Life Lessons: Advice from an 80-Year-Old-Man

No doubt you have heard the old adage that there are only two certainties in life, death and taxes. There is a third certainty, of course: aging. From the moment we are born until the instant before we die, we are getting older.

Despite the fact that we are surrounded by old people, there is much we don’t understand about aging. We seem to fear the day when we look in the mirror to discover we have joined the ranks of the old, with sagging bodies, turkey necks and aching joints. But fear not! There is much to learn about aging; sure there are some downsides, but surprisingly, there’s a lot to look forward to. Here are some life lessons + advice about aging that will cheer you up (and perhaps give you pause).

  1. Have a firm handshake.
  2. Look people in the eye.
  3. Sing in the shower.
  4. Own a great stereo system.
  5. If in a fight, hit first and hit hard.
  6. Keep secrets.
  7. Never give up in anybody.  Miracles happen everyday.
  8. Always accept an outstretched hand.
  9. Be brave.  Even if you’re not, pretend to be.  No one can tell the difference.
  10. Whistle.
  11. Avoid sarcastic remarks.
  12. Choose your life’s mate carefully.  From this one decision will come 90 percent of all your happiness or misery.
  13. Make it a habit to do nice things for people who will never find out.
  14. Lend only those books you never care to see again.
  15. Never deprive someone of hope; it might be all that they have.
  16. When playing games with children, let them win.
  17. Give people a second chance, but not a third
  18. Be romantic.
  19. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
  20. Loosen up.  Relax.  Except for rare life-and-death matters, nothing is as it first seems.
  21. Don’t allow the phone to interrupt important moments.  It’s there for our convenience, not the caller’s.
  22. Be a good loser.
  23. Be a good winner.
  24. Think twice before burdening a friend with a secret.
  25. When someone hugs you, let them be the first to let go.
  26. Be modest.  A lot was accomplished before you were born.]
  27. Keep it simple.
  28. Beware of the person who has nothing to lose.
  29. Don’t burn bridges.  You’ll be surprised how many times you have to cross the same river.
  30. Live your life so that your epitaph could read, No Regrets.
  31. Be bold and courageous.  When you look back on life, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the ones you did.
  32. Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
  33. Remember no one makes it alone.  Have a grateful heart and be quick to acknowledge those who helped you.
  34. Take charge of your attitude.  Don’t let someone else choose it for you.
  35. Visit friends and relatives when they are in hospital; you need only stay a few minutes.
  36. Begin each day with some of your favourite music.
  37. Once in a while, take the scenic route.
  38. Send a lot of valentine cards.  Sign them. ‘Someone who thinks you’re terrific.’
  39. Answer the phone with enthusiasm and energy in your voice.
  40. Keep a note pad and pencil on your bed-side table.  Million-dollar ideas sometimes strike at 3 a.m.
  41. Show respect for everyone who works for a living, regardless of how trivial their job.
  42. Send your loved ones flowers.  This if a reason later.
  43. Make someone’s day by paying the toll/coffee for the person in the car behind you.
  44. Become someone’s hero.
  45. Marry only for love.
  46. Count your blessings.
  47. Compliment the meal when you’re a guest in someone’s home.
  48. Wave at the children on a school bus.
  49. Remember 80 percent of the success in any job is based on your ability to deal with people.
  50. Don’t expect life to be fair.

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Peace, Love + Grooviness,

Samatva Yoga

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Detox, Peace Out, (em)Power, Restore and Live Free. With studio locations in both Kingston West End and Downtown we guarantee that you will find a practice right for you. Experience over 70 drop-in Hot and Room Temperature classes per week. Sweat, move, and open, relax, restore, cleanse and invigorate. Explore and deepen your yoga practice with one of our 25+ YogaAlliance Certified Educators as they guide you on the inner journey of self-inquiry. We have now been inspiring happy, healthy, peaceful lives in our Kingston community for almost 15 years and continue to grow and thrive, and bring calm and joy to people in our ever-growing city. Be alive. Be strong. Be fit. Be Happy. Just be.