Ruth Bernhard, a talented photographer and a senior, offers this “Recipe for a long and happy life”:
1. Never get used to anything.
2. Hold on to the child in you.
3. Keep your curiosity alive.
4. Trust your intuition.
5. Delight in simple things.
6. Say “yes” to life with passion.
7. Fall madly in love with the world.
8. Remember: Today is the day!
A friend sends along these tips:
Discipline yourself to continue expanding and learning, keeping your mind active and open.
Enjoy the feeling that somebody else is in charge; you don’t have to make decisions.
According to Eric Tainter, “A person is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.” He also said, “Happiness is that peculiar sensation you acquire when you’re too busy to be miserable.”
From the Internet comes these things people have learned as they aged:
I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one. (Age 82)
I’ve learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the best you can, happiness will find you. (Age 65)
I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. (Age 62)
I’ve learned that it pays to believe in miracles. And to tell the truth, I’ve seen several. (Age 73)
I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch—holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. (Age 85)
I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the the right decision. (Age 66)
I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn (Age 92)
Now for some thoughts by that prolific Anonymous:
Despite the cost of living, it’s still quite popular.
The aging process could be slowed if it had to work its way through Congress.
Don’t take life so seriously—it’s not permanent.
The age of some folks is like the speedometer on a used car—you know it’s set back but you don’t know how far.
From a senior center newsletter story about staff changes: “Please bare with us as we acclimate and move forward for a better future.”
And here’s Ashleigh Brilliant’s slant:
“Life has been very confusing, because I’ve been different ages at different times.
“ I still have many of my old dreams, but some of the colors have faded.”
“No wonder I feel so tired—I’m older now than I’ve ever been before.”
“It is time to be old, to take in sail.”— Emerson
But, says E.B. Skinner, “It is not a time to be wholly adrift.”
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