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I recently hosted a Caregivers' Workshop in Denver, where caregivers of all ages were encouraged to share their real feelings and thoughts about living well. One silver-haired gentleman just sat and listened to what all the other participants were saying. Then, towards the very end of the session, he looked out the window, stared at a maple tree whose leaves had begun to turn orange, faced us and said: "After the loss of my beloved wife, I have come to realize that, as Autumn approaches, we should all:
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her. 2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down... 3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." 4. Enjoy the simple things. 5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. 6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive. 7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge. 8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it; unstable, improve it; beyond what you can improve, get help. 9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is. 10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."
Then he quietly picked up his cane and walked out the door." What things do you do as Autumn approaches? Hope they bring you happiness. Jeff
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