One evening a husband and wife were engaged in a conversation.
Husband says: “Dear, do you remember Antonio Gomez? He was the student body president at our high school. He was also the captain ball of our basketball team.
I saw him today.”
Wife says: “That was 35 years ago. He was prince charming to a lot of girls I know. So many girls had a crush on him.”
Husband replied: “I know. In fact, after all these years, he has gotten so bald and so fat he didn’t even recognize me.”
That’s perspective isn’t it?
Life is not what happens but how you take it.
Some people look at life and they hate it, I look at life and I enjoy it.
We only have one crack at life and we better know how to make the most of it.
Perspective is so important.
Some people go crazy as they hit their mid-life. Some people blossom as they hit their mid-life.
Somebody says, when a man is rising up the corporate ladder and he begins to attain a moderate of success, he drives a BMW. The official signature that signifies success for the YUPPIE. When the same man marries, he switches to a Volvo. He wants safety for him and the family. And when he separates from his wife, he drives a Ferrari.
Now this is an unfair categorization of people by their cars.
My brother-in-law Felix who is nearing his 50’s and who now lives in Mountain View California drives a Honda Roadster and when his church mates accused him of going through his mid-life crisis, he gave a wide grin on his face and said, “No, I am not entering my mid-life crisis, this car is simply a statement that says, “I have ARRIVED!!!”
Growing old is not a negative thing.
You need to have the right perspective to aging. Do you know that there are perks of being over 50? (Somebody who thought of this list must be a genius…never got the name though…)
Let me give you a list of them:
1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.
2. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.
3. No one expects you to run–anywhere.
4. People call at 9 PM and ask, Did I wake you????
5. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.
6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.
7. Things you buy now won’t wear out.
8. You can eat supper at 4 PM.
9. You can live without sex but not your glasses.
10. You get into heated arguments about pension plans.
11. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.
12. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room.
13. You sing along with elevator music.
14. Your eyes won’t get much worse.
15. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.
16. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather service.
17. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can’t remember them either.
18. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to manageable size. And the most telling sign that you have grown old is this:
19. You can’t even remember what I said earlier.
To all you moving into the Big 50 Range, allow me to give you an assurance.
Today’s 40’s is the new 30’s. Today’s 50’s is the new 40’s. Today’s 60’s is the new 50’s.
With exercise, proper nutrition, vitamins and all that even today’s 70’s is the new 60’s. And today’s 80’s…well…maybe they are still the same 80’s.
Grow old gracefully.
The secret of life is not to do what you like, but to like what you do.
Robert Frost says: “In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life. It goes on.”
A wise guy says: “People are living longer now; they have to–who can afford to die?”
But enjoy life as you get connected intimately with the Author of Life. Then you find purpose and meaning.
So the next time somebody tells you “You are growing old,” chin up, look back at the person and with full confidence say, “I am not growing old, I am turning into a classic!”
Learning that life is a matter of perspective, I guess, stemmed from having to go through a lot from life but I do agree with this. Life is indeed beautiful if you think it is.
Your list made me laugh this early. I’m going to show this to my mom.
I missed your talk here in Bacolod and it has been 3x already! Last year you came here but I was in Manila. When you went back to Manila and had a talk in SM MOA, it was the same day also that I needed to come back here in Bacolod. Two days ago you were also here but it was my best friend’s wedding!
Do you have a scheduled talk in Manila or here in Bacolod in the future? I will be very thankful if you will let me know.
Thank you.
Learning that life is a matter of perspective, I guess, stemmed from having to go through a lot from life but I do agree with this. Life is indeed beautiful if you think it is.
Your list made me laugh this early. I’m going to show this to my mom.
I missed your talk here in Bacolod and it has been 3x already! Last year you came here but I was in Manila. When you went back to Manila and had a talk in SM MOA, it was the same day also that I needed to come back here in Bacolod. Two days ago you were also here but it was my best friend’s wedding!
Do you have a scheduled talk in Manila or here in Bacolod in the future? I will be very thankful if you will let me know.
Thank you.
Thanks, Bro. Francis! I like this line: “Today’s 40’s is the new 30’s.” At least, I can postpone my midlife crisis for another decade hahahaha Age is just a number, they say. But my body it seems does not know how to count.
this is very inspiring, i can very much relate.. who cares if i my “i” is not an “I” 🙂
Nice reminders sir Francis! I’m in my late twenties but I’m learning how to enjoy life amid all the crazy sked and deadlines. 😀
hi Mr. Francis!! everything you’ve said are true.. I would like to be like you someday.. be able to inspire young people and help them build (myself as well) a closer relationship with God and know Him more. Hope to learn more from you. =) God Bless!
how true , how true !
life is a matter of perspective; it should be of positive mental attitude. else, u become a miserable lot.
my doctors at UBC ( univ of british columbia in Vancouver ) — i first heard from them what you said : Today’s 50’s are the new 40’s .
i like most 2nd to the last pharagraph as well as the 5th to the last paragraph . . .
eD Diva, 06 March 2011 Sunday 7 am YVR, BC, Canada
Number 4 is m y favorite!
I am nearly turning 30 and a lot of times I wonder what will I become at 50. I agree with you Mr. Francis, get the most out of it. Focus on beautiful things, stay away from negative people and bad habits, and get to know Him.
God Bless!
That is very inspiring.. I am on my early 50’s and at times I feel “old”..But not anymore after reading your article.. thanks
you always inspire me, sir francis…
Thanks so much Jyke.
your humor add zest to this article! perfect 😉