Paul2004

Ok, not exactly to do with Australia, but I thought a worthy read if you have time

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbour. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a penny.

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

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

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her.

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

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. " An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.


AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.


George Carlin

SalSa

Heard this on Radio 2 a couple of weeks ago and tried to remember some of it to tell my hubby so thanks for that.
Love Tel Wogan but the kids can't stand him and try to switch to Radio 1 as soon as they can!

Paul2004

I just got in an email from a friend, no doubt many others did too. You know how they go around, but just thought it was a nice read and thought worth posting

even tho nothing to do with Oz

Shellfish

great post! food for thought

kath n kim

I love this post, and what it says is so true...

Paul2004

indeed

Nikki

Hi

Thanks for sharing. Was having a really bad day, also nothing to do with Australia application!

Read this and it has lifted my feelings. I sometimes feel lately I am frowning that much my forehead is going to stay wrinkled!!

I actually looked at your thread and read the top couple of lines about nothing to with Australia and exited........seconds later returned for some reason! I am so glad I did, I am guilty of most things at the moment. The first thing I am going to do is pick my children up from school and give them big hugs and spend some quality time with them. Everything will still be there in the morning!!!!

On similar lines, I bought a book around 4 years ago called Simple Abundance. Never had 'time' to read it, but started it again on 1st Jan this year, it is written in a diary format, the idea is to read a page a day, did well until end of february. Must pick it back up again. It is along the lines of your thread, rediscovering and taking back your life, actually live it not just ride through it.

Thanks again
Nikki

samnrob2

I'm preparing myself to say goodbye to my mum and dad tonight so am trying to keep myself together whilst I'm still at work - reading this post hasn't helped! - cheers!

Managed to write them a card without shedding a tear (just) but am now feeling pretty shitty.

Thankfully, they're really starting to be quite positive about it and are talking about flying out this side of xmas to see us which is great.

My current sentiment is this...
Australia is on the otherside of the world - Australia is not the end of the world.

Paul2004

Well I can only apologise for that, but everyone is going to read this kind of thing and have different outcomes to their feelings. I personally shed a tear when reading it out to my partner (wuss!! ...lol)

Nothing to do with the tear, but I am currently not speaking to half of my family, and moving to Oz isn't really gonna help that! That's another story tho!

At the end of the day it's just a load of babble, but the babble makes sense to me, and thought worthy of a post

Paul2004

Oh and agreed

samnrob2

Tis' ok - anything sets me off at the moment!

Paul2004

a bump for the evening people

Merlot

Trying to do this each and everyday.

Nice post.

M

Paul2004

Yes I must admit I had reservations about posting as this is hardly 'Australian', but at the same time I think a good read for ANY forum, food for thought and all that.

To have a few nice replies made it worthwhile, but when I read:

I know it was worthwhile posting