We have no control over the passage of time, only over the way we choose to spend it.   I recently came across the life philosophies of two very diverse individuals who shared a common theme:  Take one day at a time and live it the best you can.

Ilona Royce Smithkin, is a woman in her late nineties—artist, cabaret singer, writer and fashion model—who fled Berlin with her family in 1938 and lives in Provincetown now that she sold her apartment in Manhattan.  Today, although she may not have as wide a celebrity as other homonymous figures like Cher, Madonna, or Adele, she has a following around the world; and to her devotees she is known as Ilona, which is also the name of the Queen of the Fairies in Hungarian folklore.

Her fundamental philosophy is “Live in the present but be aware that life-altering change can happen without warning.”  Here are her ten practical tips for growing older:

1. Do as much as you can for yourself.
2. Live where you can get around without a car.
3. Don’t buy anything you don’t need.
4. When you see goodness in people, keep them as friends.
5. Don’t isolate yourself.
6. Give of yourself to others; it also makes you feel good.
7. Take care of your body; you have only one.
8. Live in the moment, but
9. Expect that things might change in ways you didn’t anticipate.
10. Take time to think and learn.

Saint John XXIII, was canonized in 2014, and we celebrate his memorial on October 11^th.  He is said to have recited this prayer every morning—an all embracing resolution to be kind today and always to everyone.

The Decalogue of Pope John XXIII:

1. Only for today, I will seek to live positively without wishing to solve the problems of my life all at once.
2. Only for today, I will take care of my appearance; I will be courteous in my behavior; I will not raise my voice; I will not criticize; and I will not try to improve or discipline anyone except myself.
3. Only for today, I will be happy in the certainty that I was created to be happy, not only in the next world but in this one as well.
4. Only for today, I will adapt to circumstances, and not expect circumstances to be adapted to me.
5. Only for today, I will devote time to some good reading, remembering that just as food in necessary to the life of the body, good reading is necessary to the life of the soul.
6. Only for today, I will do one good deed and not tell anyone about it.
7. Only for today, I will do at least one thing I do not feel like doing; and if my feelings are hurt, I will make sure no one notices.
8. Only for today, I will make a plan for myself. I may not follow it to the letter, but I will make it, and I will be on guard against two evils:  hastiness and indecision.
9. Only for today, I will firmly believe in the omnipotent providence of God who created me as a unique individual and loves me unconditionally.
10. Only for today, I will have no fears. In particular, I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe in goodness and love.

Both lists are worth heeding, and starting today, I will strive to reach December 14, 2039, an older and better person than I am today, or die trying.  Lots of LovEstelle