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• The past is not a prophet; at best, it is only a teacher. So, what have I learned over the years?

What Makes Some People Grow Better With Age? These 5 Quotes Hold the Secret.

The best aging keeps the heart warm, curious, and alive.

One of my favorite Bible verses is this: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice.” Psalms 118:24.

This is why I see each day as a gift; I want to treat it as one. I’m sure you do as well. We old-timers are still walking on the top side of the grass. Some members of my family and some friends are no longer with us.

I put together five quotes and my takes on each and links to direct us to the sunny side of older age.

Please let me know what you think. Respond to all4him2@me.com.

1. Oh my, my past

If you have sleepless nights because of something you did or what you should have done but didn’t, throw those thoughts in the trash can. If it is something you can make right, certainly do it when you throw the covers back from your sleepless night. Don’t hesitate, make the phone call, schedule the visit, and do the right thing. You’ll be glad you did.

I look at it this way: if I did wrong in my past, I have joined the other thousands of wrongdoers. Remember this: no one has a flawless history. You’re one of the many, but you’re alive and can correct it for sleep-filled nights.

Constantly replaying regrets in your mind can increase anxiety and depression. It even interferes with sleep. Taking positive action instead of dwelling on the past helps you move forward emotionally.

Want some help dealing with regrets? Click here.​

2. If I could only

When I look at the success of the people who replaced me when I retired, you know what? They’re doing great. But why didn’t I do what they’re doing? My achievements would be legendary. But that is my was, not my now. Let’s make the most of our ‘now.’ Living in my present is more entertaining than my ruminating on the past. You know what? I have had a good run, and you have, too. We have lots of good in our history. Go ahead, pat yourself on the back for the top achievements of the past, but don’t stay there. Rejoice in the present. Remember, we have family and friends who never made it to our age. Today is a good day to be happy.

When we stay focused on the present instead of dwelling on “what might have been,” we experience lower stress levels and better emotional well-being as we age.

Some tips on stopping the cycle of negative thoughts. Click here.

3. You’re old, now what?

The only pill I know for old age is the pill of enjoyment. Yes, I know we have aches and pains. People who say they don’t have them, God bless them. But aches and pains are my constant companions. I’m healthy, great. I know some of you are not healthy. Likewise, I don’t know how difficult it is for you. What I do understand is we all face our health challenges on our terms. Four of my brothers and one sister have died in the past twenty years. Each one faced a change in health in their own way. And that’s okay.

But I do know this: don’t allow past pain to suck the joy out of living your life. Yet, I’m not saying it’s easy.

Maintaining enjoyment and social connections in later life contributes to better mental and physical health. Even when health challenges are present.

Learn how to build enjoyable friendships. Take a look here.​

4. The older we are, the more thankful we become

The one component above all others making old age golden is gratitude. A thankful heart cannot be bitter. You and I know older people who harbor bitterness about being old. Yes, I know sickness, loneliness, and regrets can become the heart and soul of an aged person. At eighty-three, I’m thankful.

Gratitude is linked to thankful living, better sleep, improved mood, and even longer life expectancy in older adults.

Click here to learn more about how gratitude builds a better life for you.

5. A kind person builds a happy place.

The essence of kindness defines the people you and I want to be with. Isn’t that right? My years working in a factory put me side-by-side with a grump. He spelled negative in capital letters. I showered before leaving the factory to wash away not only the gunk but also the grumpy attitude clinging to my mind.

Now, to some, kindness comes naturally; others have to try to show kindness. But when we do, oh my goodness, we find kindness pays big dividends. Have you ever been with a kind person? You wanted to stay in their presence, didn’t you? Well, that is the person I want to be always. I would like to leave people with smiles on their faces.

Showing kindness has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood. It lessens loneliness and strengthens social connections.

Read more: The Art of Kindness.​

Your golden days are one thought away.

I’ve discovered I have the power to make my days golden or broken. Which one I choose will make me better or turn my day into a train wreck.

So, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice.”

Choose wisely.

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