how to stay young

[darness]

A few nights ago, I got to see Dr. Dean Edell give a lecture at the community center. When he wrapped up, he shared a quote that I particularly liked. Many folks have attributed this to George Carlin, and an equal number of folks say it ain't him. I don't know who actually said it, all I know is that I like it.  I find myself trying my best to live a life centered around a lot of these principles, but I could never sum it up as eloquently as it is here.

HOW TO STAY YOUNG:

• Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her.
• Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
• Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever Never let the brain be idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
• Enjoy the simple things.
• Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
• The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
• Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, and hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
• Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
• Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.
• Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.