Kensington Gardens, London

How many times have you heard someone say, “Life is short!”  Or said it yourself?

It’s a constant in my vocabulary, a reminder that we should all make the most of every single day.

But last month, one of my longest-lived friends turned that concept on its head. As we made plans, she commented, “Life is long.”

Life is long???  Well, sure, to her it is. She’s long-lived already.

But when I thought about it, I saw that she was right.  Life is long. I’ve lived more than 60 years, already–that’s a damn long time, actually.

Curly Girl Designs

And the same life lessons still apply–life is long, so make the most of it. Appreciate its richness!

Wouldn’t it be nice to pick a bloom from the garden each day and put it on your dining table? What stops you?

When you come to an interesting door, why not open it and see what’s behind there?

Lend a helping hand to someone in need. And repeat as often as possible.

Live responsibly. Especially important because life is long.

Take time out to rest and regenerate. You’ll need it. Life is long!

Cuddling up is always a good idea.

Pets count. Especially if they’re great cuddlers.

Surround yourself with beautiful things. No, this is not mine.

Stand for something, and agitate on its behalf.

Relax in a tub full of something sweet smelling every so often.

Find a partner in crime and hang out with her. A lot.

Have a fantastic cup of coffee or tea every day. At least one!

And for God’s sake, have a donut every once in a while.

Everyone makes a mistake or two. Sometimes three. We’re human!

The heck with makeup–let the joy of living light up your face!

Treat yourself to something expensive and luxurious every once in a while. (Expensive is a relative term)

Hendricks Chapel/Syracuse University

Remember your youth with appreciation. Be thankful for it.

NOW I see how I got a hot, 23 yr old boyfriend when I was 33. (Not my car.) Loved those shoes.

Remember that there really was a day when you were young and hot. You have other traits just as wonderful now.

Don’t take yourself (or organized religion) too seriously. Life is long–you’d be insufferable, even to yourself.

Bring happiness to those around you. It’ll come back tenfold, and that’s a lot in a long life.

Keep social media in perspective. They’re not the be-all/end-all. See people in person.

Spend some time thinking. Don’t over-think.  But do think.

Feel the wind in your hair.

And of course:

(Thanks to my beloved friend L for her inspiration, in life and in writing, now and always.)