Tuesday, September 8, 2009

ADVICE FROM REGINA BRETT, 90 YEAR OLD

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 family 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.
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 fire 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 love 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, wed 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."

Many of you might have already seen and read these but they are good enough to re-read over and over again. Enjoy.

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11 comments:

Mari said...

Lots of good advice!

Kathy said...

I like those, Susan. How we need to remember these!

retha said...

Over and over and over and ov... I agree.

retha said...

Over and over and over and ov... I agree. Hope I can learn to do at least half of those long before I turn 90

Tammy ~ Country Girl at Home ~ said...

Wow that was loaded with lots of wisdom! Thanks for sharing!

Did you get your candle holder painted?

Have a great day!
Tammy

Maxine said...

These are so great! So many of them are priceless. I really like number 29.

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

Very good advice isn't it? I really liked that.

Debra said...

Great words of wisdom!

Barbara said...

Yes have seen them but interesting to read again all the same.

Danny Wright said...

My Favorite: If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, wed grab ours back.

Anonymous said...

My favorite is No. 6 - I need to learn to not always get the last word in an argument. I know my husband will appreciate it.