3 Life Lessons From Our Elders

I recently discovered this website, chock full of advice from our elders – those who have lived it. Check out the website for much more wisdom.

Three of the stories are shared below. The last one is my favorite – and not just because I envisioned a motorcycle when I read it. Share your wisdom in the comments.

Posted with permission.

3 life lessons from our elders

The Legacy Project has systematically collected practical advice from over 1500 older Americans who have lived through extraordinary experiences and historical events. They offer tips on surviving and thriving despite the challenges we all encounter.

Putting money in perspective

Many of the elders grew up in the Great Depression, and they knew what it was like to live on almost nothing. But there was something else they learned: you could be very happy with

almost nothing if you had a loving family, a supportive neighborhood, and you weren’t competing with a lot of other people who had more than you did.

Maybe this is why so many of the life lessons of the elders had to do with not over-valuing material things. They don’t want us all to be starving artists, but they want you not to be ruled by possessions or an overwhelming urge to make money.

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“Suck It Up And Get On With Life!” Marty’s Lessons

Happiness is a choice, and not a condition. Over and over, respondents in the Legacy Project told us that life invariably involves loss and difficulties. However, individuals can make a conscious choice to make the best of their circumstances – even when the circumstances aren’t ideal.

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Connecting To The Universe: The Power Within Us

It’s probably no surprise that most of the elders endorsed the idea that faith and spirituality are important to a happy life. But there

was a very wide diversity of beliefs. Some people were involved in mainstream religions, whereas others had developed their own spiritual perspectives.

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photo credit: h.koppdelaney via photopin cc