A word from George Carlin
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more college degrees but less common sense, more knowledge, but less good judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We have learned how to make a living, but not a life. We have added years to life not life to years. We have been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We have done larger things, but not better things. We have cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We have conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We have learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one-night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete button.
Remember to spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it does not cost a cent. Remember, to say, “I love you” to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. The number of breaths we take does not measure life, but by the moments that astound us.
MY FORMULA FOR HOW TO STAY YOUNG
Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him
1. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches and losers will only pull you down.
2. Keep learning. Learn more about the things that interest you. Never let the brain idle. “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.”
3. Enjoy the simple things.
4. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you feel the tears run down your cheeks
5. 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 still here and alive.
6. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it is family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, and hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
7. 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.
8. Do not take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next city, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.
9. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
MOREOVER, ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life gives you about 27,000 days (maybe) and when they are gone their gone. Do not waste them on stupid stuff that makes you unhappy.
George Carlin
