One woman, 97, says this: “The most fortunate people are the ones who have been taught how to act right. From an early age, they learned the basics – what’s good and bad, what’s true and false. If your upbringing left these things blurry, life can get messy in a hurry. People who are unhappy in their lives get into trouble, and then they end up losing respect for themselves. Once they lose self respect, they get even more unhappy and get into more trouble. It becomes sad, an awful circle. There’s only one way out of the mess – plain decency. You can always start to honor yourself by how you act. At some point in your life, you either go on heaping shame on yourself or you start doing things in a way that makes you proud. It’s your choice.”

Another woman - 101 years old - wrote about not letting herself off the hook: “Every year I told myself, ‘Next year you’ll write your book.’ The years came and went. It always seemed like next year I’d start in on it, but I never did – and I’ve had a whole century! If you have a book inside of you, sit down and get it written. Once you stop giving your life away to obligations, maybe you’ll realize what’s truly valuable. Now my hands are crippled with arthritis and I can’t see beyond the end of my nose! See! I have the time, but now I can’t do it. Don’t let this happen to you!”

What great wisdom these two women offer us! I suspect each of us have encountered outstanding figures of wisdom that have helped shape us into the people we are today. A priest once said, “Be sure to surround yourself with not only smart people, but those who are truly wise. Truly wise people,” he would say, “give you the keys to life.”

Who do you surround yourself with these days? Have they given you the keys to life? Are they encouraging you to be the best version of yourself? We’re never too old to improve ourselves – are we?

Have a great week!
Love, Fr. Bill

PS: Fr. Dominic asked me about winter exercise. He was wondering if we could get a treadmill for the rectory. Does anyone have a treadmill at home they are not using – aside from a clothes rack or newspaper storage unit? If so, could you let Fr. Dominic know? Thanks!