Words of Wisdom from those who have Lived and Learned
Far from something to be feared, these five pieces of life advice from those who have lived and learned prove that age is an asset.
Heed these words of wisdom and welcome each day with happiness.
1. The way you start your day really matters.
One octogenarian, William, explains how he gets up every morning, goes to the mirror, and laughs out loud.
He is adamant that starting your day with joy, and not taking yourself too seriously, is the key to staying young.
In achieving this, anchor yourself in the present moment, feel grateful for the day ahead, and –if all else fails –recall Dr Seuss’ sage counsel: “Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you.”
2. Longevity is a result of planning ahead.
Ageing with elegance is an art best perfected young.
In ensuring that with each passing year you feel more dynamic and energised, you must start investing now: take time out to travel, start exercising regularly, and eat well and in moderation allowing for occasional indulgences.
Make choices today that will safeguard your tomorrow.
3. Find and follow your passions.
Circumstance and familial responsibility are often cited as the impediments for people not having been able to follow their passions.
Or perhaps you only discovered your passion later in life after having embarked on your career, and now you feel trapped, unable to reconcile your heart and your head.
Well, seasoned individuals are here to tell you that: 1. It is never too late to follow your passion, and 2. Your passion may be expressed in different forms.
So, maybe with a mortgage and children, it’s not practical to quit your day job and become the prima ballerina you always secretly desired you could be; signing up for ballet lessons, however, joining a dance group, or taking part in local performances is perfectly within your reach.
4. Create and nurture meaningful friendships.
Love and connection are crucial to our vitality.
As such, nurturing friendships should be of paramount importance in ensuring a well-lived life. Of course, friendships are an investment: they require great time and effort, especially as the world becomes more globalised, and it is more natural than ever to move countries due to work and family at the drop of a hat.
And, yes, whilst technological advancements mean that you can send pictures, texts, connect via Facebook, and more, nothing surpasses quality time spent together in person.
Whether it’s making the time to meet for coffee and cake once a week, or organising get-togethers in a neutral location once a year should you live far apart, don’t neglect your friendships.
Another interesting piece of advice imparted by our octogenarian friends? Try to vary your friends’ age groups: have people close to you who are 20 years younger, and 20 years older, and value what you can learn or be reminded of thanks to this connection.
5. Constantly reassess and renew your goals, and always keep learning.
Youthfulness requires constant curiosity and the commitment to taking on new challenges.
Completing the Sunday crossword is a start, but why not stretch yourself further?
If you enjoy being active, set a goal to try new activities. Perhaps you can go water skiing when on holiday, or take part in a cycling tour?
If you prefer life’s more refined (and less active!) pleasures –such as reading–why not tackle a list of the top 100 fiction books of the 20th century?
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Share it with us by commenting below, or visiting us on facebook!