Forty Five Lessons

The 45 Lessons ... Life Taught Me

Regina Brett, at age 90,

claims this is the most requested column she's ever written

           Life isn't fair, but it is good.

           When in doubt, just take the next small step.

           Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Change the way you think.

           Your job won't take care of you when you are sick.

           Your friends and family will. Stay in touch.

           Pay off your credit cards every month.

           ............................................................................................

           You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

           Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

           Release your children when they become adults; it's their life now.

           Save for retirement starting with your first pay cheque.

           When is comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

           ...........................................................................................................

           Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

           It's OK to let your children see you cry.

           Don't compare your life to others.

           You have no idea what their journey is all about.

           If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

           Everything can change in the blink of an eye.

           .............................................................................................

           Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

           Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

           Whatever doesn't kill you, really does make you stronger.

           It's never too late to have a happy childhood.

           But the second one is up to you and no one else.

           When it comes to going after what you love in life, 

           don't take no for an answer.

           ..........................................................................................................

           Burn the candles, use the satin sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.

           Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special!

           * (see notation at end)

           Just because you believe you are right, doesn't mean you are right.

           Keep an open mind.

           Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

           The most important sex organ is the brain.

           No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

           ..............................................................................................

           Frame every so-called disaster with these words, 

           “In five years, will it matter?”

           Always choose life.

           Forgive everyone everything.

           What other people think of you is none of y our business.

           Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.

           ...............................................................................................

           However good or bad a situation, it will change.

           Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

           Believe in miracles.

           Your job is to love your children, not choose who they will love.

           Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

           ......................................................................................................

           Growing old beats the alternative ... dying young.

           Your children get only one childhood.

           All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

           Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

           If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, 

          we'd grab ours back.

           .................................................................................................

Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

                      The best is yet to come.

     No matter how you feel...get up...dress up...and show up. 

                      Yield when necessary to maintain peace and happiness.

                       Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's a "gift"!

                       .......................................................................................

                 Many thanks to one of my readers for sending the foregoing.

*Notation: When my parents were living in Brantford, my father working at his garage frequently came home late for dinner. Mother would always have dinner still warming on the stove or in the oven. She would wait until he arrived home, before showering and going to bed. Knowing this, I bought her a beautiful ice blue satin dressing gown so she could bathe or shower, then lounge comfortably while chatting with him.

Unfortunately, he passed away six months after I was married at the young age of 56. Mother stayed at the home tending her garden, participating in church activities and socializing with friends. At age 74, her life was no more.

When my sister and I sorted through household items and personal apparel,
I discovered Mother's beautiful blue satin dressing gown hanging in her closet...never having been worn.

They were married during the “depression years”...thus she was accustomed
 to “saving things” for special occasions...or for a rainy day!

Merle's “Pearl of Wisdom”

Select any of the 45 that is most meaningful to you.

Merle Baird-Kerr . . . written January 9, 2012

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