Sahill Bloom was getting ready to turn thirty-two years old and wondered what kind of advice he would get from his older self to this younger self. So he set about to ask many eighty-year-olds what would they remind their younger selves to know. He made this list which I thought was a wonderful reminder to all of us to treasure each day. My favorite is #9.
MDT/Diana Bowden Moore
What Would 80 Olds Remind Their Younger Selves?
- Now and then, break out the fancy china and drink the good wine for no reason at all.
- Dance at weddings until your feet are sore.
- Tell your partner you love them every night before falling asleep. Someday you’ll find the other side of the bed empty and wish you could.
- Don’t fear sadness, as it tends to sit right next to love.
- Treat your body like a house you have to live in for another 70 years.
- Never raise your voice, except for at a ballgame.
- Do one good deed every single day, but never tell anyone about it.
- Time doesn’t heal anything when it comes to relationships. Don’t delay difficult conversations.
- Find the things that make your eyes light up. Do more of those.
- Always remind yourself that your track record for making it through your bad days is perfect.
- If something has a minor issue, repair it. Minor issues become major issues over time. Applies equally to love friendships, health, and home.
- The most damning lie you can tell is the lie you tell to yourself.
- No one ever argued their way to happiness.
- If you’re going to lose a fight, make sure the other person think twice before fighting you again.
- Getting old is no picnic, but it’s much better than the alternative.
- You may occasionally disappoint others, but make sure to never disappoint yourself.
- Never let a good friendship atrophy. Send the text, make the call, plan the trip. Good friendships must be treasured.
- When you meet someone, look them in the eye, give a firm handshake, and call them by their name.
- Give everybody a second chance, but never a third.
- The “good old days” are happening right now.
- Whenever you hug someone, make sure they are the one to let go first.
- If it’s raining on a warm summer evening, go outside and dance in it.
- Taking no risk is the biggest risk you can take. Regret from inaction is always more painful than regret from action.
- It doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful.
- When in doubt, love. We can always use more love.
- Looking presentable is a matter of self-respect.
- When you’re feeling down, smile at yourself in the mirror for a full minute.
- Travel as much as you can. Collect one token from every trip to remember it by.
- If there’s something bothering you, ask yourelf whether it will matter in one month. If not, let it go right now.
- Stop trying to change people who don’t want to be changed.
- You may win the argument, but if you lose the friend, what was the point?
- Stubborn pride is the downfall of many men and women. Learn to forget the slight hurts and avoid grudges.
- Do one thing that challenges your mind every single day. A crossword puzzle, math problem, anything. Daily “exercise” will keep your mind sharp for the long haul.
- If something isn’t working and your gut tells you to try harder, first ask whether there’s just an easier way to do it.
- Allow your kids to fail. You will hate it, but it’s so important.
- There’s nothing wrong with shedding old relationships as you grow and change.
- No amount of money is ever worth trading for your peace of mind.
- If your kid wants to dance in line at the store, join them.
- Smile and say good morning to strangers on the street.
- Laugh loudly and unapologetically whenever you feel like it.
