Advice for my grandchildren

I have a wonderful life.  It is not without ups and downs - and there certainly has been richer and poorer, sickness and health.  I've experienced true love and sorrowful loss.

As this blog was always meant to be my diary of sorts for my grandchildren, I can't help but offer some advice now and then along with the anecdotes of my daily life:

Remember to take each day as it comes.  You cannot re-do yesterday or predict what tomorrow will bring.  You can only be present today - make the most of it. 

Learn lessons from your past -  not everything will turn out as well as you hope, but do not dwell on what 'might have been'.  Just make a mental note of what you could have done better for next time.

Never forget that no one EVER changed an outcome by worrying about what the future might hold.  If worrying burned calories, it might be worth a try, otherwise, it is just a useless effort that robs the day from you. 

Always choose to be kind.   You will feel better about yourself if you only see the good in people.  Negativity can easily creep into your life if you give it a place to take up residence.  Fill up your empty spaces with love and kindness.  I promise you will never regret it. 

Always choose to be happy.  YES, it IS a choice.  The days will pass, all of them will be 24 hours long.  You get to choose how to spend it.  Personally, I've been happy and I've been miserable.  Listen to an old lady, "Happy is WAY better".  

If you are going through hell - KEEP GOING - don't stop to take pictures!  I've been through hell so many times, I could give guided tours!  Remember, if you walk a straight line,  you can only go half way in, then you will be on your way out.  Don't look back... it happened.... it's over.  Life goes on.  

Get used to the fact that not everyone will like you.  If people WANT to like you, they will find 100 reasons to like you.  If someone does not want to like you, they only need to find one flaw that will resonate.  Bottom line, just make sure you like yourself.  Let everyone else make up their own minds.

Believe only half of what you see - and NONE of what you hear!!

Be grateful everyday.  

Remember that God answers all prayers - and sometimes, the answer is "no".

Last tip for the day:  MAKE MEMORIES!  Enjoy all that you do.  Love with all your might.  Laugh until it hurts.  When in doubt, always give a hug.  That is how you make a memory.