COMPLEX SIMPLE SUGGESTIONS

When we get 43 suggestions at one time, it is easier to ignore them, think they are too simplistic or sugary. I never read all the "self-help" books written to help us through life, because I was cynical and did not want ADVICE....No one ever follows advice. even good advice from friends. I rebelled. I followed my own path....but it has led me back here to this 90-year-old Midwestern woman's seemingly simplistic and unsophisticated, but actually complicated, life-altering, effective suggestions. it is easier to ignore these 43 ideas, than to really consider them deeply. The hardest thing to do, is to BEGIN to follow the ones we believe are right. As a social revolutionary and humanist, I believe all the wise lady's suggestions are right, and will definitely lead to a much happier, less frustrated, more fulfilled life....and Life is our goal.

by Regina Brett, 90                                                           (Cleveland Plain Dealer Newspaper)

"To celebrate growing older, I wrote 43 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written."

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short – enjoy it.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.

9. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

10. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

11. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

12. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is about.

13. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

14 Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

15. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

16. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

17. It's never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.

18. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

19. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

20. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

21. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

22. The most important sex organ is the brain.

23. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

24. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

25. Always choose life.

26. Forgive but don’t forget.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

30. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does..

31. Believe in miracles.

32. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

33. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

34. Your children get only one childhood.

35. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

36. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

37. If we threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

38. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.

39. The best is yet to come...

40. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

41. Yield.

42. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

43. Friends are the family that we choose.