Being 9 hours away from my amazing grandparents is not so bad when I know that they are just a phone call away. I decided to call them up recently and ask for the simple lessons that they live each day by.
1. Stay close to God
My nana has been a church-going, worshipping, Catholic all of her life and she believes that life is better when you keep in touch with the man upstairs. She specifically said to put your future in his hands and trust his plan, rather than stressing over something.
2. Aim for total selflessness
Obviously, no one is perfect and there are times when it is important to put yourself first but if you walk around each day being as selfless as possible and helping others as much as you can, you're going to be making a positive difference. Plus, it feels good to help others out and complete a selfless act for someone else.
3. Help others
We are all so fortunate and we do not realize exactly how lucky we are. Just the fact of having a house to live in and food on the table each day makes us so much more fortunate than so many others in the world. Realizing this, my nana says that it is important to give back in any way possible.
4. Live happy
Life is too short to be anything but happy. One should live their life seeing the beauty in everything and everyone. Joy is contagious so you should be happy and spread happiness and joy wherever you go.
5. Don't make money your priority
It is so easy to be consumed by dollar signs but you shouldn't let money limit you. Don't limit yourself to jobs based on the paycheck, don't limit your dream jobs because of their salary. Thinking about money 24/7 is no way to live.
6. Make friends
My nana is not thrilled with all the electronics that people have nowadays. She stated how important it is to make real friends and hang out and connect with them in person. Sure, texting is great and convenient, but it is so much better to hang out with someone in person. Talking through a screen is no way to get to know someone.
7. Eat chocolate and ice cream when all else fails
To quote my nana, she specifically said, "there is no other way to live." If you can't tell, chocolate and coffee ice cream are 2 of her favorite things. Dieting is great and all, but allowing yourself to have ice cream and chocolate sometimes is, too.
My nana has taught me so many incredible lessons and is a very important role model in my life. She's the most caring, selfless, person I know and I am so fortunate to have her in my life. She has impacted my life in the best way possible, and after sharing her life lessons, maybe she will impact you too.
