Life lessons from grandparents

Three years ago, something motivated me to ask all four of my grandparents to share their truest life lesson…something they’ve found to be an unwavering truth in their 80+ years.?

The greatest blessing of my life is growing up with all four of them happily married, and living within a 30-minute radius of my childhood home. Visiting them is my favorite activity, I love them so much. I know how lucky I am to have grown up in this situation—something I’ll never take for granted.

Here’s what they had to say:

Grammy, (who became a published author at age 84):

People may forget what you said, they may forget what you did, but they will never forget the way you made them feel.

This is a Maya Angelou quote that Grammy has recited to me on multiple occasions. I love this because it helps in prioritizing my energy. The only true legacy you have is how you make other people feel.

Grandpa, (puzzle connoisseur & Yangtze river native):

Things are never as bad as you think they are. This is a cruel world, and it has been ever since life began, but there are ways out of any situation you’re in.

This one, especially, keeps me grounded. When I find myself wallowing in self-inflicted stress I try to pause and think, “What is truly the worst thing that could happen if ____ doesn’t go as planned?” Someone might disagree with me?? I just get a bad grade? I could fail? I’m always hit with a wave of gratitude and humility. The stakes are almost always minuscule and the consequences, improbable.?

Bigmama, (legend has it, the greatest substitute teacher the state of Georgia has ever seen):

Give more than you expect to receive.

This is classic Bigmama, never entering a gathering without a pound cake in hand. And yes, she insists on being called Bigmama (it’s a southern thing). She’s taught me how to make a habit of offering. Whether it be a hug, homemade food, a laugh, or some love, she gives by default. I hope I can give as habitually as her someday.?

Bobby, (the strongest and most ethical man I’ve ever known):

As you go through life, and you’re confronted with questionable situations, always go with your first instinct of what is right. Trust your gut. If you don’t, you’ll rationalize the wrong decision.

This lesson has saved me from so much harm already. I have yet to regret leaning on my intuition for any decision. I’m confident in my ability to decipher right from wrong because of Bobby, thank you.

I urgently made this video the same day I had the idea. I felt a strong sense that something was going to happen to them soon. Although I wasn’t sure who or when, given that they were all about the same age and all generally, healthy.?

Bobby went to heaven 8 weeks after filming this, and Grandpa went to heaven last week.

If you have unanswered questions for loved ones, I encourage you to ask them. I'm sure glad I did.

This video reminds me of what is truly important. All four of them are successful in different ways. These are their greatest lessons.

Sending so much love, peace, and joy! ?????? See more @