Steps to Staying Young

My hope for all of us is to stay:

"Forever Young" Rod Stewart

It may be a good/GREAT idea to read this one every day. You might even want to tape this on your bathoom mirror, dashboard of your car and somewhere in your office.

Steps to staying young.

1. Do everything that brings you joy, love and satisfaction twice. It has been written that one woman wanted these words written on her tombstone: "Tried everything twice. Loved it both times!"

2. Keep only the cheerful friends. The grouchy ones drag you down. Keep this one in mind if you are one of those grouches, not only can it lead to loneliness but it doesn't do wonderful things to prevent wrinkles.

3. Keep learning. Enroll in a continuing education class at your local community college, take up a new hobby or continue to update your smartphone. Any of these things can keep your mind from being idle. They do say that idleness is the devil's workshop. Here's a little secret, the devil's name is Alzheimer's.

4. Enjoy the simple things in life such as: summer's first bite into a cold and sweet watermelon, a good book on a rainy day or the sound of a child's contagious laughter.

5. Laugh often, laugh long and laugh loud. Laugh until you gasp for air. If you are fortunate enough to have a friend that makes you laugh, spend as much time as possible with them. It will be great for both of you.

6. Accept the tears, they are a part of life and most of us feel better after a good cry. Endure grief and move forward. You are the only one who is with you your entire life. Carry the memories of your experiences and lost loved ones with you in your heart. Honor your memories and friends/family members by enjoying your life to the fullest.

7. Surround yourself with things that bring you joy. These things may include: family, friends, pets, plants or things such as collectables, music, books or art. You might discover a hobby such as: painting, knitting, crocheting, pottery/sculpting or some other type of crafting. Your home is your refuge and should be filled with things you love.

8. Cherish your health. If you are healthy preserve it. If you aren't in perfect health do something to improve it such as: take up an exercise program (yoga, walking or join a gym) and eat with health in mind. I don't suggest depriving yourself of the foods you love but maybe you could space those items further apart and serve smaller portions.

9. Remove guilt trips from your agenda! Take a trip to the mall, park, library or friend's home. You might even try an out of town trip, out of state or something more extravagant such as a cruise or going to a foreign country.

10. Tell the people you care about that you love them at every opportunity. If you follow this suggestion this is at least one regret you can easily avoid.

11. Practice forgiveness. This one lessens the load/burden you will have to carry. If there are people who have caused you pain or tears, don't give them any more power over your life. By granting forgiveness you may be able to let go of the pain they have inflicted upon you.

12. Do unto others as you would have others do to you. If you see someone who is in need of help, help them if you can. When you do this and they thank you, tell them "Pass it on when you can. This would be the best way of thanking me." Some things that can make you feel great: tell a manager about great service you recieved, leave an anonymous note of your appreaciation with a tip or at the counter where you get that greatly prepared cup of coffee, etc. I think you get the idea.

Remember, if you don't send this to at least four friends nothing will happen to you but what might your friends miss? We would appreciate it if you would share this site with a friend. You never know, you and your friends might feel better for it.

Be kinder than needed because someone might be dealing with something bigger than the two of you.

One last thought:

Wine from time to time doesn't make you fat... but it can make you lean....(on chairs, tables, walls floors and people who look like Gods and Godesses).

Thanks for reading.