Mark Twain said, “Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of eighty and gradually approach eighteen.”
Following the wisdom of Twain, I have over six years before I’m born at eighty. If I gradually started back to eighteen at that time, I wonder how my life might be happier.
I came up with three things that would bring me more happiness.
First, I’d invest more energy in building close relationships with creative and intelligent people. I’m late to recognize my happiest moments have been with people I admire and love. I’d rush toward individuals who have the most to offer to my whole being rather than wait for them to bump into me.
Second, I’d take better care of my body. At age 73, my body has taken a beating, most of it self-inflicted. With more attention to my total physical and emotional health, by the time I lived back to age eighteen, I’d be in joyously great shape.
Lastly, I’d smile and laugh more.