We are not just what we know, but what we are willing to learn.
When my Grandma Zelda passed away a decade ago at the age of 90, she left me with a box of miscellaneous items from her house that she knew I had grown to appreciate over the years. Among these items was an old leather-bound journal that she aptly named her Inspiration Journal.
Throughout the second half of her life, Grandma Zelda used this journal to jot down ideas, thoughts, quotes, song lyrics, and anything else that moved her. She would read excerpts from her journal to me when I was growing up, and I would listen and ask questions. I honestly credit a part of who I am now to the wisdom she bestowed on me when I was young.
Although I’ve shared some of her wisdom in the past here on the blog and with our newsletter subscribers, today is the day she became an angel ten years ago. So to honor her, I want to share some of my favorite excerpts from her journal that I actually remember her sharing with me before she died. I’ve done my best to sort, copyedit, and reorganize her thoughts into twelve inspiring bullet points. I hope you find value in them…
1. Breathe in the future, breathe out the past.
No matter where you are or what you’re going through, always believe that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Never expect, assume, or demand. Just do your best, control the elements you can control, and then let it be. Because once you have done what you can, if it is meant to be, it will happen, or it will show you the next step that needs to be taken.
2. Life CAN be simple again.
Just choose to focus on one thing at a time. You don’t have to do it all, and you don’t have to do it all right now. Breathe, be present, and do your best with what’s in front of you. What you put into life, life will often give you back many times over. (Read “The Power of Now” — a book that once sat on my grandma’s nightstand.)
3. Let others take you as you are, or not at all.
Speak and walk your truth even if your voice and legs shake. By being yourself you put something beautiful into the world that was not there before. So walk your path confidently and don’t expect anyone else to understand your journey, especially if they have not been exactly where you are going.
4. You are not who you used to be, and that’s OK.
You’ve been hurt; you’ve gone through numerous ups and downs that have made you who you are today. Over the years, so many things have happened — things that have changed your perspective, taught you lessons, and forced your spirit to grow. As time passes, nobody stays the same, but some people will still tell you that you have changed. Respond to them by saying, “Of course I’ve changed. That’s what life is all about. But I’m still the same person, just a little stronger now than I ever was before.”
5. Everything that happens helps you grow, even if it’s hard to see right now.
Circumstances will direct you, correct you, and perfect you over time. So whatever you do, hold on to hope. The tiniest thread will twist into an unbreakable cord. Let hope anchor you in the possibility that this is not the end of your story – that the change in the tides will eventually bring you to peaceful shores.
6. Happiness is a priceless asset.
Don’t just educate yourself to be rich, educate yourself to be happy. That way when you get older you’ll know the true value of things, not the price. You will come to realize that the best days are the days when you don’t need anything extreme or special to happen to make you smile. You simply appreciate the moments and feel gratitude, seeking nothing else, nothing more. That is what true happiness is all about in the end. (Note: Angel and I discuss this in more detail in the Happiness and Growth chapters of “1,000 Little Things Happy, Successful People Do Differently”.)
7. Be determined to be positive on the average day.
Understand that the greater part of your misery or unhappiness is determined not by your circumstances, but by your attitude. So give yourself a break today. Instead of dwelling on people who have let you down, refocus your time and energy on appreciating those who lift you up. Remember, you can’t control the impolite things some people say and do to you, but you can decide not to be distracted by them.
8. Pay close attention to people you care about.
Sometimes when a loved one says, “I’m okay,” they need you to look them in the eyes, hug them tight, and reply, “I know you’re not.” And don’t be too upset if some people only seem to remember you when they need you. Feel privileged that you are like a beacon of light that comes to their minds when there is darkness in their lives.
9. Autonomy is a gift you can give.
Sometimes you have to let a person go so they can grow. Because over the course of their life, it’s not what you do for them, but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them a successful human being.
10. You will outgrow some relationships.
Sometimes getting the results you crave means distancing yourself from people that don’t serve your best interests. This allows you to make space for those who support you in being the absolute best version of yourself. It happens gradually as you grow. You find out who you are and what you need, and then you realize that people you’ve known for awhile don’t see things the way you do. So you keep the wonderful memories, but find yourself moving on.
11. You don’t need anyone else’s permission to listen to your intuition.
It’s usually better to look back on life and say, “I can’t believe I did that,” than to look back and say, “I wish I did that.” In the end people will judge you in some way anyway. So don’t live your life trying to impress others. Instead live your life impressing yourself. Love yourself enough to never lower your standards for anyone.
12. Endings often create beginnings to wonderful journeys.
If you’re looking for a happy ending and can’t seem to find one, maybe it’s time to start looking for a new beginning. Brush yourself off and accept that you have to fail from time to time — that’s how you learn. The strongest people out there — the ones with a genuine smile — are often the same people who have fought the toughest battles. They’re smiling because they’ve decided that they’re not going to let anything hold them down. They’re letting go and moving forward, one step at a time.
Promise yourself…
As I’m wrapping up this short tribute to my grandma, I’m also reminded of a poem excerpt by Christian D. Larson that she used to have hanging on her refrigerator when I was a kid. As soon as I was old enough to understand the poem, my grandma made a photocopy of it for me, and over 30 years later I still have that same photocopy laminated and hanging on my office bulletin board. These are words my grandma said she strived to live by:
Promise Yourself…
To think only the best, to work only for the best, and to do the best you can.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forgive the mistakes of the past and press on to greater achievements in the present.
To wear a friendly countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too focused for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too at peace to permit the presence of trouble.
To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words but great deeds.
To live in faith that the whole world is on your side so long as you are true to the best that is in you.
Now it’s your turn!
Before you go, please leave Angel and me a comment below and let us know what you think of this essay. Your feedback is important to us. 🙂
Which one of my grandma’s points resonated the most today?
Finally, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to sign-up for our free newsletter to receive new articles like this in your inbox each week.
Megan says
I love this. I’m a soon to be 49 year old woman with 3 little girls. And I have done a lot of growing and self resonating in the last few years. This has inspired me to get a journal myself and write down things and thoughts and new discoveries. It can go to my girls and then their children. Maybe leaving a piece of me with them. I thank you for sharing your grandmother. She was a wise woman. I’m sorry for your loss of her years back. Thank you.
Sandra Ocasio says
I am so grateful to you daily.
My grandmother was also my teacher and inspiration. As a Latina faith and prayer was my foundation.
I thank you from my heart as I needed to read this right now. I am asking God to guide me daily.
With love -Sandra Ocasio
PS God is winking at me through you!!
Jo C says
Although my great grandmother Zada was serious person, sharing Zeda’s list is inspirational. I too journal and your Zeda has inspired me to continue my pursuits. Thank you so much for sharing. I look forward to reading your newsletter
DD says
Love the article and the poem. Let’s all pray to be that person. Thank you for sharing.
Shawn says
Oh Megan…You go girl !!! I write in a journal…some days a-lot, some days a quote, some days a couple words, some days just a memory I don’t want to forget…Cause I do that a lot at 71. !!! I also write down a memory of my son from his childhood..or of my childhood. I also have a list of things I have done that I have never done or haven’t done in a long time… Your girls will love it. Best to you… Shawn
TJ Chasteen says
Thanks for sharing Marc.
I lived with my Great Papaw until I was 17 – when he died suddenly at 85. He taught me a similar list of lessons and this has inspired me to devote a journaling session to him. Your grandma was a wise woman, I am glad you had the blessing of her in your life.
Best,
TJ
FONDA Rist says
I like this poem…it is part of the Optimist Creed…Promise Yourself. Realistically, the first line of the creed is “To talk health, happiness and prosperity to everyone you meet…” is not always possible, if one is truthful. This is a more realistic version. Thank you.
Brenda Cannon Henley says
I was reared by my maternal grandmother and love any and everything you share about yours. Wisdom was much more of an open commodity during their generations.
I am an Inspirational Editor and Writer for two Texas newspapers, 13 statewide magazines, several blog spots, my church, and several other outlets. I have enjoyed reading your material since a friend sent me my first piece from you some time ago.
I have quoted bits and pieces from your thoughts and collections and have always given you attribution.
You both are a blessing and I appreciate you.
Debra Holland says
Beautiful words of wisdom. Several resonated deeply.
One thing my grandmother used to tell us (from the experience of her family losing everything in WWll) was, “Always get your education, because that cannot be taken away from you.”
Natalie says
My grandma and grandad used to say the same thing . . My nana was evacuated from London and lost her dad in the bombings . . He worked at a munitions factory . . She moved to the midlands and met my grandad . . They had my mum and then they had their happy ever after . . They always said go to uni please go to uni . X
Kelly says
I must say that our family has gone through a lot over these last few years but the irony is that through these challenges that’s where the life lessons have come out of.
Frances Logan says
Number 11 resonated a lot for me. “It’s usually better to look back on life and say, “I can’t believe I did that,” than to look back and say, “I wish I did that.”
Last year I took a lot of brave bold steps that created a lot of change in my life. I was feeling very good about the changes mostly but then recently started doubting myself as some of the results are not part of what I’d hoped for. Number 11 reminded me that if i hadn’t taken the steps I wouldn’t have had any of the wonderful experiences I had and that I still have a lot of flexibility for how to go forward.
Sandra K. says
Same with me! 2025 was a huge year of “Firsts” for me. At the tender age of 63, I became physically fit and worked out everyday, worked the polls in my community, attended community meetings to understand upcoming changes and provided my feedback, engaged with friends/neighbors more, and rediscovered my hobbies again! It was an awesome year! Bring on 2026!!
michelle says
I love Grammy Zelda’s beautiful words! Thank you so much for sharing them that’s pretty awesome she kept an inspirational journal…she was ahead of her time. We are all lucky to have the chance to meet/learn from her! Thank you for sharing her with us.
CC says
Thank you for sharing so much love and wisdom to guide me along this rocky road of life. I have never had a Grandmother and my Mother died when I was only two. Although I am now 70 , this absence of maternal wisdom, has sorely been missing in my life. Please accept all my gratitude and love for sharing your grandma with us in this post and previous emails I’ve received from you all.
Sarah Johnson says
Dear CC
I’m very sorry to hear that you didn’t have a grandmother or your mum beside you growing up. That must have been so hard, (and perhaps continues to be?)
On Facebook there is a group for Adults Bereaved as Children – ABC. I think you’ll find kindred spirits who understand. I know I have. facebook.com/groups/adultsbereavedaschildren/
Thank you to Marc and Angel for their insights and encouragement.
Nelly says
The best thing I have read in the past several days. Thank you for sharing this life changing wisdom.
Elle Pea says
Marc, you have no idea how much this post means to me today. You see, today also marks 10 years since my 95 year old grandmother passed away.
For a very long time I have been a people pleaser, but have recently been doing the work to learn to love myself and not be afraid to show up as my true, authentic self. # 3 really resonates with me! I am a big believer in signs and I can’t help but feel like my grandmother is sending me this as a reminder. These words might not have had the same impact on a different day of the year.
Thank you, for sharing these wonderful bits of wisdom!
Maria says
Sitting here wiping a couple tears as I type this…I have been a follower of yours for more time than I can remember, and this came at a perfect time for me. My mom just passed away last month, and she and I were never close, unfortunately. I wish I’d had a grandmother like yours to bestow this type of wisdom on me, but I do believe my dad did instill some of this in me. Life is hard, but it’s up to US to live it and respond it in the most appropriate ways. I’ll be copying this into my notes file, as well as printing it out to put into my gratitude journal.
Much love from Arizona.
Laura Lee Locheed says
SO very grateful here, as you Two share with Us All ” The Wisdom of the Ages.” A beacon of hope, and a fine example of how respecting Our Elders in a Western Society that often dismisses this Age Group. You’re widening the Paths of Love and Growth.
Marie says
Thank you for sharing yours and your Grandma’s wisdom.
I have grown up with a family who love me, I think, but who have very negative vibes. I have been trying to re educate myself for many years and will continue to do so for the rest of my life.
You are my wisdom family and now I am about to be a granny I can pass on your inspiring truths to my new family.
Thank you also to everyone who posts here too. It’s so encouraging to hear other people’s ideas and stories. I feel a sense of unified love. Sending you all big hugs.
Barbara says
Praise God for your Grandma’s life well lived. Her love and wisdom feeds my soul. I did not have the influence of either of my Grandmothers and as a Grand and Great Grandma I hope to be a gift to my Grand children. At 85, these last chapters of life, remind me how important it is to share our knowledge and wisdom with our offspring. My gift to my family and myself was something that was part of growing up in an Italian family. We have continued the tradition of Sunday Supper that we share each and every Sunday. It is precious time shared as these days few take time to reconnect. I feel truly blessed to have this connection to share stories and experiences with my now grown Grandkids and hopefully I’ll have time to do so with the Great Grandkids. Blessings to you for your gift of sharing.
Sandra K. says
Same with me! 2025 was a huge year of “Firsts” for me. At the tender age of 63, I became physically fit and worked out everyday, worked the polls in my community, attended community meetings to understand upcoming changes and provided my feedback, engaged with friends/neighbors more, and rediscovered my hobbies again! It was an awesome year! Bring on the rest of 2026!!
David Cleroux says
11. “You don’t need anyone else’s permission to listen to your intuition.
It’s usually better to look back on life and say, “I can’t believe I did that,” than to look back and say, “I wish I did that.” In the end people will judge you in some way anyway. So don’t live your life trying to impress others. Instead live your life impressing yourself. Love yourself enough to never lower your standards for anyone.”
This quote truly speaks to me today. Thank you for sharing it. And so does this quote that just came to mind… Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth. Hugs.
Gail says
Don’t know why but I’ve never seen this before. My mother died in 1992 and I miss her every day. My parents divorced when I was only 4 years old. My mother was my rock who loved me, told me about Jesus, loved me more than herself. I’m 87 years old now, have many back problems. I still believe my mother was the best example of love in my whole life. I look forward to seeing her again.
Irma says
Thank you. I always look forward to your emails. So many awesome gems?
Irma says
Thank you. I always look forward to your emails. So many awesome gems?
Loretta says
I will be 90 YO in a few months. Living doesn’t get any easier but being able to read encouraging words as those from your grandmother makes each day a little easier and to be thankful for. I have always had the attitude to respect everyone. I am passionate about treating people as better than me and with love and compassion. My father would not allow any gossip so growing up that way I would never talk about others and stay out of other people’s business. Your grandmother’s words warmed my heart.
Mary Kay Johnson says
Each point was perfect but today 12 was the most perfect for me today. A reminder that everyday is a new day and the perfect day to start anew. Thank you for sharing.