Caution

• "Don't count your chickens before they hatch," is a famous Southern saying that warns people against spending money before it's earned, bragging about victories before they are earned, or assuming a deal is sealed before it really is. Though these words of wisdom are associated with the South, they are actually originally found in the Aesop's fable entitled, "The Milkmaid and Her Pail."
  
  

Perspective

• "Nothing matters in a hundred years," is a proverb that can bring immediate perspective to any trying circumstance. This Southern tidbit refers to the fact that many people do not live longer than one hundred years on earth. Therefore, no matter how difficult or wonderful any given situation may be, it is nothing compared with the grand scheme of things.
  
  

Hard Work

• "Spit in one hand; wish in the other. See which one gets full first." This Southern jewel is fraught with wise advice to make your dreams come true, instead of just wishing and daydreaming things will go your way. Other Southern sayings that carry the same message are, "If wishes were horses, beggars would ride," and, "If if's and but's were candy and nuts, everyday would be Christmas."
  
  

Good Mood

• Paula Deen, famous chef on the Food Network, has turned the southern saying, "Every day you wake up on the right side of the dirt is a good one," into a chic way to tell someone to cheer up and enjoy life. The meaning of this Southern bit of wisdom is obvious. We have limited time on earth, and every day is a gift that should be enjoyed to the fullest.