The Great Generation doesn't, to my knowledge, have a set definition in the same way as, say, Baby Boomers, Generation Y, Gen X, or the Greatest Generation, which is a term popularized by Tom Brokaw. It refers to people who lived through the Great Depression and World War II. I guess you could say that fits, though. You see, my mother-in-law coined the term to me while expressing her deep interest in the opinions and wisdom of women in their seventies, eighties, and nineties, and certainly centenarians, as well. A conversation with her over Christmas vacation inspired this post because I agree, I think there's much knowledge waiting to be passed down, woman to woman, generation to generation. This is just the start.
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1. Live Each Day like It's Your Last One
Because it could be. You never know. Most of us hope for a long, fruitful life, but for that to happen, you have to make the most of every single day.
2. After All, This is the Only Life You Have
Indeed. It's a cliché, but it's a cliché for a reason.
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3. Stay Present
You can't change the past, no matter how much you regret something or how many times you wish you'd done something differently. There's no going back. At the same time, although you should always look forward, remember that you can't predict the future. Stay in the moment as often as possible. Cherish each second as it happens.
4. Find the One Good Thing in Every Experience
In every day, in every situation, in every mundane task – always look for something good, even if it's small. A blade of grass poking through the snow, unexpectedly making a new friend, finding something you thought you lost – anything.
5. Embrace Change
That's hard. Change is frightening sometimes. It's inevitable, though, that's the thing. There's no changing change so do your best to accept it, at least, even when it hurts.
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6. Love Every Stage of Your Life
Don't waste time hating your thirties or dreading middle age. Nothing good can come of any of that. There's something wonderful about every stage, beginning, middle, end, and every chapter in between. Love all of them. Be your best you in each one.
7. Don't Spend Too Much Time inside
Get outside, wherever you are. Play outside! Take walks, go swimming, try hiking. Get out as much as you can, even if you're only taking the dog for a walk or mowing the lawn.
8. Discover Your Passion at Every Age
In your teens, maybe you loved going to concerts and collecting tickets. In your 20s, you painted, knitted, and jogged. You'll enjoy new things at all stages of your life. Part of the fun is discovering new passions. Some, like reading, biking, or singing, might stick with you forever, but you should never stop pursuing your passions, old or new.
9. Stay True to Yourself
Always be you. Always. At the end of your life, whenever it is, you don't want to look back and regret that no one ever knew the real you.
10. Embrace Age as It Comes
Everybody gets older – a minute, a month, years. Aging is better than the alternative, wouldn't you say? Don't fight the years. Don't cry over the greying hairs. Don't despair over the wrinkles. They all tell stories from your life. Ultimately, age the way you want to, but don't fight it too hard.
11. Never Let Age Define You
There's no sense because you are so much more than your age, at every age. I know it doesn't seem like that, but the world is changing. At least, brave, smart, passionate women and men are trying to change it.
This text is a reminder that age should not be a limitation for anyone. It is important to remember that age is just a number and should not define what we can and cannot do. Women and men of all ages are pushing boundaries and changing the world in their own unique ways. Age should not be a barrier to achieving our dreams and goals. We should never let age define us and instead, focus on our own potential and capabilities. With determination and hard work, we can achieve anything. There is no limit to what we can do, no matter how old we are.
12. Just Stay Young at Heart
In other words, stay true to yourself – again. Keep your sense of wonder, your curiosity, your exuberance.
This piece of wisdom is often overlooked in our fast-paced society. Staying young at heart means not letting the worries and stresses of life take away the joy of living. It means to keep an open mind and stay curious about the world around you. It means to stay passionate about the things that bring you joy and to not be afraid to express yourself. It means to stay true to your values and not to be swayed by the opinions of others. It means to stay optimistic and to see the beauty in the little things. Most of all, it means to be kind, to yourself and to those around you.
13. Always Be Inspired
Something is always waiting to inspire you. You just have to be open to it.
This piece of wisdom comes from a variety of successful and inspiring women from around the world. They all believe that being open to inspiration is key to achieving success. Whether it be from a book, a stranger, or a friend, inspiration can come from anywhere. It is important to remember that there is always something new to learn and to be inspired by. Inspiration can come in the form of a new idea, a different perspective, or a new way of looking at the world. By being open to it, you can find the motivation and courage to take on any challenge.
14. Always Be Inspiring
If you truly live each day to its absolute fullest, this is easy. You don't have to set yourself up as some kind of role model, you don't have to be rich or famous, you don't even have to be well-known. Just being the very best version of yourself is enough.
Inspiring others doesn't require any special skills or abilities. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture. Even the smallest acts of kindness can have a positive impact on someone's life. Simple things like smiling at a stranger, holding the door open for someone, or offering a kind word can make a difference. It's also important to remember that it's not about being perfect, it's about being the best version of yourself and striving to do better. By doing so, you can be a source of motivation and hope for others.
15. Save as Much as You Can
Save money, mementos, memories, stories – but definitely save money.
Saving money is an important part of any financial plan, and great women have been advocating for it for years. Women have been known to be careful with their finances and to save for a rainy day. They understand the importance of setting aside a portion of their income for the future. It is not only about saving money, but also about saving mementos, memories, and stories. By doing this, women are able to build a financial cushion that will help them during difficult times. Saving money is a smart way to prepare for the future and to ensure that you have enough to live comfortably.
16. Don't Stop Learning
Never stop learning new things. No one knows absolutely everything and there's always something new on the horizon. Don't feel like you have to learn for the sake of it, though. It's enough to pursue your passions, keep up with current events, or get involved with a new subject.
Women have always been great sources of wisdom and inspiration. This piece of wisdom from great women is an important reminder to never stop learning. Learning is not only about acquiring knowledge; it is also about discovering new passions, keeping up with current events, and expanding your horizons. Learning is a lifelong journey and it is important to continue to pursue knowledge and understanding. With the help of technology, there are more resources than ever to help us learn and grow. Taking advantage of these resources can help us stay informed and engaged in the world around us. Learning is a powerful tool that can help us become better versions of ourselves.
17. Don't Let Your Life Get Too Complicated
Keep things simple, as much as that's possible. Clear clutter wherever you can – out of your home, your office, your car, your mind, your garage, your life. You get it. Just ditch the excess baggage. Toss anything that doesn't serve a positive purpose.
This piece of wisdom is an important reminder to take a step back and simplify our lives. Too often, we are bogged down by the stresses of life and the demands of our jobs, relationships, and hobbies. It's essential to take a break from the chaos and clear out the clutter that is clogging up our lives. We can do this by getting rid of things that are no longer necessary or beneficial, and focusing on the things that bring us joy and purpose. By doing this, we can create a life of balance and order, and ultimately, achieve greater peace of mind.
18. Stop Waiting for the Perfect Time
For anything – college, marriage, babies, travel. There's never a perfect time. Before you know it, you'll have waited too long.
This text is a reminder that life is short and that we should not wait for the perfect time to do something. We should pursue our dreams and take risks, as waiting too long can mean that opportunities are missed. This advice is especially important for women, who often face additional obstacles in achieving their goals. It is important to remember that the perfect time will never come, and that we should act now. Taking action can be intimidating, but it can also be the most rewarding decision we make.
19. Keep Taking Pictures
You'll be so glad for the memories later. Just remember: fewer selfies, more group shots.
Pictures are a great way to capture memories and special moments in life. Taking pictures with friends and family is an excellent way to remember the good times. When taking pictures, try to focus less on selfies and more on group shots. This way, you can capture the joy of the moment and the people who were there with you. Having these memories to look back on can be incredibly rewarding and can help to bring back fond memories of the past. So don't forget to take pictures and to keep them safe for years to come.
20. Get out of Toxic Relationships
Toxic relationships count as excess baggage, but they're also dangerous. Chuck them, even if it's hard. You'll find the strength when you're ready.
Toxic relationships can be emotionally and psychologically damaging, leading to feelings of worthlessness and low self-esteem. It is important to recognize the signs of a toxic relationship and take steps to end it. This can be difficult, but ultimately it is necessary to protect your mental health and wellbeing. Taking the time to reflect on your own needs and values can help you to move on from the relationship and focus on healthier relationships in the future. It is important to remember that you are not alone and that there is support available to help you through this process.
21. Always Have a Circle of Friends
This is essential. You don't need a horde of friends, but a few close pals are absolutely crucial – at any age.
Having a circle of friends is important for mental and emotional wellbeing. Research has shown that having strong social connections can reduce stress, depression, and anxiety. It can also help with physical health, as a strong social network can help reduce the risk of chronic illnesses. Additionally, having friends can help boost self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose. Friends can also provide valuable support when facing difficult times, such as illness or bereavement. Therefore, having a circle of friends is essential for a happy and healthy life.
22. Tell Your People You Love Them
Every day. Don't hold it back.
This piece of wisdom from great women encourages us to practice expressing our love to our people. Showing our loved ones that we care about them is a powerful way to build strong relationships. It can be easy to forget to tell our people that we love them, but it is important to make sure that they know how much we care. Saying "I love you" can make a big difference in our relationships and it can make our loved ones feel more secure and appreciated. Let's make sure to tell our people we love them every day.
23. Empathize with Others and with Yourself
You deserve it. Others deserve it, too.
Empathy is a powerful tool for understanding and connecting with others. It is the ability to put yourself in someone else's shoes and understand their feelings and perspectives. Empathy also means being kind and understanding to yourself. It is important to recognize your own feelings and be mindful of how your words and actions affect others. Practicing empathy can help build strong relationships, create a sense of community, and foster greater understanding and compassion. Showing empathy to yourself and others is an important step in creating a more equitable and understanding world.
24. Let Go of Anger
Anger is also excess baggage. It's toxic, as well. It won't do anything but bring you down, and odds are it doesn't affect the root of your anger at all.
Anger can be a powerful emotion that can take over your life if you don't take control of it. It can have a negative impact on your physical and mental health, and can cause problems in relationships and with other people. It can also lead to destructive behaviors such as lashing out at others or engaging in risky activities. It's important to learn how to manage your anger in a positive way. This can include talking to someone about your feelings, taking a break from the situation, and exploring relaxation techniques like deep breathing. With practice, you can learn to let go of your anger and move on with your life.
25. Don't Get Boring
Don't worry about getting older. Worry about becoming boring, instead. It's endlessly worse.
Do you know any members of the Great Generation? Have they shared any wisdom with you?
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