ADVICE FROM AN OCTOGENARIAN

A friend sent me this along with a Christmas greeting.  I asked if I could repost it and he agreed but indicated the author is unknown. Hope you enjoy the humor and wisdom in these words.  🙂

“I asked a friend who has crossed 70 and headed into 80 what sort of changes he is feeling in himself? He sent me the following advice:
  1. After loving my parents, my siblings, my spouse, my children and my friends, I have now started loving myself.
  2. I have realized that I am not “Atlas”. The world does not rest on my shoulders.
  3. I have stopped bargaining with vegetable & fruit vendors. A few pennies more is not going to break me, but it might help the poor fellow save for his daughter’s school fees.
  4. I leave my waitress a big tip. The extra money might bring a smile to her face. She is toiling much harder for a living than I am.
  5. I stopped telling the elderly that they’ve already narrated that story many times. The story makes them walk down memory lane & relive their past.
  6. I have learned not to correct people even when I know they are wrong. The onus of making everyone perfect is not on me. Peace is more precious than perfection.
  7. I give compliments freely & generously. Compliments are a mood enhancer not only for the recipient, but also for me. And a small tip for the recipient of a compliment, never, NEVER turn it down, just say “Thank You.”
  8. I have learned not to bother about a crease or a spot on my shirt. Personality speaks louder than appearances.
  9. I walk away from people who don’t value me. They might not know my worth, but I do.
  10. I remain cool when someone plays dirty to outrun me in the rat race. I am not a rat & neither am I in any race.
  11. I am learning not to be embarrassed by my emotions. It’s my emotions that make me human.
  12. I have learned that it’s better to drop the ego than break a relationship. My ego will keep me aloof, but with relationships, I will never be alone.
  13. I have learned to live each day as if it’s the last. After all, it might be the last.
    I decided to share this for all my friends. Why do we have to wait to be 60 or 70 or 80, why can’t we practice this at any stage and age?”

Good perspective and a thought-provoking question to end this octogenarian’s advice. Because the author didn’t include his motivation for good or source of hope, allow me to share mine:

Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them- he remains faithful forever. (Psalm 146:5-6, NIV)

Compiled by Amre Cortadino

To leave a comment, please click on the title above, ADVICE FROM AN OCTOGENARIAN, and scroll down. Thank you, and God bless you!  🙂



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Valerie Cullers
3 years ago

Certainly good advice for all of us to follow! Thanks Amre!

Patricia Tiffany Morris

Well done. I find lists inspiring. Thanks for posting.

Kathy McKinsey
3 years ago
Reply to  eMarie

I love this!

Deena Adams
Deena Adams
3 years ago

What a great list! Love this perspective on life. Thanks for sharing.

Mary Pat Johns
3 years ago

Wonderful advice for any age! Thanks for sharing.

Judy Chatfield
Judy Chatfield
3 years ago

As a person who is approaching a true octogenarian age I related to each point. This is the beauty of getting to this age. Each stage of our life has a season of learning to reach this place of calm and peace about things that we thought mattered so much before. We are able to focus more on the “Important Thing”, our Lord who has created ALL our days.

Thanks for sharing Amre!

Roberta Kautz
3 years ago

I love this! Sweet advice . . . I’m smiling:)

Sharon K Connell
3 years ago

Good thoughts. Thanks, Amre.

Melissa Henderson
3 years ago

I love this! What a wonderful message!

Dave
Dave
3 years ago

Maybe by the time I’m 90.

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