A friend of mine mine recently asked his buddy who had just turned 70 years old and is heading towards 80, what sort of changes he was feeling about himself. The things he stated were interesting and things that I felt would be a good share. So, without further ado, here they are:
1. After loving my parents, my spouse, my children and my friends, I have now started to love myself.
2. I have realized that I am not “Atlas”. The world does not rest on my shoulders.
3. I have stopped bargaining with vegetable and fruit vendors. A few pennies more is not going to break me, but it might help the poor fellow save for his daughter’s school fees.
4. I leave my waitress a big tip. The extra money might bring her a smile to her face. She is toiling much harder for a living than I am.
5. I stopped telling the elderly that they’ve already narrated that story many times. The story makes them walk down memory lane and relive their past.
6. I have learned not to correct people even when I know they are wrong. The onus of making everyone perfect is not on me.
7. 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…never, NEVER turn it down, just say “Thank You.”
8. I have learned not to bother about a crease or spot on my shirt. Personality speaks louder than appearances.
9. I walk away from people who don’t value me. They might not know my worth, but I do.
10. 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.
11. I am learning not to be embarrassed by my emotions. It’s my emotions that make me human.
12. I have learned that it is better to drop the ego than to break a relationship. My ego will keep me aloof, whereas with relationships, I will never be alone.
13. I have learned to live each day as if it’s the last. After all, it might be my last.
14. I ma 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 chose to be!
I ask you, why do we have to wait to be 60 or 70 or 80? Why can’t we practice this these kinds of practices at any age or stage of our life?
What would YOU add to this list?
Have a wonderful day and remember to be kind 🙂