This repost is for those of us who tend to take life too seriously and find ourselves over-reacting or being way too earnest.
Today is a good day to lighten up. All right, so every day is…
Here is a story by Benjamin Zander taken from his book The Art of Possibility.
“Two Prime ministers were sitting in a room discussing affairs of state. Suddenly a man bursts in, apoplectic with fury, shouting and stamping and banging his fist on the desk. The resident prime minister admonishes him: “Peter,” he says, “kindly remember Rule Number 6,” whereupon Peter is instantly restored to complete calm, apologizes, and withdraws.
The politicians return to their conversation, only to be interrupted yet again twenty minutes later by an hysterical woman gesticulating wildly, her hair flying. Again the intruder is greeted with the words: “Marie, please remember Rule Number 6.” Complete calm descends once more, and she too withdraws with a bow and an apology.
When the scene is repeated for a third time, the visiting prime minister addresses his colleague: “My dear friend, I’ve seen many things in my life, but never anything as remarkable as this. Would you be willing to share with me the secret of this Rule Number 6?” “Very simple,” replies the resident prime minister. “Rule Number 6 is ‘Don’t take yourself so damn seriously.’”
“Ah,” says his visitor, “that is a fine rule.” After a moment of pondering, he inquires, “And what, may I ask, are the other rules?” … “There aren’t any.”
When we apply Rule Number 6 at work, at home and in life, we find our Middle Ground.
Love it!
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(Smile) thank you!!
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Wisdom. Thank you for sharing it.
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Thank you Russ 🙂
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Great post thanks for the reminder 🙂
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Thank you Neha .. Gentle reminders nourish the soul 🙂
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They do 🙂 ❤
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I had the pleasure of seeing Ben Zander speak. I still feel the power of his authenticity. If someone said that you would be in a room of 3000 type A executives, and all of them would be standing on their chairs singing Ode to Joy at the top of their lungs, in German, would you believe them?
Anything is possible!
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Thanks for the share Ian! I also saw him at an ICF conference … Singing our heart out and really meaning it is so uplifting to us all 🙂
I will always remember his rendition of one buttock piano playing. Always be ready to play from one buttock so you can reach, expand and respond to possibilities!
xo
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Love the book…
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I agree David – Lots of gems!
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Brilliant!
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Thank you Julie 🙂
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I love rule number 6 Val! I’m amazed at how often I forget it though. 😉
Diana xo
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The best rules usually need gentle reminding …. For me its funny how its the rules I resist that tend to stick with m!
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Excellent! Great share, Val.
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Thought you’d enjoy Nancy!😜
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Very good advice Val.
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Thanks Kath! Keep smiling 😎
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Great reminder…thanks, Val!
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Thanks Jill 😁
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One of my favorite stories from Mr. Zander about my favorite rule! Thank you for this wonderful reminder!
😉
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Thank you for enjoying it with me. I feel the need to lighten up a bit myself this week!
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Love this! I do need this rule in my life, but totally love that there aren’t any rules 1-5!!
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It is a quirky one isn’t it. Get our attention and brings a smile 🙂 Go for it Kate!
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Thanks so much for this motivating post!
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Thank you Maria for being here and enjoying it with me!
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Val…I do not know of him…and I am grateful for the suggestion 🙂 Hope all is super wonderful. I will apply rule #6 this week…I’ve a feeling it is divine timing!!! 😉 ❤
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We know when it is time Lorrie 😉 … Have a wonderful week with a light heart!
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Good advice! ❤
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Hahaha!!
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I love it too! Not taking ourselves and our life too serious is the best advice there is on those days where swan dived off the cliffs of worry.
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Take care with this dives Lisa! xo
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That’s a fantastic rule! And now it’s easy to remember too 🙂
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Number six sticks 🙂 thanks Tiny!
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That’s a fantastic rule!
Val, today I have nominated you for a five day challenge to post a photo and story for five days.
Don’t feel you have to take up the challenge, but I wanted to take the opportunity to acknowledge your support for me.
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Wow – thank you so much Elizabeth! I can’t commit to take up the challenge but I am honored for the nomination 😎
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Yes! Every home and workplace could post this rule. 😉
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Agreed! Thank you Eliza 💛
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What a great story! And good advice.
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Thank you Fiona 🎈
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I like that rule! And it’s one I need to follow more closely!
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I think most of us appreciate the reminder! Thank you Ann 💛
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Lovely post, nothing like a bitta motivation to end your working day.
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So glad it helped end your day well 😊
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Very worthy advice and yes so true, one must surely realize when dealing with yourself and with other people.
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Love it!!!
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Glad it resonated Chrissy 💕
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😊❤
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Rule number 6! Never take life too serious. Thanks for sharing this.
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Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by 💛
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