What’s In YOUR Piggy Bank?

Mr. Jones, a 92-year-old man, decided to move to a nursing home when his wife of 70 years passed away. After hours of waiting on the morning of the move, he smiled when told his room was ready.

As he maneuvered his wheelchair to the elevator, the aide described his room, including the view from his window.

With the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy, he exclaimed, “I love it!”

“How can you say that . . . you haven’t even seen the room yet.”

“I don’t have to see it to know I’ll love it.  Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn’t depend on how the furniture is arranged . . . it’s how I arrange my mind.”

Intrigued, the aide urged him to go on.

“Every morning when I wake up, I have a choice ~ I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with various body parts, or I can get out of bed and be thankful for the gift of this day.”

“That’s inspiring!  Especially considering you’re legally blind and confined to a wheelchair.”

“A long time ago, my grandfather taught me that old age is like a bank account of memories ~ we withdraw from what we’ve put in.  As long as my eyes continue to open each morning, I’ll focus on the gift of a new day and enjoy all the happy memories I’ve stored away for this time in my life.”

As they reached his room, Mr. Jones touched the aide on the arm and said, “I’ve learned five simple rules that have increased my happiness.  Would you like to hear them?”

“Absolutely!”

Mr Jones beamed at the aide’s enthusiasm before reciting these 5 simple rules:

1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

As the aide turned to leave, Mr. Jones said, “Thank you for your part in filling my Memory Bank. I am still making regular deposits.”

Aah . . . that’s better!

Source: e-mail from unknown author (sent by Joe M.)