I turned the alarm off and I turned on to time flying by.

According to the bible I am in the latter days of my life. Psalm 90:10s states, "As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years".

In Aboriginal society, I could be an Elder. An Elder is a very important member of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit communities. The term Elder refers to someone who has attained a high degree of understanding of life. The big challenge is that it really depends on the culture or community to define what makes an Elder. One common trait that I think all seniors have is the need to strive to show by example by living our lives according to deeply ingrained principles, values and teachings. So, here are some teachings that you may find interesting.

Working made me realize that people who “hate getting old “are idiots. You are allowed to hate becoming ill, becoming infirm, becoming depressed …. but don’t hate getting old it is far better than the alternative.

I am lucky to reach my age, I know that, and I am grateful.

Memory is a fickle friend, sometimes she stays with you and sometimes she leaves you when you most need her.

Certain memories last a lifetime, and they will never leave you, some you wish would, but they are like the "cat" who always came back no matter what you do. Other memories you want to stay but they keep slipping away and then rush back like the tide. In 1969 getting married, in 1963 listening in shock to the news of Kennedy's death; in 2010 seeing my grandson for the first time. Camping in Spain in the 1970s, In 1976 watching my daughter being born; watching my mother fight for her life. Seeing the Sydney Opera house.

Being a teacher…and seeing people at their very best.

Actions always speak louder than words and I tend to trust those who tell me they will do and do than those who tell me they will do and don't.

Friends are life, but at some point, they start to leave you, treasure them.

I no longer put up with bad behaviour, bad music, bad films or toxic people.

I don't watch news coverage on tv. I say what I think more, and I never talk about politics, or gun laws, or post a seemingly innocuous blog without thinking about it.

I now recognize that real friends are real in so much that they don’t rationalize affection, praise, or support. They just accept you.

I sleep if I can in the afternoon.

I think about what we did without phones and the internet and wonder what would happen if we went back to those days.

Be true to yourself; do things you want to do. Be what you want to be and help others to do the same.

If you love someone, tell them. Tell them as often as you can.

Move forward into your next year by embracing a new skill, a new career, or a new experience and realize that you deserve it.