Happy National Read Across America Day, friends! The future teacher in me is already thinking about what I will be doing a few years from now. 😉 Read Across America Day is all thanks to the birthday of one of the coolest authors to ever exist: Dr. Seuss! There are so many lessons to be learned from this man, and how great it is that we get to start hearing his wise words from such a young age.
Sure, I am into the Nicholas Sparks and John Green extremely sappy love stories because, I don’t know, I love love? But, Dr Seuss has such a simple way of saying some of life’s most challenging lessons. John Green once said, “Reading forces you to be quiet in a world that no longer makes place for that.” In the chaos of this world, when we get caught up in our mistake and our troubles, we can find peace when we sit down and ready thoughts on a page.. I think that’s why God made a book.
Now, here are the top 10 things that I have learned through Dr. Seuss!
#1
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
If you are passionate about something and want to change the world, DO IT. There is nothing holding you back. If you really do want to do it, you can! Nothing will change if you just sit back, waiting on the world to change it.
#2
“You’ll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut.”
Open your eyes! Look at the world around you and enjoy your life. Do not keep your eyes behind a phone, computer or tablet screen all day. Don’t be so worried about saving the picture, but focus on being in the moment. Keep your eyes open, see how beautiful the world is and how blessed you are. He also says this: “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” Be there. Enjoy it. Value who you are with and what is happening, because this is your life and you only get one shot to live it.
#3
“You’ll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You’ll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that life’s a great balancing act.”
You are going to meet so many people in this life. You must remember that everyone has a purpose, everyone wants to be loved, and everyone was made by God. Step carefully into their life and be the person that everyone wants to be friends with. Be kind, be open, and be positive toward everyone you meet. Find your balance and never be too focused on one single thing.
#4
“Only you can control your future.”
You are in charge! Do what you need to do to succeed and reach your goals. Nobody else can reach them for you, only yourself! It is up to you what you do and how you do it, what is important is that you get up and do it.
#5
“Teeth are always in style.”
I LOVE THIS. Smile, friends!! Life is so good and your adorable smile can brighten so many people’s day. Plus, it looks great on you.
#6
“Everything stinks, till it’s finished.”
Think about how great it is to finish something after a great battle. Think about how great it feels to overcome hurdles. Thing about the everlasting life that we get after we stay strong in our faith. At the end, it is so worth it… Just like the glass of chocolate milk you get to drink after a workout.
#7
“Be who you are and say what you mean, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”
You are who you are, your ideas are your own, your beliefs only belong to you. You do not need to be accepted by everyone and you do not need the approval of the world to be you. Speak up for what you believe in.
#8
“It’s a troublesome world. All the people who’re in it are troubled with troubles almost every minute. You ought to be thankful. A whole heaping lot. For the places and people you’re lucky you’re not.”
Took a shower this morning? Ate breakfast? Have the opportunity to go to school? There are so many people around the country and around world who do not get to do any of those things. Be grateful and thankful, pray for those who do not have the little things, and know that you are so blessed.
#9
“I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it’s a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope.”
Find joy in the reality. Allow your brain to go to new places and dream of new things. Look through the wrong end of the telescope, because it isn’t about where the world is looking, it is about where you are.
#10
“It’s better to know how to learn than to know.”
Be always learning. Keep you mind open to growing and learning about yourself, about the world, about Jesus Christ. Keep an open mind and experience all that you can, because wow, there is so much to see and even more to learn.
#11, for extra credit, because I had to save the best for last.
“Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. So, love the people who treat you right, forgive the ones who don’t and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said it’d be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.”
What beautiful, beautiful words.
Dr. Seuss was rejected over a dozen times before he finally got his first book published. Now, look how worth it the difficulties were. If that doesn’t tell you to never give up, I don’t know what will. Oh, the places you’ll go.
Love always,
Mads ❤
Love Always 