Advantages of Getting Older
Yes, there really are advantages to getting older.
- I've lived long enough to see consequences of actions. Things that seemed to be bad at the moment have turned out to be good in the long run. For example, my poor health has helped my husband become very loving and supportive.
- I've learned whose advice I can follow. I've come to respect my husband's advice. I saw the counsel of the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints come true. They counseled for years to get out of debt, live within your means, avoid Home Equity Loans, and store food and necessities. Those that followed this advice were all right when the "Down-Turn" came.
- I've learned not to worry if children do immature things. They are learning. Have faith in them. Give them time, love, a good example, good principles, lots of encouragement, and trust God to make up the difference. Children usually become great adults because of, and in spite of, our efforts as parents.
- Heavenly Father loves us no matter what we do or don't do. He forgives us endlessly when we keep trying, and He will love and support us if we allow Him. Try to be more like Him.
- Real love isn't flashy. It isn't the dramatic rescue of a princess by a knight on a white steed, but two people working together, laughing, sharing, and helping each other. It is holding fast when you both are tired and both are grouchy. Love is a commitment without any escape clauses. It is seeing the potential for goodness in the other and helping them to become their best self. It is being more together than separately.
- I've come to trust my feelings: to step out into the darkness knowing the ground will be there. I've learned to trust myself, a few special people, and God.
- I've lived long enough to see many "important" things tarnish and crumble away, leaving the "essential", relationships, to shine brightly.
- Memories of shared experience, not momentous, matter.
- Fulfillment comes from using our talents to help others. Building others up is more satisfying than tearing them down.
- You don't have to have perfect health to be perfectly happy.
- No person or talent is more important than another. We are all children of God. We all have special, though different, talents given to us.
- Children are not inferior adults. They are equal beings with unique gifts who simply have less experience on earth. Learn from them. Mentor them.
- Selfishness turns the gaze inward and shrivels the soul leaving only a lonely emptiness. Reach out and serve. Be a light. Be happy.
- Only God's and my own opinion really matter.
- Life doesn't end when we die. Relationships can continue in the next life. Make choices that will bring happiness forever.
- Most things don't need doing. Eliminate them. Few things are really needed. Get rid of what you don't really need.
- Optimism, hope, and faith give us the power to keep going.
- No accomplishment can compensate for losing your integrity.
- Be slow to judge. We generally know little of what is happening or why.
- Appreciate the small things: sunshine, a child's smile, quiet moments together. Happiness comes in appreciating the moment and what you have right now, not in longing for what you may never have. Be grateful for what you have instead of longing for what you haven't.
- Make time for relationships. At the end of their lives, few people wish they had spent more time working.
- Keep learning. You are either growing or shrinking, but you can't just stay where you are now.
- Patience saves time in the long run. Forgive, and let it go. It will set you free to grow. Do what you can to change. Don't wait for the other person to change first. Take action. Don't just react.
- Take care of yourself. You are worth it. You can't help others when you have nothing left to give. Have fun and relax!
- Quit comparing. We are each unique. Take time to develop your own special talents and then share them.
No comments:
Post a Comment