A Primer on Ageing , course # 001

 This will most likely be an ongoing theme here at Mile 14, like everything in life, life itself is a work in progress and we learn as we go , everyday every hour. So I decided to do a list of the things that have been working for me as I try to gracefully wander into my 70's... I know all of us have heard the rhetorical  things like " ageing ain't for sissy's " or a variant of that but I wanted to make sense of those things, kinda sort through what I'm learning and how I handle things differently now after going on 68 years of experience.  The biggest thing I need to learn is TO TAKE YOUR OWN ADVICE....so this, a letter to Jeff.

1. shoulda's, coulda's always mean didn't. Regrets will seem to make more sense if they are the " I wish I wouldn't have " variety instead of the " I wish I had " variety.

2. Stretch before you get out of bed, everyday.

3. Question authority as a way to help the world...afterall, now you are the authority.

4. Never tolerate being talked down to or lectured by young people. Be proudful. 

5. It's seems a natural part of ageing to want to be more cautious , be aware of that and then move on.

6. Sing loud and often.

7. There is nothing you can't do too much of, new is good.

8. Exercise everyday. If 10,000 steps is the good, 14,000 is better.

9. All you need is what you have....money wise, people wise, love wise, health wise etc.

10. Buy the double for a dollar at the airport.

11. I used to say ' reward your friends and punish your enemies ' now it's only about your friends. Ain't got time for the idiots I've known along the way. You don't have to be 'friends ' with everybody but you do have to be 'friendly'  with everybody.

12. Forgive, forget ....just live better and laugh more than the people who have disappointed you in life.

13. Don't shy away from sadness, you're at the age when it will accelerate so face it with love , warmth and dignity.

14.  Everything in your life brought you to this wonderful point, the things you shouldn't have done, the things that broke your heart and the successes   you've had . Don't be ashamed or make excuses for anything, anything period . 

15. Things are just has hard and happy is just as happy for everybody on the planet....try not to start the story with ' well back in the day ' or ' when I was cutting my teeth in the business '  

16.  A little pain is good. If you don't have some day to day pain you aren't doing enough . BUT, if that pain is more than a little or it is unusual, take care of it. You're in charge of your health so educate yourself  and see the Doctors when you must with the goal of 30 more years...or so....

17. Have fun....always.....ain't here for a haircut ! enjoy the ride and sit up top whenever you can.