For those of us over 70 (71 for me today)… What to let go of…

For those of us over 70 (71 for me today, 8/22)… What to let go of…

How to spend my birthday? What to blog? How to live the next year(s)? These are my considerations this week.
In my search, I found this video (below) and it became the inspiration for today’s entry and this year’s birthday post.

I am not a fan of long-winded, repetitive videos (and this film is both); and, the title is weird (not appropriate). But, the advice is excellent, so I summarized the key points, below.

The narrator explains each “truth” and gives examples, some seeming case studies, and many platitudes.
You can watch/listen after reading the list (or before).
You may find it kind of comforting.
You can also fast-forward (love that!).

I decided to “grade” myself (how am I doing so far, since I am now an entire year past 70?), and my scores are below. I used a 10-point scale for each recommendation, with “1” being “I haven’t done it at all or even started,” and “10” being “I am acing this one.”
So, possible best score is 80.
I earned a 53, so far. Check in next year!

“8 Buddhist Truths to Let Go of After 70 – For a Lighter, Happier Life”

My Scores TOTAL: 53
Let go of…

…the belief that there is nothing left to learn. 10 (still learning, frequently)…toxic relationships (without guilt). 9 (took some big leaps this past year)…clutter (internal and material). 6 (good materially; need help internally)…the fear of aging. 8 (fear of disability more than aging, but…)…expecting others to make you happy. 9 (doing very well, here)…comparing yourself to the young. 5 (mostly, to my younger self)…regret (forgiveness is key; it lets us remember without the poison/recriminations).
3 (still harping on regrets and not big on forgiveness)…the lie that it’s already “too late.” 3 (I have given up on too many things, perhaps)

For me, part 8 of the video was the best. It starts at minute 31.14.
Worth a listen, if only to that 6+ minutes. Many gems in that section.

Basically, if you’re still lucky enough to be alive AND still be capable of rational thought, have most of your faculties/abilities and some ease of circumstances (sufficient food, shelter, companions, safety/peace, value to your life, bearable pain/suffering), stop complaining and enjoy the time you have left.

Be of service. Be of benefit. Do something useful regularly.
Follow the advice in this video: it’s good advice, even if you’re not a Buddhist.

Use this link or watch it below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwAJBFzdq_Q&ab_channel=QuietWisdom

I hope you find this valuable. Read, comment, share.
Try some of it. Let me know how it goes.

Happy birthday to me. May all beings benefit.