Nudged to age better

Our fatigue is often caused not by work but by worry, frustration, and resentment.

~ Dale Carnegie

Right now, there are two dependents in my life.

1. One is a bundle of joy who can’t sit still and wants to do everything herself.

2. The other, having lost her joie de vivre, has no energy for self-care.

They're at opposite ends of the human life cycle.

I love them both, but needless to say, one is easier to live with than the other.

One brings joy. The other guilt or sadness.

One warms my heart. The other occasionally breaks it.

Both are great teachers, though:

• The first teaches me to find happiness even in mundane tasks.

• The second nudges me to age better.

7 Lessons learned

Resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.

~ Saint Augustine

1. When we aspire to be cared for, we will eventually lose the ability to care for ourselves.

2. Smile. It's uplifting and infectious.

3. It is easier to help those who help themselves.

4. When we come to rely on a pill for every ill, we risk losing our self-sufficiency.

5. No matter how hard-working and competent one has been throughout life, when we expect others to reciprocate our acts of service, we risk becoming resentful.

6. Being a Negative Nelly or Grumpy Gus repels others.

7. A practice of gratitude is sure to attract more to be grateful for.

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers out there.