posted 09-26-2003 02:43 PM         

The paradox of our time in history is that we have
taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways,
but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have
less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger
houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but
less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more
knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more
problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too
recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too
angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too
little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We
have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our
values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life.
We've added years to life not life to years. We've
been all the way to the moon and back, but have
trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor.
We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done
larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.
We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write
more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish
less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We
build more computers to hold more information, to produce
more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion,
big men and small character, steep profits and
shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but
more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These
are days of quick trips, disposable diapers,
throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and
pills that do everything from
cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is
much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom.

It is time when technology can bring this
letter to you, and a time when you can choose either
to share this insight, or to just hit delete.

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones,
because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to
you in awe, because that little person soon will grow
up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug
to the one next to you, because that is the only
treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember to say, "I love you" to your partner and
your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an
embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the
moment for someday that person will not be there gain.

Give time to love, give time to speak, and
give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we
take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Throw out the non-essential numbers. This includes age,
weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them.
That is why you pay him/her.

2. Keep only cheerful friends.. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer,
crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle.
"An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the
devil's name is Alzheimer's.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp
for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The
only person who is with us our entire life is
ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's
family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies,
whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it.
If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you
can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall,
to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to
where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
(emphasis added -Iris)

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the
number of breaths we take, but by the moments that
take our breath away. If you don't send this to at
least 8 people.... who cares?