KEEP THE OLD WARM

There is a character in a animated television show that is truly wise. The show is Avatar the Last Air-bender and the character is Uncle Iroh. He is the wisest figure in the show, helping many along the way and going from ruthless general and conqueror to humane, gentle, wise, and empathetic teacher of younger heroes. Here are a few of his memorable quotes:

“Failure is only the opportunity to begin again. Only this time, more wisely.” ― Uncle Iroh

What is failure? The time to stop, give up, dwell on the failure? No! It is time to learn and keep going with wisdom of how you failed and how to succeed next time.

“Good times become good memories, but bad times become good lessons.”

Again, success is a good memory, but bad times, failure, are good lessons. A failure is always a blessing of wisdom in disguise.

“It’s time for you to look inward, and start asking yourself the big questions. Who are you? And what do you want?”

Have you reached a point of your life where you must begin to live? Have you wandered aimless and lost for many years? Now is the time to look inside and listen to your heart which alone knows what you need and what you want.

“Pride is not the opposite of shame, but its source. True humility is the antidote to shame.”

One of my favorites. When we double down on pride, and choose it over humility, only shame comes, again and again and again. Only when we choose humility, admit our faults and embrace them, does shame depart and enable us to live on and learn.

“It is usually best to admit mistakes when they occur, and to seek to restore honor.”

A time tested lesson; when you admit mistakes, own up to them then and there. Do not hide them, flee from them, or deny them. Step into the light and admit your mistake. This will allow you to restore honor, and even grow greater in your own eyes and others.

“You must never give in to despair. Allow yourself to slip down that road and you surrender to your lowest instincts. In the darkest times hope is something you give yourself. That is the meaning of inner strength.”

Despair is hard to fathom. It is near the end of the road without hope in sight. Do not give in. Resist. You will not like where it takes you or the person you start to become. Instead, in that storm, give yourself hope. Find it. Let the Old keep you warm with its wisdom and understanding. There, in the quite moments of darkness, is where you will see true light.

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Characters in any show or movie can teach us something valuable. Uncle Iroh was always one of my favorites because of his wisdom, joy, humor, and so much more. I hope you’re able to learn some from of your favorite characters too. If you want to see Iroh in action, give the show a watch! I can guarantee a great ending too 🙂