Twelfth Day of Sock Yarn

On the Twelfth Day of Sock Yarn, Simply Sock Yarn gave to meeeeee......

a $100 gift certificate to the shop for THREE people!

To have a chance to win one of three gift certificates to SSYC, simply answer the following question

What's one of the best pieces of advice you've been given? Perhaps you read something that really resonated in a book, or want to share a funny saying from your Grandmother. Or maybe it's a piece of knitting advice? Do share!

“If you want to know how important you are to the world, stick your finger in a pond and pull it out. Will the hole remain?” Woah, right? Maya Angelou's words found me at the right time in my life, and they forever changed me for the better.

And then there's another one from my friend Jodie, who said "Don't pick up that s*!t" As in, don't ask questions you don't want the answer to, or don't take on someone else's drama. Leave that poo on the ground and walk right around it.

That's a wrap, folks! It's been a joy to read your comments and learn more about you in our yarny celebration. Thank you for sharing your lives with all of us, and I hope you'll continue coming back to the blog a few times a week to connect, see what we're up to in the shop, or just say Hi. That is, after we are back from holiday break.... b/c there won't be any new posts until after Jan 4 because we're closed til then!

I'll randomly choose the winners and e-mail them and do a blog post here sometime in January. Since we are closed for the holidays until Jan 4, it's likely to be later in January. Some years I don't find time til February, but I always announce the winners here in a blog post.

Full details of the 12 Days of Sock Yarn contest can be found here. If you have any trouble entering the contest, just e-mail service@simplysockyarn.com with your comments and I'll add you to the contests when it's time to randomly choose the winners.

Comments

[Dana Snyder]

The best advice I got was to go to college! My parents didn’t get to and my dad wanted to make sure we had all the opportunities he didn’t. I was also able to travel in Europe at a young age and was able to figure out what I wanted to study! My neighbor went to France and that’s where I heard of the travel abroad chances! Also was advised to apply to be a Rotary Exchange student! The best year I ever had!

[Julie]

The best advice I ever received was to stop trying to change others. You only have the opportunity to change yourself and the way you react towards someone else. Allow someone else to be the person they choose to be.

[Kathy]

Buy a house with a lock on the bedroom door.

[Bonney]

The advice I try to remember when I'm pulled in a million directions is that you're not as important as you think you are. You aren't responsible for everyone's happiness. That always helps me take a breath.

[Bev white]

There is no wrong way to knit. Only 2 stitches used and if you're happy with what you do with them you're doing it right.

[Kris LaVenia]

I have received lots of great advice over the years, but the things that stand out in my memory as I type this are:

"Worrying is just meditating on sh*t" and it has helped me let go (or relax at least) on some of those things that I can get all uptight/worried/upset about but really cannot control or change.

Another piece of advice is that when I want to take on more (e.g., new project, new responsibilities at work/more responsibilities at work, new degree, having a child, etc.) is that I need to think about what I'm willing to give up because you can't just keep adding to the "to-do" list without letting go of something.

Finally - knitting advice that helps is "it's only yarn" and that was so liberating! When I realized that I can frog, or even just put down and walk away from a project that's not going well - and nobody is going to suffer! It's supposed to be fun...and it's just loops of yarn...nothing to get too stressed about.

[Lynne]

Something my father used to say to me when I was growing up--and doing something clumsy: "Be deliberate."

[Filomena Hack]

Take a breath and relax before answering in anger. You cannot change the person but can change your approach. And yes you most certainly can knit all the things.

[Megan]

The best advice I got was from a truly excellent college professor, which was to stop diminishing myself to make other people like me.

It was in the context of not being afraid to speak up in class when I knew more and/or understood more, even if other students were older. It happened that I’d been told over and over by my primary/secondary school teachers that I made other students feel bad when I understood something quicker than they did, so I’d basically learned to pretend I was less intelligent and less knowledgeable.

I’m now conscious of that when I teach others— you can teach skills for speaking diplomatically and empathy and so on, but no one should have to pretend to be less than who they are.

[Tracey]

My dad always said measure twice and cut once. I always use it as to completely understand what I am doing before beginning. It seems simple but has saved me such heartache.

[Karen]

People who are unkind to us are probably afraid of something. If we try to see that and take minute to reflect before acting or speaking, then we are less likely to react in an unkind manner ourselves. Sometimes our own kindness can turn those people around.

Discretion is the better part of valor.

[Lisa]

No is a complete sentence. I was working a lot of hours and my employers wanted me to work extra. My coworker said "No is a complete sentence" It made me realize I could say 'no' and it was ok.

[Linda]

"You make your own happiness." I don't know where I first heard this, but it has helped me to keep positive when things aren't going the way I wanted, or imagined. If I'm not happy, what do I need to do to be happy? Sometimes it's quitting a job, moving, calling a friend, or frogging a knitting project. Whatever it takes.

[Rose Birchall]

Take time for yourself.

[julie]

This isn't really advice but it is a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt that I love and try to live by "You must do the thing you think you cannot do."
Happy Holidays to all! Thanks for the fun contest Allison!

[Aimee]

When I was little, my dad told me to always throw the first punch. I was very small growing up and he wanted me to be able to protect myself but I’ve applied this to my entire life. Maybe not technically throwing a punch but making the first move or being the first to try something new.

[Julie]

The best advice I’ve ever gotten is that I am not responsible for other people’s feelings. What I mean is that I can make choices, decisions, boundaries for myself, and if other people don’t like them, it’s not my responsibility to alter those choices in order to make other people happy.
For knitting advice, at the beginning of my knitting journey the person who taught me to knit told me there’s no pattern too difficult for me to knit; I can knit anything. While I haven’t always been a fearless knitter, I try to remember that advice when I’m feeling overwhelmed and trying something new.

[Sarah]

From my mom: bring others up to your level. Don’t go down to theirs. (Aka surround yourself with others that bring out the best in you and hopefully you do the same with your company.

From a professor: money is like closet space. You’re going to use what you have

From a podcast I think?: most emergencies aren’t (aka relax. Most things are truly not as urgent or worth getting worked up over)

[AllisonLiuzzi]

When I was young and struggling with math, my dad and I used to work on it together at the dining room table. He’d tell me, “Just take things one step at a time.” Simple advice, but it later got me through a math major and, now, a job where I work with math all the time.

[Carol Rice]

I have gotten a lot of advice over the years, some good, some not so applicable, but all of it worth considering. One of the best, by far has been "Don't blame the next one for what the last one did." This same person also pointed out that "Hate is not the opposite of love, indifference is." These words have shaped a lot of my thought.

[Sara Moening]

I don't know where I heard this or read it but great advice: God picked you to be your child's parent. Trust yourself because He picked you and your child to be together.
Best advice I got as a new mom.
Merry Christmas!

[Teresa Knittingdancer]

Be on time wherever you go.

[Nancy]

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

[staci]

When a project/problem seems too big, break it down into manageable steps.

[Diane]

If you don’t take time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?

[Amanda]

Don’t put things off, thinking there will be a better time to do them. There almost never is, and in the waiting, who knows how many other opportunities have passed you by?

[Jennifer]

Mine was being taught to be independent and that I can do anything I set my mind to - if I don’t know how then I can learn.
Thank you for the fun and generous giveaway contests. Happy Holidays, enjoy the break!

[Cindy]

Keep celery fresh for a very long time by not washing when you bring it home but wrapping it in aluminum foil! Your welcome!

[Robin]

Treat others the way you want to be treated.

[Brenna Delosier]

Your first thought is what society has trained you to react to, the second thought where you pause and think is what your true feelings are.

[NCJKnits]

I am learning the hard way that I never took the time to find out who I am. I was always trying to make someone else happy. Now at 60, it's my turn.

[Tammy]

If you must worry, schedule time to do so. Then when it's not time, find something else to do.

[Cheryl]

I'm not sure it was advice given but somewhere along life's journey I decided that anything other than being vertical and breathing is just a minor detail. I expect to be happy and therefore I generally am happy. I do the hard work necessary to achieve my goals and share the bounty.

[Carol]

Probably from childrearing advice: Pick your battles. It applies to everybody, not just with one's child(ren).

[Noreen]

Know your worth and only accept those who know it as well. Don’t accept unacceptable behavior from those you have in your life.

[Donna]

Don’t let them rent space in your mind.

[Charissa]

Be true to yourself…if it feels right, do it!

[Jeanne]

Don't borrow trouble - so don't worry about something that may or may not happen or something you have no control over.
Happy New Year!!!

[Diane]

The best advice I ever received from my mom was that when company was coming just do a quick cleaning and save the deep cleaning for after they left.

[Ashley Mattes]

Best advice is to take or do one thing at a time. Feeling overwhelmed at cleaning the whole house? Pick one room or one area and just clean that. Or maybe you have so many things you want to knit? Pick one and just start.

[Pat Phythian]

From the novel A SINGLE SHARD which I was reading during a challenging time in my life, “one hill, one valley, one step at a time.”

Cooking advice from my mother-in-law when I was a new bride — always add salt before adding pepper. Since you’re can see the pepper you’ll know you’ve already added salt and won’t over salt.

[Barb Logie]

Keep those you care about close, let those that are toxic go….
Merry Christmas and thank you for the 12 Days of Xmas….it provided a lot of food for thought!

[Cheryl]

If you can’t say something nice, say nothing at all. Happy holidays!

[Lisa S]

This one is probably rather common, but…pick your battles. I certainly use this with my husband a lot, but in other everyday situations too - whether it’s work, friends, out on the road….

[Gaylyn B]

"And this too shall pass away."

Thank you for the 12 Days of Christmas. I do love to read everyone's comments and thoughts about each topic. Merry Christmas all!

[MaggieH]

When I was a new mom an older woman told me that life is like a roller coaster ride: ups, downs, curves, and straightaways- and to just hang on and enjoy the ride.

[Tim]

The day before my wedding, my future father-in-law said that he had some important advice to give me. Then he told me to never pass up the chance to pee. His guidance has served me well for more than thirty years.

[Jane]

It didn’t matter if you have butterflies; it’s who wins, you or the butterflies.
My dad said that to me when I was about 8, at a camp activity and I was asked by my group to make a presentation of what we’d done to the other campers. It’s worked over the years for all kinds of groups and even one-on-ones with other people.

[Brittany Cook]

My dad has been telling me alot lately to do what makes me happy, what makes me content.

I've been struggling alot this past year with my mental health. Doing what makes me happy is what is healing my mental health.

[Julie T/MI]

From an old poem — “Do the next thing…”. Keeps me focused and motivated!

[Mary]

Your ears will never get you in trouble.

[Cindy]

Measure cheese with your heart.

[Rohna Harkless]

Don’t put it down, put it away.

[donna norris]

When in doubt say no. Merry Christmas everyone!

[Kim Holbrook]

Twenty-six years ago I was given a piece of advice that was very meaningful to me. “Sometimes you don’t have to SAY anything.” Something I should have known but somehow I hadn’t truly internalized it.

[Jan F]

I received this just today, and it struck true…

God didn’t bless you with this day because you needed it … He gave you this day because someone in your life needs you.

Thank you for the fun contests! Merry Christmas!

[Peggy P]

You have 2 ears and one mouth for a reason - use your ears more than your mouth. From my very first boss at 14 who thought I was an airhead because I talked all the time ... and I was then!

[Patricia clonch]

The older you get, the less you know.

[Susan Mercy]

“Don’t live in yesterday. Live for the future.”

[Amber]

The past has no power over the present. Keep moving forward.

[Pat]

Best knitting advice: Swatch swatch swatch 🧶

[Laure T]

"Think before you speak."

[Tricia]

Show up - pay attention - never quit!

[Diana Byrum]

This is hard. But a teacher once told us to remember the three C’s. Cool, Calm, and Collected. This has stuck in my head and I bring it to mind when I need it.

[Rhonda]

"Don't Put It Down, Put It Away"! This was told to my 1st child by her 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Montee. She hated it and came home telling me this. I loved the phrase and have used it a million times since. For all 3 of my kids, my 5 grands, and myself. It really does help with clutter, finding things when needed, and keeping my house company ready except for a little dog hair on the floor! HaHa.

[Marilyn]

No matter how bad a day you’ve had, each night before you go to sleep, think of 5 things for which you are grateful.

[Barb]

I have heard and agree with "Don't ask the question if you're not ready for the answer."
"Don't sweat the small stuff, its all small stuff."
"You're not responsible for another's happiness."
"Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself".
Life is too short to waste on trying to change others.
May God bless you and your Simply Sock Yarn Company both now and in the New Year!

[Marianna]

Ask permission--the worst you can be told is no.

[Sarah]

Some recent great advice comes from the book I'm currently reading titled "Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert. She says You are not required to save the world with your creativity. Your art not only doesn't have to be original. . . it also doesn't have to be important.' You just make art. That's the important thing.

[Alberta]

No one can make you feel inferior without your permission. Also, Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.

[Geri Heagy]

“Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb. That’s where the fruit is!”

[Kat Gatzke]

This too shall pass.

[Elizabeth]

To listen to your body when it needs rest!

[Larissa]

Best advice received and given: out on a hat, it’s cold outside.

[Julie Koss]

To everything there is a season…..

[ElizabethD]

When my daughter was born: “Prepare for some of the longest days and the shortest years of your life.”

[Penny]

You can’t fix stupid but you can be kind

[Alison M.]

Reapply your sunscreen!

[Nicole S]

Passed down from my great-grandma (if not further): "If your head doesn't work your feet will have to." It's often easier to make a plan ahead of time.

[Sue N]

‘Everything you do is something you’ve done!’ - I love it because it’s both think before you act and take the plunge and try new things!

[Kelli]

Don't worry or stress about things you can't control. Just focus on things that you can.

[Suzanne]

Take care of yourself. Or Just Breathe.

[Tina Niesen]

You can not change the past so focus on the future! One day at a time is what I say all the time that’s all a person can deal with at one time!

[Angeluna]

Consider the feelings of others.

[Emily]

Don't regret your past actions. Or to put it another way: Thou shalt not should thyself!

[Kathy in Kansas]

2 quotes that have resonated with me recently...first one - Words tell what kind of person they pretend to be; actions show what kind of person they are. Second one, oddly from a Law and Order SVU episode - Don't postpone joy. That one is going on a cross-stitch on my wall.

[Jessica]

I was once told marriage isn’t not 50/50. It’s 100/100. Some days your partner and you are able to get it done. And sometimes they can’t carry their load and you have to do it all. But some days, you can’t meet your responsibilities and your partner is doing it all.

[Susanna Eve]

From my physiotherapist aim for success in terms of exercising and rehab etc practice and goals

[Jennifer McCarthy]

My mom always told me, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything.” Words to live by!

[Brittany]

Meghan from Bad wolf girl always says “if it’s not a yes, it’s a no.” It’s such great advice for knitting when you’re on the fence of what to do. I apply this to shopping too. Don’t settle.

Loved reading everyone else’s comments. Merry Christmas!

[Sue Garcia]

Knitting advice- if a mistake I made is really going to bother me when I wear the item, rip back and fix it. No matter how much you don’t want to. It has been good advice.

[Tara]

Use eye cream every day!

[Michelle]

This advice can apply to pretty much every area of life but it was given to me during wedding planning: it will not be perfect but no one but you will notice. So, don’t get too caught up and stressed about all of the tiny details.

[Jessica]

Think before asking why. Do I really want to know why? What purpose does knowing why fulfill? Is there a better question I can ask? eg, "Why didn't you do your homework?" The why won't solve the undone homework. Instead maybe ask, "Do you need anything so you can do your homework?" or "Can I help you with your homework?" The why just puts the receiver on the defensive and doesn't often lead to a productive conversation.

[Karina]

Not quite a piece of advice as such, but a reframing of a saying. Instead of 'practice makes perfect' saying 'practice makes proficient'! So much better, especially for the perfectionists among us!

[Peggy Stirling]

The best knitting advice I have shared over the years is when you are learning to knit don’t expect perfection. Making mistakes is okay and to be expected. I had a friend who gave up knitting because she became frustrated by her mistakes. Indian weavers often leave a small hole in their work so evil spirits can escape. I like that!

[Kate]

Start as you mean to continue

[Terry O'Brien]

You can another if you don't take care of your self.

[Beth]

“Don’t sweat the small stuff”

[Wende]

If something is worth doing, do it right & to the best of your ability.