Life can be tough, there’s no hiding it. We all face challenges that we have to deal with by ourselves. But watching my own kids, and now my grandkids, face these struggles makes me want to help them out.
That’s why I’ve put together a list of lessons I’ve learned, sometimes the hard way, that I wish someone had told me. Here are 18 tips to hopefully make life a bit smoother for you, my dear grandchildren.
Life is short.
Perhaps this is the most important lesson I can give my grandchildren. Life is short—it’s like a quick dance with time that tells us to enjoy every single moment.
Before you know it, days become years, and soon, the fun times we thought would last always turn into memories. We should live our lives to the fullest, not wasting even a minute on wishing things were different.
Start each day with a smile, laugh a lot, love with all your heart, and try to do something important that makes the world better. Remember, the time we think we have might end sooner than we expect, so make every moment count!
Don’t take yourself too seriously.
Want to know the secret to a long and happy life? A good sense of humor! Learn to laugh at yourself and find something funny in everyday things. If you look for it, you’ll find humor everywhere, and it can help you through tough times.
Never stop learning.
Learning doesn’t stop after school. Always be ready to learn new things—it makes life more fun and makes you a more interesting person!
This too, shall pass.
Some days will be good, and some will be tough. Even if bad times feel like they’re lasting too long, they won’t go on forever.
Live and let live.
Our world is a mix of many different kinds of people, and we’re all unique. Remember, it’s important to accept others, even those you might not like very much. Don’t let anyone spoil your day.
Life is what you make of it.
When we’re young, we imagine how our future will look, but it hardly turns out exactly as we think. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad life—often, it’s quite the opposite!
Remember, if you focus too much on things not being a certain way, you might end up feeling down for a long time. Life can be wonderful, but it’s up to you to make it that way!
You can’t please everyone.
Always do what you feel is right. You can’t make everyone happy, and that’s okay. Some people might not agree with you, and they might even get upset. That’s their problem, not yours, so don’t worry about it.
Be mindful.
With all the social media and quick news today, it’s easy to forget to be present with the people around you. Don’t let life slip by too fast. Spend quality time with your loved ones and really enjoy each moment.
Stay humble.
Being humble and modest is important. There aren’t many people like that these days, and we can really see the difference.
Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans.
Yes, I just mentioned John Lennon, and there’s a good reason for it. Sometimes, we’re so busy planning what we think should happen that we miss all the wonderful things happening around us.
Take care of your body.
You only have one body, so look after it well. Remember to take your vitamins, use sunscreen, exercise for 30 minutes a day, eat fruits and vegetables, and sleep at least 7 hours each night.
Work hard, play hard.
I know many people from the Depression era and Baby Boomers who worked really hard but forgot to have fun. Remember, life is short. Working hard is good, but taking time to enjoy life with family and friends is just as important.
Do a kind act every day.
If you’re at Starbucks and someone is behind you in line, surprise them by paying for their coffee. If a driver cuts into your lane at the last second, just take a deep breath and let them in.
And if you like someone’s shirt or accessory, tell them! Being kind is easy and it makes both you and the other person feel great.
Forgiveness is important.
Holding a grudge can make you feel anxious and stressed. It’s much healthier to forgive. You don’t always have to forget, but forgiving can help you heal and move on.
The internet is forever.
When I was young, we didn’t have to think about the internet. But now, it’s important for you to be careful. If you wouldn’t want me to see something, it’s probably best not to post it online.
Travel whenever you can.
Have you ever met someone who regretted traveling the world? I haven’t! But I know many people who wish they had traveled more.
Not all habits are bad.
While smoking and biting your nails aren’t good, some habits are great for you. Making your bed, drinking 75 ounces of water daily, and writing in a journal are all good habits that can really improve your day and your health.
Call your grandma!
Do I need to say more? Make sure to call me a few times a week! 🙂
I’ve lived a long time and learned a lot. I hope these little bits of wisdom make your life a bit easier. You might have to learn some lessons on your own, but remember these tips from me, your grandma, when you need them!
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