What's the best piece of advice that you've ever received from another person??

When I was working on Parliament Hill, my colleague was a retired executive who was trying out a new career, so needless to say, her life experiences far exceeded mine. At the time, her sister had just suffered the loss of her two twin babies and surprisingly enough, their family was experiencing death for one of the first times. I was having a particularly difficult one morning day and as I vented to my colleague, she reminded me "as long as you have your health, everything else is manageable".

She was so right! While she wasn't trying to dismiss my feelings at the time, she was trying to remind me that when we are faced with inter-personal challenges or difficulties with work, as long as we are healthy,we are never without choice...we always have the option of making a move in a positive direction. I know for myself, I tend to lose my sense of perspective when I feel caught in the midst of a crossfire. However, when you are handed a serious illness or a threat to your life, you no longer have that option as the final decision soon becomes out of your control. My colleague's advice had such an impact on me that nearly my entire value system is now built around that single statement.

So, tell me...what's the most important and influential piece of advice someone has ever given you?? If it's worth remembering, then it's definitely worth sharing.