Lessons From My Granny
Last week my family and I had to say goodbye to my Granny. She would have turned 99 the week before and was an amazing example of a long life lived and inspiration given. Speaking at her funeral was one of the hardest things I've done; I shared a list of personal memories that my siblings, cousins and I came up with from the time we spent with her. Moments that remind us of her and things we shared with her.
My Granny has always been one of the most important people in my life. I feel so lucky to have had her in it until I'm almost 40 and even though she aged and was limited over the last 10 years she was still teaching me things through the way she lived. I really want to get these down as I think they can help us all make the most of the time and the opportunities we have.
1. Laugh freely and often
My Granny had a deep, infectious laugh. It was one of those laughs that sets other people off, it was contagious. She would laugh freely at things many of us don't even notice. Last Christmas I bought her a pair of socks with a bear face and little ears that would be on the top of your feet and they had her in hysterics for minutes! She laughed until she had tears in her eyes and made everyone else smile too. I can be a little serious at times and thats not great for myself or the people around me. I hope to let go of that a bit and just appreciate the joy in the small things as well as the big.
2. Show people you think of them and thank them by writing it down
Towards the end of last year we knew that Granny didn't have long left. I went and found a folder in my old bedroom at my parents house where I had kept letters and cards that Granny used to send me when I moved away to university, I had a whole stack of them; notes, cards and letters inscribed with her curly wurly handwriting. Some of them were for events like birthdays but many were just to say hello and to let me know that she was thinking of me. She always gave compliments and showed me how much she appreciated things that I, and others in my family, did for her. " Just to thank you for finding time for me, it meant so much" and "I was so happy when I had your phone call this morning". How often do we stop and write to people to say thank you for the little things? I know that I don't do it enough and Granny has inspired me to make more of an effort to spread the positivity and kindness often.
3. Encourage others to do things for themselves
My Granny never learnt to ride a bike, swim or drive but she encouraged everyone else to push themselves and follow their dreams. When I was 21 she wrote in my card "The world is yours" and she certainly encouraged her own children and us, the grandchildren, to explore the world and to take on challenges. She believed in people and didn't let any fear of failure or the unknown stop her giving full encouragement. It's a wonderful feeling to know that people you love are cheering you on in whatever it is you want to pursue or achieve and I thank my Granny for instilling that in me.
4. Take care and pride in yourself and your home
If I picture my Granny she is wearing smart pastel coloured clothing, a dress or skirt and neat heeled shoes with a tidy, ordered handbag. She never had loads of money but she took lots of pride and care in herself and her home. I asked my dad if she had ever owned a pair of trousers and apparently she did once buy a pair for a holiday in the 50s or 60s, she was very excited! I know that I feel good about life when I've got everything in order, including myself, and it's proven that we can increase well being by investing time in looking after ourself and our surroundings. Granny was definitely onto something and I'll remember that.
5. Treat yourself
Lots of our memories of Granny involve sweets! She used to visit the local market every Saturday and always stopped by at the sweet stall. Treacle toffee was a particular favourite and we loved dipping into her biscuit tin for a Garibaldi. She knew what she liked and she shared those treats with us which we absolutely loved! She also loved a glass of sherry and a whisky and mineral (lemonade). It was all about balance and I know she led a healthy life but maybe those treats and allowing enjoyment of things she loved kept that infectious laugh and the inner happiness going.
Five simple lessons from a wonderful lady that may actually help us all. Thank you for everything Granny, we love you so much x
