Secrets to LIVING a Long and Happy Life!
Life is what we make it. Always has been, always will be.
- Grandma Moses
I recently read a story about a man who turned 70 and decided to move at once. Everyone was surprised by this sudden decision. He didn’t hesitate to mention that where he was residing 70 was considered old. He quickly moved to a new town where tombstones indicated most people lived well into their 90s and even 100s. According to the story, he did just that!
Yesterday, my grandmother turned 91. Nanny has endured a life of pain and suffering. She watched her father take his own life at an early age, lost her first husband in the war and second husband years ago. More recently, she lost her dear friend, when another elderly woman accidentally drove through the bridge club. Clearly, she has plenty of excuses to be negative.
However, still living independently, a brief conversation with Nanny reveals that her upbeat attitude and sense of humor are clearly factors to a long life. It is known that as a society we are living longer and longer. The key word is “living.”
Lesson 1: Recognize and Release what you cannot Control
Recently she gave up driving, because it was too painful on her knees and surgery was not an option. When, I asked her about her knees, she chirped, “We don’t discuss those, because we aren’t going to do anything about those.”
Lesson 2: Stay Self Aware
Moving along, I asked her about her hips, to which she snickered, “Those are still a little too big.”
Lesson 3: Be a Humor Being!
Finally, when I asked her how she was feeling on her birthday, she didn’t hesitate to tell me, “Mostly, I feel with my hands.” Then, she chuckled and so did I.
Every morning when we get out of bed, we get to make a choice. We can choose to be happy or unhappy. We can choose to approach the day with zest and enthusiasm! We all have a story and things that have happened to us. The choice is to let go and decide that 70 is not old and, even at 91, a sense of humor makes the world a happier place.
Are you having trouble getting out of your rut? The economy got you down? Now‘s the time to make a change! You may have seen the USA Weekend section of the Arizona Republic featuring TV Star Ed O’Neill, of ABC’s Modern Family and previously Married with Children in his martial arts uniform. At 63, he brags that martial arts keep him feeling healthy and great! http://www.usaweekend.com/09_issues/091108/091108health-kids.html
What are you waiting for? Join now at our Scottsdale location or online! www.atlasmartialarts.com