15 Times the Irish Gave Us the Best Life Advice

• Posted on March 11, 2016
• by Michelle Doetsch
• in Health and Wellness
• Comments Off on 15 Times the Irish Gave Us the Best Life Advice

I may be biased but I think my Irish ancestors had some pretty awesome ideas when it comes to health, stress, and just life in general. Since St. Paddy’s Day is less than a week away, I thought this was the perfect time to share some of my favorites.

Irish Wisdom Mixed With Wit

The Irish have had more than their share of hard times. But there’s a hard won wisdom that comes with persevering through and overcoming difficulty.  Now, one of the best ways to persevere is through humor, and the Irish have certainly got humor in spades. This mix of wit with wisdom makes the lessons a bit more palatable for everyone.

Since no one can turn a phrase quite like the Irish, I’m not going to paraphrase anything. I’m going to let them tell you in their own words:

1. “A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything.” ~Irish Proverb
2. “Don’t break your shin on a stool that is not in your way.” ~Irish Proverb
3. “A light heart lives long.” ~Irish Proverb
4. “A dog owns nothing, yet is seldom dissatisfied.” ~Irish Proverb
5. “A silent mouth is sweet to hear.” ~Irish Proverb
6. “A kind word never broke anyone’s mouth.” ~Irish Proverb
7. “True strength lies in gentleness.” ~Irish Proverb
8. “It’s no use carrying an umbrella if your shoes are leaking” ~Irish Proverb
9. “Life is like a cup of tea, it’s all in how you make it.” ~Irish Proverb
10. “Time is a great storyteller.” ~Irish Proverb
11. “A scholar’s ink lasts longer than a martyr’s blood.” ~Irish Proverb
12. “A trout in the pot is better than a salmon in the sea.” ~Irish Proverb
13. “Face the sun, but turn your back to the storm.” ~Irish Proverb
14. “The wearer knows best where the shoe pinches.” ~Irish Proverb
15. “There is often the look of an angel on the devil himself.” ~Irish Proverb

One last thing: The Irish term for whiskey is uisce beatha, which translates as “water of life.” I can think of no better proof of their wisdom than that.

Happy St. Paddy’s Day.

Please indulge responsibly on the 17th and share this post before then. If you don’t, the leprechaun’s will make rude noises behind you in a crowd then disappear so you get the blame.