July 10, 2008 Issue

How to Stay Young

Try everything twice. On one woman's tombstone she said she wanted this epitaph: “Tried everything twice...loved it both times!”

Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. (Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches.)

Keep learning. Learn more about computers, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain get idle. An idle mind is the devil's workshop.

Enjoy the simple things.

Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with him or her.

Tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Live while you are alive.

Surround yourself with what you love whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

Cherish your health. If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, the next county, a foreign country, but not to where the guilt is.

Tell the people you love that you love them at every opportunity.

Forgive those who made you cry now. You might not get a second chance.

Remember—lost time can never be found.

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

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