Wise Words for 2025: Lessons in Life

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old.

  1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
  2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
  3. Life is too short – enjoy it.
  4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.
  5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
  6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.
  7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
  8. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.
  9. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
  10. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
  11. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
  12. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
  13. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
  14. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
  15. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.
  16. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
  17. It's never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.
  18. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
  19. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
  20. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
  21. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

(To be continued in the May edition...)

Keen to Clean

By Trudy Smith

This thing we call housework; what does it comprise? The urge to clean up if the need does arise. There are dishes on the bench top and more in the sink The bin has spilled over and it’s starting to stink!

It’s time to get busy but where do you start Pick a chore from the list or just follow your heart And the phone has just rung to announce guests on the way They are just passing through; could they call in today?

The dirty clothes basket is now full to the top The windows are grimy, and the floor needs a mop. You’ll have to get ironing as you’ve nothing to wear And your trusty black pants are now white with dog hair.

You start rifling through drawers that are stuffed to the brim And ruefully remember the lawn needs a trim. It’s not just the lawn, so too does your hair No time to go shopping and the pantry is bare.

So, throw on your tracksuit and pick up the broom Quickly sweep, dust and tidy the front sitting room. Dig out the good tea set that has matching cups And the tin still has biscuits, now that’s a big plus!

A knock at the front door and there standing in line Are some relatives you haven’t seen for some time Apologies for short notice but while travelling through They can’t come this way without calling on you.

So, you put on the kettle and drink coffee and tea And catch up on milestones and memories with glee. And many hours later amidst all the goodbyes Please don’t be a stranger as you know how time flies.

So, dust if you must, and please clean if you’re keen But sometimes it’s good to have a break from routine. The moral of this story, and this fact I should stress It’s ok to have visitors when your house is a mess.