No Regrets
Jul. 6th, 2004 09:10 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
mrdreamjeansA friend from Ohio forwarded these words to me in an email today. The story's been circulating around the internet for awhile, but for some reason, the message has particular resonance for me this evening.
Maybe it's because I'm dealing with my Dad's aging and health issues, maybe it's because I know Rick is uncomfortable with direct affection and this is his way of saying I mean something to him after 24 years; or perhaps it's because I know that other friends of mine are facing tough challenges and they need to gently be reminded that their dreams count... that they need to be the center of their life instead of living to please others.
So - if you find this insufferably cheerful instead of inspirational, just skip it and read me next time:) Here it is:
"We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing."
"There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and
achieving success. You have to laugh and find humor every day."
"You've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die. We have so many people walking around who are dead and don't even know it!"
"There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up. Anybody can grow older. That doesn't take any talent or ability."
"The idea is to grow up by always finding the opportunity in change. Have no regrets. The elderly usually don't have regrets for what they did, but rather for things they did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets."
My friends - When I die, I am determined to have no regrets. I am determined to hold on to my playful heart for it leads me to light. Think about it.....
Maybe it's because I'm dealing with my Dad's aging and health issues, maybe it's because I know Rick is uncomfortable with direct affection and this is his way of saying I mean something to him after 24 years; or perhaps it's because I know that other friends of mine are facing tough challenges and they need to gently be reminded that their dreams count... that they need to be the center of their life instead of living to please others.
So - if you find this insufferably cheerful instead of inspirational, just skip it and read me next time:) Here it is:
"We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing."
"There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and
achieving success. You have to laugh and find humor every day."
"You've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die. We have so many people walking around who are dead and don't even know it!"
"There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up. Anybody can grow older. That doesn't take any talent or ability."
"The idea is to grow up by always finding the opportunity in change. Have no regrets. The elderly usually don't have regrets for what they did, but rather for things they did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets."
My friends - When I die, I am determined to have no regrets. I am determined to hold on to my playful heart for it leads me to light. Think about it.....
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Date: 2004-07-06 07:50 pm (UTC)That is so wonderful. I totaly agree with that very much. I know of an example of growing up, vs growing older.
I knew both of these ladies. When Eileen was 70, she and her husband went white water rafting and had a blast. When Murial turned 70, she imediately thought she was old and could not do certain things as she was "old". They were two different people. Eileen continued to live life with vim and vigor, up until she was striken with cancer in her 80's and passed away about 4 years ago. Murial became an "old lady" in the literal sense because of her "old" attitude, once she hit a certain age. I see too many older people who dress like old people and act like it. It's sad. I think Murial has passed on as well. Both attended my childhood church for years.
My Mom is 71 and still keeps her humor going and loves it when we tease her, she just dishes it back to us siblings - with love as always.
I do hope we all can retain a certain childlike wonder as we grow older.
That was a great post my friend. :-)