I asked a friend who has crossed 70 & is heading towards 80 what sort of changes they are feeling? They sent me the following:
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1.  After loving my parents, my siblings, my spouse, my children and my friends, I have now started loving myself.

2.  I have realized that I am not “Atlas.” The world does not rest on my shoulders.

3.  I have stopped bargaining with vegetable & fruit vendors. A few pennies more is not going to break me, but it might help them with their child’s needs and education.

4.  I leave my restaurant staff a big tip. The extra money might bring a smile to their face. They are toiling much harder for a living than I am.

5.  I stopped telling the elderly that they've already narrated that story many times. The story makes them walk down memory lane & relive their past.

6.  I have learned not to correct people even when I know they are wrong. The onus of making everyone perfect is not on me. Peace is more precious than perfection.

7.  I give compliments freely & generously. Compliments are a mood enhancer not only for the recipient, but also for me. And a small tip for the recipient of a compliment, never, NEVER turn it down, just say "Thank You.”

8.  I have learned not to bother about a crease or a spot on my shirt. Personality speaks louder than appearances.

9.  I walk away from people who don't value me. They might not know my worth, but I do.

10.  I remain cool when someone plays dirty to outrun me in the rat race. I am not a rat and neither am I in any race.

11.  I am learning not to be embarrassed by my emotions. It’s my emotions that make me human.

12.  I have learned that it's better to drop the ego than to break a relationship. My ego will keep me aloof, whereas with relationships, I will never be alone.

13.  I have learned to live each day as if it's the last. After all, it might be the last.

14.  I am doing what makes me happy and brings joy to life. I am responsible for my happiness, and I owe it to myself. Happiness is a choice. You can be happy at any time, just choose to be!

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Why do we have to wait to be 60 or 70 or 80? Why can't we practice this at any stage and age?
What other life lessons would you add to this list?  What ones do you not find useful?

I often find that it is not so much about what you DO than how you BE in this life. Living a life of awareness and an open heart often leads to many unplanned adventures and new friendships.  Kindness in everyday activities can ripple in ways we don’t know.

Start Over.
Begin each day anew.
This is a new day for you to unfold and shine in all your light!

-Philomena
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Philomena O’Halloran is Chicago-based modern elder, mentor, life long learner, world traveler, photographer, artist, yogi and so much more to yet unfold. She is an MEA alum. Her career was in healthcare strategy, mergers & acquisitions and program management.