Meet my Grandma Joan, AKA one of my most favorite people EVER. Is she not the cutest?! My Grandma Joan always has the best advice, has the best attitude of anyone else I have ever met in my life (she’s so positive and upbeat…more on that later), and is just amazing. I could go on and on, but bottom line is that she is one of my biggest inspirations. I strive to embrace positivity, kindness, and wit like she does. Grandma Joan lost my beloved grandfather less than two months ago, and although it has been a trying time losing the love of her life and husband of over 60 years, she still gets up everyday, puts on her hot pink lipstick, a cute outfit, and takes on life.
She still goes to school and probably knows more about iphones, ipads, and macbooks than I do. Grandma Joan always has incredible nuggets of advice, so I thought, why not introduce her here and let her share her wisdom with you?
Lynn: What general advice would you give to young people?
Grandma Joan: Have a sense of humor, be patient, and always try to be friendly and compassionate. If you are friendly and loving, it will mirror back to you. My mother always told me, “cast your bread upon the waters and it will come back to you” – I still live by this idea. It doesn’t cost a thing to be nice to people and smile.
L: Life lessons?
GJ: Try to see things from others’ points of view. Don’t wait for the other person to act first, whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a significant other. If you feel you need to say something or reach out, do it! For instance, I hadn’t heard from a friend of mine in awhile. So I called her tonight and we had a very nice conversation that we probably would not have had otherwise.
L: Parenting advice?
GJ: Look at each child as an individual and not compare them. Have reasonable expectations. If you don’t, you will be very disappointed in a lot of things. Don’t give advice unless you’re asked for it from your children when they’re older.
L: How do you stay so positive?
GJ: I think I’m just a Pollyanna – I don’t like to see the negative side of things. I look for the best in people, not the worst. People who are very negative are not too happy with themselves. If you feel your life is fulfilled, you will be more happy, so work towards being more fulfilled…whatever that may mean for you. Being around other positive people is an uplifting experience. Taking classes at school keeps my mind energized. And never believing that you’re OLD!
L: What has been the best age in your life?
GJ: Every age has its advantages and disadvantages, but the years that stand out to me were my 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s. We took some wonderful trips, and took our grandchildren on elderhostels. That time with grandchildren to form a bond is so important – that one on one time. Little things mean a lot, especially to children.
L: Best relationship/marriage advice? (She has a lot! As soon as we finished with this question, she thought of more. And then more. And then more!)
GJ: Patience. Think before you speak. Always make sure that your brain is in gear before your mouth is in motion. If you’re very angry, turn around or walk out of the room for a few minutes.
Take a vacation without your husband for a few days – go out with the girls. I would go away with my girlfriends for a few days, and we had a nice time away without having to worry about or please our husbands. They miss you when you get back, and it feels good to renew that appreciation!
In a relationship, one of the things that’s so important is touch. It’s so important to do to show that you care. One time, I went to give Grandpa a back massage that was unexpected/not asked for, and he just loved it. Some people feel very reluctant to touch because it’s presumptuous.
Be active together. We used to play tennis all the time. Go to movies, out to eat, play games together. It’s good to have similar hobbies, but have your own hobbies too. Stay interesting by not being together 100% of the time. You’re more intriguing to your partner if you have different hobbies – then you’ll also have more to talk about!
L: Any last words?
GJ: Say I love you to all whom you love. Don’t be shy about it if you mean it. Many women are afraid to say it woman to woman, but it doesn’t mean that you’re a lesbian.
Do you just love her?! I hope that this little interview caught just a little of her amazing-ness. She will be back on the blog…maybe next time with some fashion tips!
Xo,
Lynn