list of the 12 Things That Money Can’t Buy series. Something that really resonated with me was when our pastor explained the difference between a peacekeeper and a peacemaker. As similar as they may sound, they actually are quite different. Let’s take a closer look at both, shall we? Peacekeepers Photo by Sofia Alejandra at Pexels.com People who strive to be peacekeepers are always trying to smooth the waters and keep situations under control. These people aim to keep everyone calm and content, but that is often at the expense of ignoring the true issues. At times it may seem their role is more of a referee, than problem solver. Peacekeepers try to put out fires with Band-Aid solutions, tread softly, and tell themselves that “picking your battles” each time is the best choice. Confrontation is awkward and uncomfortable for peacekeepers, so they prefer to at times do the minimum needed to “keep the peace,” which often includes not bringing up the hard or sensitive issues. While this may work for a brief time, the problem lies in that, often with this type of approach, the issues are still very raw under the surface and do not receive the attention they need. Let’s look at the alternative, the peacemakers. Peacemakers Photo by Timur Weber at Pexels.com Peacemakers are very different from peacekeepers. It has been said that peacekeepers avoid conflict, but peacemakers transform it. For the peacemaker, they realize that things probably have to get worse before they get better, and they are willing to do the work and take that risk. Peacemakers aren’t troublemakers. They are actually very brave. They have realized that peace isn’t the absence of conflict, but instead they know that it is the presence of truth, grace, and resolution. It takes a lot of time and energy to be a peacemaker. It can get messy, uncomfortable, and awkward, but peacemakers keep the end goal in sight, knowing that the hard conversations will pay off in the end. Relationships that are essential to you deserve that type of time and attention to keep them healthy and thriving. Without the qualities of a peacemaker, resentment, bitterness, and anger can set in, and those attributes are toxic to vital relationships. Where do you see yourself? So, would you say that you are a peacekeeper, peacemaker, or a bit of both? Truth be told, I see now that many times when I thought I was doing the right thing, I was really just peacekeeping. No wonder the same issues kept coming up over and over again. This sermon was a real eye-opener for me, and I hope the topics discussed hit home with you as well. Regardless of where you fall on the continuum, the truth of the matter is that really finding peace this season, first and foremost comes from having a relationship with Jesus. I heard a lesson in Sunday School which simplifies it very well: No Jesus – No Peace, or Know Jesus – Know Peace. That is it in a nutshell. Very straightforward indeed. My friends, we don’t know what the future holds, but we know that with Jesus by our side, we can ride the waves together. We will never be alone, and that in itself brings peace. Call to Action
I am wishing you heavenly peace this season and always. Until next time, Dana Copyright: littlelessonslearnedbydana, © 2025
Tags: FindingTruePeace, PeacekeepersVsPeacemakers, ChristmasPeace, FaithAndPeace, ChristianLiving, RelationshipsMatter, PeaceThisSeason, KnowJesusKnowPeace, SpiritualGrowth, HeartLessons, LittleLessonsLearnedbyDana Photo by Elina Fairytale at Pexels.com "Laughter is the best medicine." What is it about a mutual laugh shared between friends or family that can turn around even the darkest of days? Laughter is such a healing balm that bonds all kinds of people and helps them regain perspective, clear their minds, and get them back on track in general. So where do we find these pockets of joy? Listen up, everyone, because I have some great locations for you to look that will surely get you giggling.  Photo by Helena Lopes at Pexels.com Funny FriendsWhen I need a good laugh, I have several friends who meet that need in a big way. These particular friends at times don't even try to be funny, but they get me going with tears of laughter every time. The world needs more of those types of people ASAP. If you have some friends like that, consider yourself blessed. These humorous peeps are not stress-free but have found the value of being able to see the lighter side of things, and for them in many ways, it truly has been their secret to success. I strive to be more like them because it is a truly wonderful way to live your life.  Click here for an excerpt from the book. Funny KidsIf you are new here, you may not know that I have been an elementary school teacher for over 20 years. It is hard to believe that I am two years from retirement, and it will be here before you know it. I have so many funny stories from my years as a teacher that I am compiling them all in a book that is due to be out next year, called Chuckles and Chalk Dust: Stories From the Classroom to Warm Your Heart and Make You Smile. If you are interested in snagging a copy when it is published, please fill out the button below, and I will gladly add you to the waitlist. A funny story that happened this week was tied to a drawing that a student gave me. We had been talking about healthy eating, and he drew me a picture of two beautiful and detailed cakes—one on the back of the paper and one on the front. I commented on how lovely the cakes were, but that I am trying to eat healthy. He said, “No worries. One is 500 calories and the other is 0 calories. Make your choice.” I laughed out loud because he knows that I am trying to eat healthy, so he sure covered all bases.  Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash Funny TV Shows and MoviesTo lighten your heart, a great strategy is to tune into your favourite funny TV shows or movies. My favourite laugh-out-loud show is Everybody Loves Raymond. This show is so relatable, and I am always guaranteed to feel better than I did before pressing play on the remote with this hilarious show. I encourage you to tune into this show or other lighthearted comedic shows or movies. It is so therapeutic to look at the funny side of life as often as possible. I know that this season brings an endless To-Do List, but be sure to pencil in time for laughter. Your soul needs it. Call to action:
Until next time, Here’s to lots of smiles and belly laughs! Dana
Tags: laughter is the best medicine, find the funny, joyful moments, holiday hustle, humor, lighten up, choose joy, daily faith and joy, Little Lessons Learned by Dana, spread joy, Christmas cheer, life lessons, find the good, joy in the journey, simple joys, healing through humor |
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