Some may think it is diet, exercise, medication, and good clean living that keep us alive and well. Ok, so I will relent those elements may play a part. My vote, however, lies defiantly on the belief that friends and memories are the treasures that keep us both young at heart and vibrant of mind. Not a single day passes that a beautiful friend, or a funny, touching, or poignant memory does not lift my spirits and unburden my heart. Lord knows I am rich with both.
                                                                              
The brilliance of this concept is that many of our best thoughts and memories come directly from friends. It is a win-win proposition as long as you take the time to bathe these treasures in a sea of positivity.
 
My best friend and I became family in elementary school – the 5th grade to be exact. While there are memories that I would not dare share in a public forum, it is the memories yet to come that give me the most joy. She has always said she wants to be remembered as the little old lady comfortable in a bright purple hat, with a billowy striped top, flowered Capri pants and bling-encrusted flip-flops – in other words, a classy human incarnation of the cartoon character Maxine. She has earned every right to put a flamboyant stamp on her retirement freedom and I not only applaud her individualism but will gladly join her. How fun would it be to celebrate our elder years as quirky movers and shakers that no one could possibly forget?
 
Another one of my best friends labeled herself the GOB – Good Old Broad. She was a little older, so as our friendship grew, she honored me with the title GOBIT – Good Old Broad in Training. I have lost that dear, beautiful friend and I am pretty certain that I graduated out of training, but I will forever cherish that title. Her memory still warms my heart.
 
And it does not stop there. Another best friend is my FPC (Forever Partner in Crime). We were work sisters and would synchronize our days off every couple of months for a field trip to Disneyland. Donning Mickey and Minnie ears, the monorail served as our personal taxi to and from the Disney Hotel between rides for shots and a beer. Alcohol was not served inside the park in those days. Best friends always know how to improvise.
 
And then there are moments and memories that derive from strangers. Every time we open a video on the internet and find ourselves belly laughing and giggling at some kind of nonsense, we boost our immune system and strengthen our heartbeat. It is a known fact. You can trust me on this. Find a way to laugh and sunshine will follow you all day.

So, next time your doctor lectures you on weight, and meds, and lifestyle, lighten the conversation. During one of my annual wellness checks, my doctor was asking all the usual questions: Do you smoke/have you ever smoked? Do you have more than three alcoholic drinks a week? Do you average at least six hours of sleep a night? I answered Yes Sir or No Sir in military style until the question, “Are you sexually active?” I hesitated just a moment and responded, “Does that include toys?” My health was no longer in question. I left the doctor’s office with a spring in my step, and I guarantee every time he asks that question in the future he will smile. Laughter is a healing drug.
 
My advice of the day is to make friends, make memories, laugh at yourself and repeat. Add a cup of coffee, a fruit smoothie, a Bloody Mary, or a glass or two of wine and let your innermost sunshine wash away all the shadows. Sometimes I may follow that advice a little too much. Ah, but that is fodder for yet another rant.

Share your thoughts!  Click the word Comments below and tell me what you think!
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