Bozho,

I came across some rules that were suggested for a good old age, but I thought they could apply to veterans or anyone at any age. The following are those rules:

  • Use the money you’ve saved. Use it and enjoy it. Don’t keep it for those who may have no idea of the sacrifices you made to get it. Enjoy the present moment. The sand of time is running. If you watch an hourglass, you’ll notice that as the sand runs out it gets faster and faster.
  • Keep a healthy life with moderate exercise (like walking every day), eat well and get your sleep. It’s harder to remain healthy these days, so, keep in touch with your doctor. Get tested even when you’re feeling well. Stay informed.
  • Always buy the best, most beautiful items for your partner in life. One day one of you will miss the other, and the money will not provide any comfort. Enjoy it together.
  • Don’t stress over the little things. You’ve already overcome so much in your life. You have good memories and bad ones, but the important thing is the present. Don’t let the past drag you down or the future frighten you. 
  • Regardless of age, always keep love alive. Love your partner, love life, love your family, love your neighbor, your surroundings, your country. You’re never down as long as you have intelligence and affection.
  • Be proud, both inside and out. Show it in your appearance. When you are well maintained on the outside, it seeps in, making you feel proud and strong on the inside.
  • Keep in touch with the times. Read newspapers, watch the news. Stay involved socially. Keep in touch with what is going on and with people around you.
  • Respect the younger generation and their opinions. They may not have the same viewpoint as you, but they are the future and will take the country in their direction. Give advice, not criticism, and try to remind them of yesterday’s wisdom that still applies today.
  • Never use the phrase: “In my time.” Your time is now. As long as you’re alive, you are part of this time. You are still you now, having fun and enjoying life.
  • Spend your time with positive, cheerful people, it’ll rub off on you and your days will seem that much better. 
  • Don’t give up your hobbies. If you don’t have any, make new ones. You can travel, hike, cook, read and dance. Find something you like to do and spend some real time having fun with it.
  • If you have a strong belief, savor it. But don’t waste your time trying to convince others. They will make their own choices no matter what you tell them, and it will only bring you frustration. Live your faith and set an example. Live true to your beliefs and let that sway them.
  • Laugh. Laugh a lot. Laugh at everything. Remember, you are one of the lucky ones. You managed to have a life, a full one. Many never get to experience a full life. But you did. So what’s not to laugh about? Find the humor in your situation.
  • Take no notice of what others say about you and even less of what they may think. They’ll do it anyway, and you should have pride in yourself and what you’ve achieved. They have no idea about your history, your memories and the life you have lived. There’s still much to be written, so get busy writing it and don’t waste time thinking about what others might think. Now is the time to be free, at peace and as happy as you can be.

Remember the CPN Veterans Organization meets every month on the fourth Tuesday at 6 p.m. (or as soon as you can get there) in the North Reunion Hall on the Potawatomi Powwow Grounds. All CPN veterans and their families are welcome. A meal is provided.

Migwetch.