I’m writing this on the eve of my 60th birthday. At 60 years of age I figure I should have learned a thing or two about life. Although I feel like I’m somewhere in my 30s I have a few bits of wisdom for anyone making their way through life at any age.
My overall goal is to live to the ripe old age of 102. That leaves me a good 42 years of life in which to accomplish so many things. I feel like I’m just getting started rather than winding down.
Here’s my quick list of 20 bits of wisdom I have acquired over the last few decades. There’s really nothing earth shattering here. Just observances that many of us forget or never pick up on.
1. Health is everything. Reaching 60 and beyond without great health nullifies all benefits including wealth, family, status and privilege. Your health at 60 will be determined by your decisions at 40 and your decisions at 60 will determine your health at 80.
2. Happiness in life should be the ultimate goal. Strive for a job that makes you happy. A partner that makes you happy. A location that makes you happy. Friends that make you happy. If it doesn’t make you happy, change it immediately. There is no wait.
3. Be a part of something bigger. Having a connected spirit gives you a sense of belonging and a feeling that there is something beyond this physical life. It can be religious, spiritual or something else. Believe in something!
4. It’s never too late. No matter how old you get you can always start something new. Find a new passion at any age and pursue it with everything you have and you’ll be personally successful. Until the day you die, you’ve still got time.
5. It’s usually not as bad as you think. First world problems are so trivial that they fade away quicker than they appear. Don’t make the small stuff the big stuff. 10 years down the line will that problem even be remembered?
6. Music is important. Listen to as much music as you can. Songs and artists will mark important events and people in your life. Just the sound of a tune can bring joy, sorrow or comfort. Keep a large music collection.
7. Job security is a myth. Work for yourself whenever possible. The chances of you firing yourself are slim. Companies come with a set of benefits but also a set of risk. Never get comfortable while working for someone else.
8. Stay connected with as many friends as possible. Having a wider variety of friends gives you more opportunities to connect. Eat out with a someone other than your spouse at least once a week. Call, write or message but be the one to reach out.
9. You don’t have to act old. If you dress and act exactly like someone getting old, you’ll become old and people will treat you like you’re old. Wear whatever makes you feel young. Do things that people your age normally don’t do.
10. Family is not always blood related. As you get older you’ll find that blood relatives are not always your closest family. You may begin to rely on long-time friends, relatives by marriage, step-kids, neighbors and co-workers. Rely on the people you’re most comfortable with.
11. Use common sense and go with your gut. Experts do not know everything and many times they are wrong. If your gut tells you something different you should listen to it. Common sense is a great guide when making life decisions.
12. Never, ever pass up a chance to go on an adventure. Adventures are the stories you will tell. Make them as big as possible and have as many as you can. You’ll never look back and regret going on an adventure.
13. Stuff won’t always be a big deal. The expensive items you once had to have will eventually become the things that are creating clutter. If it doesn’t have special meaning and it’s not useful, get rid of it. Don’t haul around junk.
14. Money does not solve problems. The more money you make, the more problems you’ll have. Make enough money to live a comfortable life and you’ll be happy. You can’t take it with you in the end.
15. Avoid debt. Try to pay for things with money you already have. Credit can be an evil thing and if it gets out of control it is literally impossible to stop. Plan your purchases and have a savings plan!
16. Brush and floss regularly. Healthy teeth will save you huge amounts of money as you age. A healthy smile is almost priceless. You cannot hide your teeth, they are front and center as you get older. People notice a bad set of chompers.
17. Be kind. Don’t be the guy yelling for the kids to get off your lawn. Don’t be a bully. Treat people with respect and they’ll treat you with appreciation. Kindness is attractive and will be remembered.
18. Friends and family will die. Tell people close to you how much you care about them. Tell them often. Don’t lose close connections. Death is a part of life. It won’t be pleasant but it’s going to happen when you least expect it.
19. Smile always. A bright smile will not only make you feel better but it makes others feel better. Smiles attract conversation which creates new friendships. Smiling people have less stress which creates a longer life.
20. You are going to get old. God willing we all get old. Aging is a part of living. Embrace your long life while ignoring the age number. No two people age exactly the same. Age young and you’ll live a long and happy life.
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