These words of advice jumped off the pages of our company retiree newsletter. I’ve seen variations of this list attributed to the AARP and various other sources — so even though I’m not sure where it “truly” came from, it’s well worth repeating. It’s good advice for all of us — retired or not! (and no, I’m not going to guilt-trip you if you refuse to copy and paste this into your Facebook status, or forward it to 539 friends, and lightning’s not going to strike if you skip this post, etc…just enjoy it!).

  • Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
  • Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” And the devil’s name is Alzheimer’s.
  • Enjoy the simple things.
  • Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
  • The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. LIVE while you are alive.
  • Surround yourself with what you love, whether it’s family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Remember: Your home is your refuge.
  • Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help. You are worth it!
  • Don’t take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.
  • Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
  • Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second time.