Life Lessons

Once in a while, I come across such a great read, it's meant to be shared!

In the May 2006 issue of Real Simple magazine, five amazing women all of whom over the age of 100 share with us their wonderful wisdom. I'm learning so much from their wise words.

Frances Johnson, 100
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Born: May 30, 1905

• If it's not terminal, why worry? And if it is, you can't do anything about it.
• If you don't know what to do, don't do anything.
• A meal's not done until you have dessert.
  
• Stay active and keep your mind sharp.
  
• You can't control other people. You can only control your reaction.
  
• Dogs are meant to be spoiled.
  
• Something good usually comes out of bad events.
  
• Don't hold on to anger - you'll just make yourself miserable.
  
• To make a pot roast with the beset flavor, cook it very, very slowly.
  
• When playing Scrabble, don't use up your S's right away.

Edna Anderson, 100
Peoria, Arizona
December 24, 1905

• Keep walking. You'll be so happy you can walk when you're old.
• Don't throw too much money at children before they can handle it.
• Avoid a fast talker when looking for a husband. Go for someone who's steady.
  
• Volunteering gets you away from your own worries.
  
• Make sure your kids get to play outside; it's good for their health.
  
• Encourage your kids to take on responsibilities, like a summer job.
  
• Moderation, with food and in your social life, keeps you young.
  
• Don't let popularity go to your head--you could wind up more unhappy during difficult times.
  
• More is not necessarily better. Going for first or biggest leads to unhappiness.
  
• There are still happy times ahead after loss.
  

Mary Cavaliere, 106
New York, New York
September 18, 1899

• Always cook with fresh vegetables, never canned.
  
• Marry a man who's more in love with you than you are with him.
  
• Italian leather is the best.
  
• If your face is dry, soften it with oatmeal.
  
• If there's a God, he's one God for all of us.
  
• Keep your secrets to yourself.
  
• A person never gets too old to love.
  
• Forgiveness really is divine.
  
• If you expect perfectino from everyone, you'll be all alone.
  
• You're better off alone than with bad company.
  

Melva Radcliffe, 105
Spring Lake, New Jersey
March 3, 1901

• Anything you love is important.
  
• Don't be afraid to travel.
  
• Don't go abroad and eat at a chain restaurant. Eating at a foreign place is part of the trip.
  
• It's very important that children all have a job to do at home.
  
• Good table manners count.
  
• Kids don't need expensive toys. If you give them $20, it's like giving them a nickel.
• Children love praise. They'll do something again and again just to get you to praise them.
  
• You'll always need your girlfriends.
  
• Clean your teeth three times a day.
  
• Think twice before plastic surgery--you might look prettier without it.
  

Evelyn "Tootie" Yeater, 102
Walnutport, Pennsylvania
February 19, 1904

• Make sure you go to school--an education matters as much for a woman as a man.
  
• Try to sit down to dinner together as a family.
  
• Never feel sorry for yourself.
  
• A mother should respect her children, just as they should respect her.
  
• If you're not wild about cooking, get a microwave.
  
• Don't put too much stock in vitamins; just eat fresh tomatoes.
  
• Eat what you're hungry for.
  
• Don't worry about your weight.
  
• If you worry about being old, you will be old.
  
• Look for a husband who makes you laugh.

Btw, the above photograph was taken in Cinque Terre, Italy. One of my most favorite places to visit. :O)