February 26, 2012
Lessons for Living
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The Week published an excerpt from a book in their magazine. The article comes from the book, 30 Lessons for Living: Tried and True Advice From the Wisest Americans.
At my age, the title caught my eye and I was curious about the book excerpt and checked it out. The author began with the statement that he feels we are on the verge of losing an irreplaceable natural resource...America's older generation. For example, the last veteran of WW I has died, those of WW II are now in their 80's plus. The youngest children of the Great Depression have reached their 70's and beyond. When this generation passes, where will we go to recover the lessons they learned about life?
The author surveyed over one thousand seniors and then selected what he considered the best 30 for his book. Below is a sampling of eight of those individuals and their one piece of advice:
1) Marry someone you like
2) Honor your vows
3) Share your kids' lives
4) Learn from bad experiences
5) Choose (!) happiness
6) Stay connected with friends, community
7) Accept life as it is, not what you want it to be
8) Don't worry about dying
Of course there is more in the detail but these were the high points and good ones to boot. And really no surprises, just reminders.
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Posted by Nancy Rossman
on February 26, 2012 at 11:51 AM
in Words of Wisdom |
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February 9, 2012
Pay it Backward
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So this all starts with that great movie that made us think and discuss "Pay it Forward." I liked the message and even believe in it. The psychologists and others in the know say that if you give someone a sincere compliment or words of encouragement, the giver gets the same endorphin release that the receiver gets. Interesting. And it makes sense. Have you ever helped someone over a rough time, helped a senior to his car in the grocery store ... and suddenly, you feel better? so, I have and I never understood why.
NOW, my message today is that many people have helped me at various times in my life. I can remember in high school the algebra/trig/etc teacher encouraged and challenged me. Mr. Frick. He was a crusty old guy for sure... but I knew, underneath it all ... he cared. It continued throughout my life that people have been there to support, stimulate, and believe in me. NOW it is payback. In order to keep the positive energy in the universe, I need to repay all those who helped me by extending my knowledge and support where warranted. I have learned some things about writing, I had a career in sales for over thirty years, I have raised a child (now 40...although do they ever really leave us?), am caring for an aging parent. You get where I'm going. No matter who you are, you can help someone in need, just stop and look around. It doesn't matter how much time is spent, only that you offer what you can when you can.
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Posted by Nancy Rossman
on February 9, 2012 at 10:07 PM
in Words of Wisdom |
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February 2, 2012
(more) Words of Wisdom ... about children
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Recently I talked with good friend and author extraordinaire, Dorothy Allison, who is also one of the wisest women on the planet. She is pictured here on the left with another adoring fan and me on the right. Anyhow, in our catching up as we do from time to time, I asked how Dorothy's son, Wolf, was doing in his first year of college.
"I sit and watch in wonder. Astonishment, even," she said. "It's just so damn interesting."
"Really?" I said quite shocked. "I remember when my daughter, Robin, started college and I'd go to bed every night and stare at the ceiling. I even took to muttering."
Dorothy laughed. "Tell me more."
"I thought Robin should be president while she still knew everything about everything. It was an awful time. I loved her; I couldn't stand her. There was no logic to what was going on."
"Yep," Dorothy said. "You love them, despair over them, and then, well ... you write a story about them."
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Posted by Nancy Rossman
on February 2, 2012 at 7:10 PM
in Words of Wisdom |
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