Ninety years, 10 insights
Don’t we all wish we knew then what we know now? Mary Kennard McHugh ’50, a writer, is divulging wisdom gained from her 90 years of living in a new book. She shared the highlights:
- You can’t expect people in your family to act the way you want them to act unless you spell it out for them.
- Don’t act like a “little old lady.” Avoid cackling or talking about your health issues, walking around with scrunched-up hair, or telling long, pointless stories. Be open to new things, make new friends, travel and say “yes” as often as possible.
- Helen Keller’s motto was: “Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all.” Make that your motto. Be willing to try almost anything.
- Don’t make up your mind about a person from the way he or she looks. Talk to that person. Every single person has something of value to discover.
- Growing older is fun. Who knew? You don’t have to worry about getting a job, finding a spouse, raising children or anything but doing what you feel like. Old is in.
- Find a way to help other people that’s fun and interesting. Go to a studio or read novels to the blind and dyslexic. Read or play music or talk to hospice patients. Assist in a nursery school.
- Pursue counseling or therapy when you’re going through devastating circumstances.
- Program an activity that you really love doing into the middle of your busy life. Make a date with yourself once a week and just have fun.
- Take a course in money management.
- Wear a hat. “I bought a little black hat with a veil that looks like it was made in the 1920s. Whenever I wear it, people smile and start talking to me about how much they like my hat and before I know it, I have a new friend.”