 | 4 Nov 09 |
This entire year seems to have zipped past me at the speed of light. Here we are, November already, and the airwaves are already being blasted with Christmas commercials. What, did somebody suddenly make Thanksgiving an elective? Geez. Time is moving fast enough–give us a break already!
Oddly enough, then not really odd at all if seriously contemplated, time appears to move faster as we get older. Regardless of the oddity, or lack thereof, I don’t think we’re getting a fair shake on the matter. The years pile on, your body and mind begin to slow down, and NOW time wants to speed up? What’s up with that?
I know all the griping in the world won’t change anything. It is what it is. But it’s sure feels good to spout off about it now and again. That, and to listen to the words of someone who’s not only carried a hell of a lot more years than I have, they’ve done it with style and grace and actually learned a thing or two along the way. I figure if I listen close enough, maybe some of that wisdom will soak in, and I can get a little ahead of the game, you know?
That said, I thought I’d share some priceless gems from one classy lady . . .
Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio
“To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I’ve ever written.
My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:
1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.
8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.
12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks.
16.. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17.. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ‘In five years, will this matter?’
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.
35. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come…
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.
And here’s one to grow on . . .
Friends are the family that we choose for ourselves.
© 2009 Deborah LeBlanc. All rights reserved.
Deborah LeBlanc is an award-winning author and business owner from Lafayette, Louisiana. She's also a licensed death scene investigator and an active member of two national paranormal investigation teams.
She is the president of the Horror Writers Association, president of the Writers' Guild of Acadiana, president of Mystery Writers of America's Southwest Chapter, and an active member of Sisters in Crime, Novelists Inc, and International Thriller Writers Inc. In 2004, she created the LeBlanc Literacy Challenge, an annual national campaign designed to encourage more people to read, and founded Literacy Inc. a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting illiteracy in America’s teens. She also takes her passion for literacy and a powerful ability to motivate to high schools around the country.
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Well said! I love #45 and the one to grow on!
by Debra Webb November 4th, 2009 at 6:59 amI love them all, but I’m kinda partial to 31
by deborah November 4th, 2009 at 3:28 pmAfter the disaster my life has been this year, I can truthfully say these are all oh so true. I should frame them and hang them on my wall as a daily reminder.
What a terrific post.
by Marilyn November 4th, 2009 at 7:40 amThanks, Marilyn. I did exactly that…printed them out and taped the page to the wall near my computer.
by deborah November 4th, 2009 at 3:29 pmLife certainly beats the alterantive. I’ve said for years friends are my heart family. Thank you for reminding me. Now, pardon me while I go find my purple tee-shirt.
by Silver James November 4th, 2009 at 2:53 pmYou know, S.J., when I read the wear purple thing I realized just how drab the colors were in my wardrobe. Grays, blacks, a few blues….
by deborah November 4th, 2009 at 3:31 pmI have lots of those, too, Deb. But I’ve added reds, turquoise, and yes…purple. I’m old enough now I can be the crazy lady and not care!
by Silver James November 5th, 2009 at 8:34 amDefinitely items to remember. Thanks for sharing.
by Carol Kilgore November 4th, 2009 at 5:45 pmWonderful list. Regina is one classy lady. I’ve heard many of them before, but she has neatly put them together.
by Patricia Barraclough November 4th, 2009 at 8:20 pmI’m ready for time to slow down any time. It is just not possible to get everything don in the time available.