This was sent around our school when my floor advisor and dorm nieghbour died on the weekend.
The paradox of our time is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower view points. We spend more, but we save less, we buy more, but we enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgement, more experts, but more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possesion but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how too make a living but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbour. We conquered outer space, but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of the fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose to share this insight, or to just hit delete. Remember; spend more time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take out breath away.
How to stay young:
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctor woory about them. That's what they are paid for,
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The geouches will pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about computer's, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the devils workshop." And the devils name is Alzeheimer's.
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
6.The tears happen. Endure, grieve move on. The only person who is with us our entire life is ourselves. BE ALIVE whileyou are alive.
7.Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge,
8. Cherish your health: if it is good preserve it. If it is unstabble, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next country, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every oppertunity.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
By: George Carlin.