What does it mean to be Wise?

What is the definition of wise?

Wise is a tasty potato chip. 

I’m not wise. I don’t have it all figured out. Even after 50-plus years.

I have moments of clarity that are full of wisdom. But they are wedged between displays of stupidity. Even geniuses have moments of total stupidity.

I’m still learning. Still make mistakes. And still repeat mistakes (last week’s hangover is proof). And I would be lying if I said I would never repeat them. And repeating mistakes, my friends, makes me far from wise.

Here’s another tidbit. Anyone who describes themselves as wise is full of shit.

Are you still reading this?

Ok, I’ll reward you with a few words of wisdom:

• You can’t control everything. That goes double for people – the more you try to control them, the less control you gain. Slap yourself in the face when you exhibit controlling behavior.
• Do not make decisions based on fear. Grow a pair.
• Don’t tap dance in a minefield, literally or figuratively.
• Start saving for retirement now. It’s OK to skip some contributions to the fund during periods when income dries up. The younger you are, the more breaks you can take.
• Learn to like yourself. It will take the loneliness out of the times you spend alone.
• Be grateful for what you have. Kick yourself in the ass when you hear yourself whine.
• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. You learn more from mistakes than you do from successes.
• Follow or ignore my advice, just as I do. Remember, I’m not wise. I’m full of shit.

But I am one of the happiest people I know.