This afternoon, I came across a video of English actress Helena Bonham Carter reciting Jenny Joseph's poem "Warning." That was serendipitous because I wrote about the poem two years ago and created my own take on what I would do when I got older.

"If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart."

— Nelson Mandela

Today, the Daily Almanac―an email newsletter from the folks behind the Old Farmer's Almanac―presented an article entitled "Stay Calm and Plant Something." Author Robin Sweetser writes that gardening is one of the oldest healing arts: "It gives the kind of solace that our present society cries out for. If you are finding that anxiety is becoming too much to bear, head outside for a nature fix." She references neurologist Oliver Sacks, who found that music and gardens were vitally important to patients with chronic neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. He found that his long-shut-in patients at the Beth Abraham Hospital in New York City loved nothing more than to visit the New York Botanical Garden, which was located across the road from the hospital.

"People reflect your behavior back to you. The more you help others, the more others want to help you. Being a little bit nicer in each interaction can result in a network of broad and strong connections over time."

— James Clear

Surround yourself with people trying to get better at the same things as you. "People seldom get better as individuals. They get better as groups." [James] Altucher points to examples of groups from literature to art to business. Top athletes often talk about the value of training with other athletes. And entrepreneurs benefit from hanging out with other aspiring business leaders. Why does this approach work? "You each challenge each other, compete with each other, love each other’s work, become envious of each other, and ultimately take turns surpassing each other."

The biggest impact cancer has had on my life is its influence on my perspective. I am no longer interested in trading time for money. I want to be present for my loved ones in ways I wasn't before cancer and retirement. I try to avoid stress, negativity and drama. I set my priorities based on what brings me joy, not on what others might recommend for me. I value flexibility—the ability to do what I want to do when I want to do it—even while enjoying a predictable routine. I am keenly aware of the importance of my physical and mental health and endeavour to set and protect my boundaries. I appreciate the creative freedom I have to write about whatever strikes me on any given day.

"Another important distinction between people-pleasing and healthy relationships is that compromise and acts of service are mutual (you should not be the only one giving and making concessions), and you shouldn’t have to violate your values and principles to make others happy."

— Sharon Martin

"A number of studies have shown that optimists enjoy higher levels of wellbeing, better sleep, lower stress and even better cardiovascular health and immune function. And now, a recent study has shown that being an optimist is linked to longer life."

— Fuschia Sirois, Professor in Social and Health Psychology at Durham University in the UK

— My take on Jenny Joseph's poem "Warning"

I feel like having cancer has matured me (I was going to say "aged me" but that wouldn't be accurate). I see life now the way it might have taken me into my 60s or 70s to see: each day as a gift, friendships as precious, time as the most valuable commodity. I hope to enjoy the same privilege as you—living with grace well into my 80s.

When a change is occurring, spend time with employees. Build a relationship with them. Answer uncomfortable questions. Listen. Show that you care. Be realistic, but also offer hope.

Commit to a timetable for communication, ideally face to face. That could be daily, weekly, monthly. Just pick a schedule and stick to it, even if you think you don't have much to say. See every discussion as an opportunity to listen as much as to communicate, and as a chance to enhance trust.

Hear employees' concerns and, whenever possible, make adjustments to address their feedback. More than anything, a willingness to alter the game plan shows that you're listening, that employees' input is valuable and that you genuinely want to help them through the transition phase.

"Many Italians take daily Passeggiatas between 5pm and 8pm to absorb their surroundings, vibe off their city and engage in light exercise. The name originates from the verb passeggiare, meaning ‘to walk.’ La Passeggiata is a cultural phenomenon where Italians socialise with people after work. They greet their friends and acquaintances; they chat to the locals and they gossip. Women frequently hold hands and walk together. Giovanna Delnegro states this Italian custom 'reinforces a sense of belonging.'"

— Gabby Tuzzeo

This morning, I attended the funeral of the last remaining uncle on my mom's side of the family. He was a great man: patient, kind, quiet, generous, gentle. He was 97, much loved by his wife (my mom's eldest sister), eight children and their spouses, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.... From my vantage point, my uncle lived a good life. He was loving and respectful, loved and respected. That was evident today.

What I have found is that blogging offers distinct advantages over having a pen pal. The posts can still be personal and even written with a specific person in mind, but they can also be shared with many people at once. Even if 99% of my readers never respond to a given post (like my European pen pal), there is always that 1% who do. I put my thoughts out to the world, and someone sends a thought back to me. It's like launching a paper boat on a stream and having another paper boat come back in its place. Sometimes, a whole fleet of paper boats arrive. Figuratively, I tuck a thank you into every boat and send them back the way they came.