Turning 60 - Part 2

Part 2

If you are interested in reading Part 1, you can read it here.

16. It’s so important to take time for yourself. When the kids were growing up this was so difficult. By the time the daily routine was complete, all I felt like doing was getting a shower and going to bed. After years of daily routines, I still feel a little guilty to sit down and read, or spend time on the computer. I feel I should be doing something more productive. But, I really know if reading a good book or blog surfing is making me happy, why not!!!

17. The world will not come to an end if the bed is not made every day.

18. It is not necessary to iron every week. In 1979, when my Mom was diagnosed with Cancer, I was unable to keep up with ironing. For 7 months I would drop the kids off to school, drive 35 miles to Mom's house, take her to radiation treatment, prepare dinner for her and Daddy, go pick the kids up from school and take them to after school activities and start all over again. During this time I would only iron those items that were 100% cotton…..not the sheets and pillow cases, handkerchiefs, jeans, t-shirts. Were you one of those that ironed everything? From then on, I would hang everything up and iron on an as needed basis. I continue that practice today.

19. You can’t depend on anyone to make you happy. Happiness comes from within.

20. Money can’t buy happiness. Sure it makes life easier, but it won’t make you happy.

21. It’s ok to splurge on an unnecessary item as long as you can afford it. Recently my son, who is 37 was telling me he was thinking of buying a new boat. He already has two and has been having problem after problem with one of them. He said he would like to have a new one now because he is getting older and later he may not be able to spend as much time boating as he is now. My advice was go for it. Live for today.

My niece called a couple months ago and said she normally would talk this over with her Dad, but as you know, my brother died last year. She told me about a house she wanted to buy. It is probably 4000 sq. ft. Her children have left home and its only her. Again, I told her if this is what you want and you can afford it, go for it.

Nothing is worse than looking back and asking yourself why didn’t I go ahead and do or buy that.

22. It’s fun to walk in the grass after a rain, or

23. Just walk in the rain without an umbrella and let the rain hit your face, and don't worry what the neighbors are thinking.

24. The best things in life are free. Sure, we’ve heard this over and over and it is really true. You can’t put a price tag on the smile of your children and grandchildren, your love of family and God, a spring rain, a beautiful sunset, remembering funny stories. This is really an endless list.

25. Get up and move everyday. We would never let our car sit in the garage for weeks without going out and starting it and letting it run for awhile. It’s the same way with our body. I feel so much better when I’m out moving. It’s true….move it or lose it.

26. It’s also important to keep your mind moving. I guess that’s why I enjoy Sudoku, quip grams, and puzzles so much. I do these every morning to jump start the ole brain. I think my early posts show when I haven’t done my brain teasers.

27. It’s far more productive to laugh more and worry less. So many things I have spent hours worrying about have turned out to nothing at all. And, let go of the past mistakes. That is the past and we can’t change it, so live for the moment…not in the past.

...........to be continued