I came across this piece written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio .
"To celebrate growing older, Regina once wrote the 42 lessons life taught her.
Here is an attempt to see the spiritual message in some of them in blue.
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
Doubts are like clouds that hide the Sun. When the clouds move away we feel the Sunshine again ( even though it was there, just teh clouds came in between)
3. Life is too short – enjoy it.
Your life in the cosmic & larger picture is very small, but yet significant
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.
Your relationship at work is commercial, and that with family is love. Whatever happens, love will prevail
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
When you dont settle it gets carried forward with intereste , just like bad Karma's or desires.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.
Being truthful is more important
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
Sometimes solitude is better but for grieving & praying , when done with others the impact is exponential
8. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.
When you start earning, know its not forever, one day it will stop & for material things you will need to save part of earnings. You will retire from work not life.
We save for future, Armies prepare for wartime, students study for exams. Life is all preparing about the next stage wether certain or unknown. Spiritually knowing that we are preparing to unite with Divine is as important and we need to start the day we begin to understand that.
9. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
In some cases our senses loose control. BE aware of them & don't force control unless it comes naturally. Senses will distract us till the mind has overpowered them. It will, if we have the intention but not by force or pretence.
10. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
We all have heard we cant change the past, but a great present may balance out.
Past is created because it was present once and future is what we want our present to be . The most important in present. By having a good present & living it well we create a good past and also remove anxiety about future
11. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
Crying could be grieving, letting go, regretting or being sorry. All are natural emotions. Children sometimes may not understand, but if shared appropriately will know.
Honesty is the best policy. Be truthful to self and your kids and they will learn the same virtue.
12. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
Each soul has its journey of being separated & to reunite with divine. No point comparing.
13. If a relationship or act has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it...
If it needs to be hidden then you already acknowledge something is not right about it. Just do what is right.
14 Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
Breath & mind have a connection and we experience it each time we sigh
15. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.
16. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
17. It's never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.
18. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
19. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
Everyday is a gift that is why its called the present. Its special for it will never be again. Love in the NOW
20. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
21. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
Do what makes you feel good ( as long as its not hurting anyone or illegal). Doing right makes us happy. And wearing Purple seems right!!!
22. The most important organ is the brain.
Power of though can make us angry or happy. The brain works with the mind when we have thoughts
23. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
Happiness is our true nature. Also our is not dependent on anything & anybody
24. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
25. Always choose life.
26. Forgive but don’t forget.
27. What other people think of you is none of your business.
People will have opinions. One should stay focussed on ones karma & dharma
28. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
Everything except GOD is transient , it will change
30. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does..
31. Believe in miracles.
32. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
33. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
34. Your children get only one childhood.
35. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
36. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
37. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
38. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.
39. The best is yet to come...
40. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
41. Yield.
42. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."
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