The older I get the more I reflect on my life and realize life is fragile and very short. When I was young, I wanted to to be old. From the time I was 25 and older, I wished I was young again. Now that I am getting close to retirement, I find it easy to wish I could retire. I would like to encourage everyone to enjoy the journey of life and don’t wish your life away.

    Always try to look at life with a positive outlook. Life can be really hard with many curve balls thrown our way. When I see someone frowning this reminds me to smile. When I am having a really hard day, I try to do something nice for someone. Doing random acts of kindness is a huge way to boost your spirit as well as helping boost the attitudes of others.

    Don’t worry if someone is not doing things the way you think something should be done. We are all trying to figure things out on this planet. There are many choices we make that are not right or wrong. What you think is a bad choice someone else might think is a good one. I think fish is usually disgusting to eat, and for someone else this is their favorite dish.

   Positive affirmations work! When I am feeling sick, in my mind I will say “I feel great!” Sometimes I will say affirmations as much as 100 time over and over in my mind. I usually start feeling better. Another affirmation that helps boost my spirit is “I am in the right place at the right time and good things are happening to me.” The power of positive thinking is amazing.

    Remember the world does not revolve around you. If is is to be it is up to me, this is one of my favorite sayings. Always ask yourself; what can I do to lighten the load of others? If you want to have a friend be a friend to others. If someone is asking you how you are doing, try to remember they want you to ask how they are doing as well.

    There are many different philosophies and religions in the world and we can learn from all of them. Don’t ever make people feel bad about their point of view. My way is right and your way is wrong will not help you make friends and influence people in a positive way.

    Don’t take life too seriously. Laughter is medicine for your soul. Always be appreciative of the small acts of kindness others give you. Saying thank you and I love you to the people in your life everyday will improve relationships. Saying I am sorry will make relationships stronger. 

    The way we dress and the way we talk is a direct refection of who we are as a person and the people we attract into our lives. If we speak kindly of others we will attract kind people into our lives. If you like wearing clothes that reflect professional people, like suits and dresses you will attract that kind of person. If you like wearing more relaxed fitting clothes you will attract more laid back people.

    Even when people are unkind, especially family, give them kindness and love in return. Everyone can have a bad day, bad week and even a bad year. Your words will have a lasting effect, so choose your words wisely. When you are in the heat of the moment, remember the words you say can’t be taken back. Before you speak take a break, then talk when your emotions have cooled down.

    Always love your parents no matter what! Your parents love you and want what is best for you, even when you don’t think this is true. Spend time with your parents, call them, drop in to say hello, bring them dinner, invite them over to your house. When your parents are gone, you will wish you did more things for them and with them.  At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how much money we made or how popular we were. It matters how we treated others. Be kind to everyone and always love your family.