4 It is all in the mind



It is all in the mind

I have been fortunate in life to have met some fascinating people who have taught me much.   

I remember meeting an older lady who taught me many things I will never forget.  I first met her when we were attending a course together. We had been told to introduce ourselves to somebody we did not know. Before I got a chance, she was introducing herself to me. She was in her eighties and had a beaming smile. She said, “Hi handsome. My name is Mary. I’m eighty-seven years old. Can I give you a hug?” I laughed and enthusiastically responded, “Of course you may!” and she did just that.  
“Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?” I asked. She jokingly replied, “I’m here to meet a rich husband, get married, and have a couple of children” “No seriously,” I asked. I was curious about what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age.
“I always dreamed of having a college education and now I’m making a start on getting one!” she told me.  
She had been invited to speak as an after-dinner speaker and I attended as her guest.  I will never forget that night.  She was introduced and stepped up to the podium. As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her prompt cards on the floor. Frustrated and a little embarrassed she leaned into the microphone and simply said, “I’m sorry I’m so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me! I’ll never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know. There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success. You have to laugh and find humour every day. Anybody can grow older. That doesn’t take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding opportunity in change. Life should never be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely and well preserved. Rather we should skid in sideways with your favourite food in one hand and a glass of wine in the other. Your body should be thoroughly used up and spent totally worn out with living. There should also be a smile of satisfaction on your face for a life fully lived.



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