I Know Now

By Michael Josephson. Characer Counts, 387.4

Tomorrow I turn 62. And it just doesn't feel right. It seems
like yesterday when I was the young rebel with potential. I
know I should say wise and soothing things, but despite
upbeat rhetoric about the advantages of advanced age, it's
really the pits to observe my body deteriorate and see how
old my friends look. And I hate realizing how much I have
forgotten.

But enough lamenting. (Or is it whining?) I may not be
smarter, but I am wiser.

I know that everything changes--including me.

I know that my dad was right when he told me that "where
there's a will there's a way."

I know it's really dumb to carry a grudge and really hard to
give one up.

I know now that the things I like to do least are often the
things that need to be done most.

I know it's easier to give advice than to take it.

And I know now that neither the intensity of my feelings nor
the certainty of my convictions is any assurance that I'm right.

I know that until I translate my thoughts into actions, my
great ideas and good intentions are like unlit candles.

I know kindness is more important than cleverness.

I know now that it's not a sin to have an unexpressed
thought and that there really are things that are better left
unsaid.

I know it's a lot easier to tear down than to build up.

And I know now that some people will just never like me.

I know that there's a big difference between what I have a
right to do and what is right to do.

And I know now that whether I like it or not I'll keep getting
older--until I don't. And that's a lot worse.

This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character
counts!