From her “Just Say No” campaign to her fight for Alzheimer’s research, former First Lady Nancy Reagan was known for her grace, passion, diligence and love for her husband. On Sunday, March 6, Mrs. Reagan passed away from congestive heart failure. She was 94. Although Mrs. Reagan was finally reunited with her beloved husband, President Ronald “Ronnie” Reagan, her charming legacy will live on.
As we continue to get wrapped up in the circus-like conditions surrounding the 2016 Presidential Election, it is time to take a step back and learn several simple life lessons from a classy woman who balanced her political and personal life with elegance and wit.
"I don't like a lot of frills and fusses."
Mrs. Reagan was a fascinating woman; despite living under a microscope, she managed to avoid most of the unnecessary controversies and disputes.
“There's a big, wonderful world out there for you. It belongs to you. It's exciting and stimulating and rewarding. Don't cheat yourselves out of this promise.”
This beautiful world is ours. Don’t underestimate yourself. Get out there. Make a difference.
“You learn something out of everything, and you come to realize more than ever that we're all here for a certain space of time, and, and then it's going to be over, and you better make this count.”
Everything is either a lesson or a blessing. Yes, even mistakes happen for a reason. Learn from them. Before you know it, we will all be gone from Earth. Enjoy your time here, and once again, make a difference.
“I am a big believer that eventually everything comes back to you. You get back what you give out.”
We all know the golden rule -- do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.
“To my young friends out there: Life can be great, but not when you can't see it. So, open your eyes to life: to see it in the vivid colors that God gave us as a precious gift to His children, to enjoy life to the fullest, and to make it count. Say yes to your life.”
This can be applied to anyone, but I am just going to call out millennials specifically. Remember this. Put down your phones. Get off social media. Go out and participate in the world around you.
“I am a big believer that you have to nourish any relationship. I am still very much a part of my friends' lives, and they are very much a part of my life. A First Lady who does not have this source of strength and comfort can lose perspective and become isolated.”
Your friends keep you grounded. They keep you going. Remember who helped you through your hardest times. Never forget them, even when you feel like you have reached the top.
“With Alzheimer's patients, you have to be very careful what you say when you're looking at them over their bed. Because once in a while, they understand it.”
This goes for anyone: Alzheimer’s patients, people in comas, the elderly, babies and children. Words are powerful. Use them wisely.
“A woman is like a tea bag. She only knows her strength when put in hot water.”
Feminist or not, we can all agree that women are often deemed the weaker species. However, put a woman in a tough situation, and you will see her true strength. Mrs. Reagan played a powerful part in President Reagan’s presidency.
“I must say that acting was good training for the political life that lay ahead of us.”
After watching this campaign unfold, it is safe to say that this is a very accurate statement. Forget your party. Every politician leads a double life.
“The White House belongs to all Americans. It's supposed to be something we're proud of.”
As if the world was not laughing before, the 2016 Presidential Election has caused the once greatest nation in the world to become the butt of all jokes from across the globe. Americans no longer respect the government because the government lacks respect for We The People. It is time to take back what rightfully belongs to us, the White House. We need to make our voices heard. We need to become a united and proud front, again.
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Reagan family and friends. As this country mourns another inspiring woman, they mourn a mother, grandmother and friend.
