There’s a difference between telling someone what to do, and sharing what you’ve learned.

In my own experience, it’s been extremely helpful when others have shared the lessons they’ve learned in life. I think this is the case because what they share is coming from real life situations, and not just from a theoretical framework. That, and when others share their own experiences, often it’s done out of a desire to help, not to control, and that makes a difference. If I know someone is trying to help me by sharing what they learned in a similar situation, I’m much more inclined to pay attentions and learn from what they have to share.

And just as others may do this for us, we can do the same for others. We can be generous with what we’ve learned in our own lives and share it with others. Not out of a desire to control or manipulate, but our a sincere desire to be of service to others on their journey. And as we do so, we can be of genuine help to others, just as others have been of help to us.