A Slovenian Women and 41!

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Last week I met a Slovenian women who was 90. She was outside raking leaves in her yard. Her face resembled a dry desert in the Sahara cracked and rough. I think every line in her face told a story. She began to tell me the stories of her life in concentration camps and 6 moves before she came to America in 1950. The women was wise, experienced and who knows how much time before her days here are over? She had lived more then twice of my life time. I pondered deeply our conversation and thought to myself what have I learned in the first 40 years of my life? Today I age!

Some brief life lessons learned and more-

Not to judge- First there is no point in it. You only are hurting yourself. The smallest judgements hurt us. This weekend, I recently read about someone I knew well, who had committed crimes in the early 80’s. I was mortified, but what I see in this person is change. My early instinct was to expose the crimes to others thinking that I would protect myself and those who surround me. Then my mind reflected on the great book Les Miserables that describes atoned sins in such a profound way. Why judge? Until you have walked in the shoes of others…….

Optimism- “The future is only as bright as your faith.” There is absolutely no point in being negative, only optimistic thoughts bring about real change.

Age Gracefully- I hate nothing more than turning back time. I believe in aging gracefully. I hope one day that my face has the same rough, dry complexion as my new Slovenian friend. Her face told stories of both triumph and tragedy, heartache and love much more beautifully then recreated lines.

Time- There is no such thing as time. Life is a process, and the sooner we choose to get on board the better. At some point everyone will have to figure this out. I don’t want to turn back, I see young moms with babes in tote- I sometimes miss that, but reality is, I don’t want to turn back. There is so much joy in life as you age.

Education- Perhaps one of the most worthwhile things we can pursue on earth. Obtain as much education as you can either formally or informally. Most of my learning has come informally. True education is pursued with passion, and passion produces the deepest learning. Don’t sell yourself short on educating yourself. Follow your passions and dreams. Discover them!

Relationships-I believe in second chances. I believe in love. I believe in deep, real relationships with meaning that are lasting. As I look over the course of my life, I have been surrounded with people who have depth and who have provided outstanding examples of character to me. Each person around me has invested time in building themselves to be outstanding people. Life is about our relationships, helping those who surround us become better people.

Change- It is inevitable, as much as we scream and kick about it- change brings impacting growth within us. Face change with optimism. Embrace it!

Reaching out- True growth is hampered without it. Only when we truly reach out, we truly find ourselves.

The Journey- This life is such a small piece of the overall journey. Keep the large picture intact, keep your eye on the prize. When I was in Poland a couple of years ago, I watched a women walking with a large cart and a cow. The cart was so heavy with farm produce and hay that she could barely pull it. Today, I think to myself of that women, we don’t have to carry our whole cart load in the journey-turn it over.

The Arts- Literature, books, symphonies, art museums, photography & theater brings out the best in me. I hope I continue to spend the next 50 years spending time in the pages and the halls of the greatest minds.

The World- My eyes have been opened to the greatest sites of the world. If I never see another thing, I am complete. If I am lucky enough to live 50 more years, I hope to experience the rest of what I have missed.

Contentment- My theme for this year. May I find contentment and peace as I turn 41 and follow my passions. May I find love, and joy and happiness! May I pursue things I didn’t think were possible. May I see things I didn’t believe existed. May I grow, develop and reach out.

May I live to be 90 and tell great stories like my Slovenian friend!

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