20 Things I’ve Learned In 60 Years
or “What I’d Warn Everybody Younger Than Me About,” by Dr. Linda Herlocker, EdD
About a week ago, when the reality that I am turning 60 began to hit me, I started to think about what I have done with all the time… What sense can I really make of it all. And this is what came to me… “20 Things I’ve Learned In 60 Years” (or “What I’d Warn Everybody Younger Than Me About”):
- Despite everything, life moves impossibly forward.
- Whenever you think you can’t do something, think back. Chances are you’ve done something harder.
- When something is worth having, don’t give up until you get it.
- You are your own best advocate.
a. …and it’s corollary , “Take no shit.” - Life isn’t fair. That doesn’t mean you can’t be.
- Before you start measuring your life against anyone else’s, remember, your “adequate” is most peoples’ “amazing.”
- The Golden Rule isn’t good enough. Go for Platinum: Treat people the way they wish to be treated.
- Making mistakes is okay; finding and fixing them is even better; learning from them is imperative.
- “I will make a difference” is both an affirmation and a prime directive.
- Not knowing is excusable; remaining ignorant is not.
- Laughter only works when shared…
a. Everything is (or can be) funny, eventually. - Tears and smiles generally cancel each other out, although there is always a time delay.
- Stretch.
- Our humanity is rooted in our empathy. It is mankind’s greatest gift.
- Your “gut feeling” about people or situations might just be gas. Don’t trust it.
- “No regrets” is impossible.
- Love is the only thing that lasts forever, and it always brings pain with its joy.
- “God” is whatever makes you a better person.
- Animals have souls, too, and probably have a vote in the judgment of us.
- If people are better off for having known me — mission accomplished.
Thanks for listening.
My ex-wife, a wonderful person (if I do say so myself) reached the ago of 60 recently, and posted the above list on her Facebook page. I thought it deserved a wider audience, so (with her permission) I posted this on her behalf. I will pass along any (non-trollish) responses to her.
