For many bereaved, what their loved ones leave behind is the most precious thing in the world and at the same time the most valuable consolation against the missing. Regardless of whether it is jewelry, shopping lists, clothes, photos, messages, recipes, projects to be continued, or mere memories, all of these things let us feel that a person accompanies and influences us even after his life – and that is easy priceless!
After her death at the age of 90, his grandmother Zelda left the blogger Marc Chernoff, among other things, with her diary, in which she recorded ideas, thoughts, quotes and other things that moved her in the second half of her life. When she was still alive, Zelda sometimes read to her grandson from the leather-bound book she called her "Inspiration Journal". Now that she can no longer pass on her thoughts herself, Marc has taken on this task and published twelve wisdoms on his blog, which he took from his grandmother's diary. We have translated nine of them for you here.
9 wisdoms of a 90 year old
1. Life doesn't have to be complicated
Just focus on one at a time. You don't have to do everything, especially not at the same time and immediately. Breathe, pay attention and do your best in what you are doing. Life will sooner or later reward you with a multiple of it.
2. Give yourself to others as you are or not at all
Stay true to yourself even when you feel weak. If you are yourself, you are giving the world something beautiful that would not exist without you. So follow your path with confidence and don't expect others to understand your journey – especially if you've never been where you want to be.
3. Everything that happens helps you grow, even if it's not immediately obvious
Circumstances show you the way, correct and optimize you over time. So no matter what you do, never give up hope. The smallest thread can become an unbreakable rope. Put your hope in the possibility that you are not finished – and that the tide will eventually drive you into calm waters.
4. Do not strive to be rich, but happy
That way you learn to see the value of things, not their price. In the end you will find that the best days are those when you don't need anything special that gives you a smile. When you just appreciate the moments and feel gratitude without looking for or wanting anything else. That means real satisfaction.
5. Be determined to think positive
Understand that your misery or dissatisfaction depends largely on your attitude, not the circumstances. So smile when someone tries to hurt or pull you down and show them what they are missing but they can never take away from you.
6. Pay the most attention to your loved ones
Sometimes when someone you love says, "I'm fine," that person needs you to look her in the eye, hug her, and say, "I know it doesn't." And don't be disappointed if some people only seem to think of you when they need you. It is an honor that you are a spark of light that they think of when there is darkness in their lives.
7. To move forward, you have to detach yourself from people who don't want your best
This gives you the space that will support you in being your best self. It goes along with your growth. The more you find out who you are and what you want, the more often you will find that people you have known forever see things very differently from you. Then it is important to keep the good memories, but to let go and to go on.
8. It is better to look back and say "unbelievable that I did this" than "I wish I had done it"
Ultimately, people will judge you either way, no matter what you do. So don't live your life to impress others. Live your life to impress yourself. Love yourself enough not to screw down your claims for anyone.
9. If you don't find a good ending, you may need to start over
Sit up and accept that you have to fail every now and then. This is how you learn. The strongest people – those who laugh the loudest with the most honest smile – are the ones who have fought the toughest battles. They shine because they have decided not to let anything or anyone get them down and prefer to devote themselves to something new instead.