I asked a friend who has crossed 70 and is heading towards 80 what sort of changes he is feeling in himself? He sent me the following:

1.     After loving my parents, my siblings, my spouse, my children and my friends, I have now started loving myself.

2.    I have realized that I am not “Atlas.” The world does not rest on my shoulders.

3.    I have stopped bargaining with vegetable and fruit vendors. A few pennies more is not going to break me, but it might help the poor             fellow save for his daughter’s school fees.

4.    I leave my restaurant server a big tip. The extra money might bring a smile to their face. They are toiling much harder for a living than         I am.

5.    I stopped telling the elderly that they have already told that story many times. The story makes them walk down memory lane and                 relive their past.

6.    I have learned not to correct people even when I know they are wrong. The onus of making everyone perfect is not on me. Peace is                 more precious than perfection.

7.    I give compliments freely and generously. Compliments are a mood enhancer not only for the recipient, but also for me. Here's a small          tip for the recipient of a compliment, never, NEVER turn it down, just say “Thank You.”

8.    I have learned not to bother about a crease or a spot on my shirt. Personality speaks louder than appearances.

9.    I walk away from people who don’t value me. They might not know my worth, but I do.

10.  I remain cool when someone plays dirty to outrun me in the rat race. I am not a rat and neither am I in any race.

11.   I am learning not to be embarrassed by my emotions. My emotions make me human.

12.  I have learned that it is better to drop the ego than to break a relationship. My ego will keep me aloof. Whereas with relationships, I             will never be alone.

13.  I have learned to live each day as if it is the last. After all, it might be.

14.  I am doing what makes me happy. I am responsible for my happiness, and I owe it to myself. Happiness is a choice. You can be happy         at any time, just choose to be!