It’s [old age] not a surprise, we knew it was coming – make the most of it. So you may not be as fast on your feet, and the image in your mirror may be a little disappointing, but if you are still functioning and not in pain, gratitude should be the name of the game. – Betty White
I asked one of my friends – who has crossed seventy and is heading to eighty – what sort of changes he is feeling in himself?
He sent me the following.
After loving my parents, my siblings, my spouse, my children, my friends, now I have started loving myself.
I just realized I am not “Atlas”. The world does not rest on my shoulders.
I stopped bargaining with produce vendors. A few pennies more is not going to burn a hole in my pocket but it might help the poor fellow save for his daughter’s school fees.
I always give my waitress a big tip. Well, I used to when you could still eat safely in a restaurant. The extra money might bring a smile to her face. She is toiling much harder for a living than me.
I stopped telling the elderly they’ve already narrated that story many times. The story makes them walk down memory lane and gives them another chance to relive the past.
I have learned not to correct people, even when I know they are wrong. The onus of making everyone perfect is not on me. Peace is more precious than perfection.
I give compliments freely and generously. Compliments are a mood enhancer, not only for the recipient, but also for me.
And a small tip for the recipient of a compliment, never, NEVER turn it down. Just say, “Thank You.”
I have learned not to bother about a crease in my pants or a spot on my shirt. Personality speaks louder than appearances.
I walk away from people who don’t value me. They might not know my worth, but I do.
I remain cool when someone plays dirty to outrun me in the rat race. I am not a rat and neither am I in any race. Speaking of the past again.
I am learning not to be embarrassed by my emotions. It’s my emotions that make me human.
I have learned it’s better to drop the ego than to break a relationship. My ego will keep me aloof, whereas with relationships I will never be alone.
I have learned to live each day as if it’s the last. After all, it might be the last.
I am doing what makes me happy. I am responsible for my happiness, and I owe it to myself.
Happiness is a choice. You can be happy at any time, just choose to be!
Why do we have to wait to be sixty or seventy or eighty or ninety?
Why can’t we practice this at any stage and age?
A friend sent this to me.
He borrowed it from someone who claimed she stole it.
So, don’t know who to credit, but thank you!