How to stay young

Someone downloaded (is that the correct term?) from the Internet a set of suggestions on how to stay young. Here they are, somewhat abbreviated.

1. Disregard all non-essential numbers (including age, weight, height).

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down…

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever…

4. Enjoy the simple things. When you were young they were all you could afford…

5. Laugh often long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. Laugh so much that you can be tracked anywhere by your distinctive laughter.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us all our life is ourselves.

7. Surround yourself with what you love – whether it be family, pets, keepsakes, plants, hobbies. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health. If good, preserve it. If unstable, improve it. If beyond your power to improve, get help.

9. Don’t take guilt trips. Go to the mall, the next county, a foreign country but forget the guilt trips.

10. At every opportunity, tell the people you love that you love them.

11. Remember, life is measured not by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

That’s from the Internet. Sensible suggestions, undoubtedly very helpful. But I have reservations about three of them, namely nos. 5, 6, and 9.

Regarding no. 9 ("Don’t take guilt trips"): I would say, yes, do the things you enjoy, but don’t neglect your duties. To neglect your duties is to be irresponsible.

Regarding no. 5 ("Laugh often, long, loud…"): I would say, Laugh often, yes, but not too loud. Loud uncontrolled laughter can have sinister implications.

Regarding no. 6 "The only person who is with us all our life is ourselves"). I disagree. With us all our life is God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Also our guardian angel. They are good company.