What a 102-year-old can teach you about life

by Craig McBreen · 55 comments · General


Dick Hendricks is now 102 years of age and never misses a meeting at Wallingford 252.

He always greets you with a beaming smile, is continually ready to offer sage advice, and often has a joke up his sleeve. At 102, Mr. Hendricks has a great perspective on life, has clearly embraced discomfort for many years, and as far as I can tell, lives in the moment. He often jokes about that NOW thing, being 102 and all.

Wallingford 252 is my Toastmasters club. It has made a world of difference in my life, and so has one of its original founders. Dick Hendricks Inspires me, and I’m sure if you met him, he would inspire you. His angle on life drives me to analyze my perspective. My comfort zone. My internal dialog. My thinking.

The Big Three …
Or, what Dick Hendricks taught me in his own indirect way:

1. To change my perspective: Each day you have the power to change your outlook from negative to positive. You’ve heard this before, I know, but it works. I live in a place not known for bright, sunny days. There are 10-thousand shades of gray in the sky above Seattle, but you know what? Gray skies are conducive to working, writing, and creativity. Ah, this is the way Mr. Hendricks thinks!

2. Embrace discomfort: Dick has done this time and time again. Getting out of his comfort zone. We get too cozy coasting through life. Gliding through our days with minimal effort. It’s easy to slither along, but the problem is this complacency puts us in a rut. If there is some THING that you want to do, but it gives you the heebie-jeebies, do yourself a favor today. Do. It! Experience the unease, welcome the willies, feel the pins and needles, and see it through. It’s worth it.

3. Simplify: Life is already too complex! Don’t make it more complicated. Condense those lists. Be more mindful, tuned in, present. Just slow down a bit. You’ll enjoy life more. Ask Mr. Henricks. Simply taking 10 minutes a day to sit in silence could make a difference.

Each day we have the option to choose our frame of reference. A single day might provide a lesson, an opportunity, a powerful experience. Dick’s point of view. His angle. His approach. Is positive. By choice!

Mr. Hendricks in action at club 252

I am always working on changing that internal dialog. I’m NOT gonna be like W. C. Fields:
“Start off every day with a smile  … and get it over with.”

So, what are you waiting for?

Get uncomfortable.
Take chances. Life is tough. That’s okay! Be tough. Don’t take the comfortable, easy route each time. Go out and do something that gives you THAT feeling. Quick fixes don’t work. Staying strong and bearing a bit of pain does.

Ask Mr. Hendricks, who always tells me to make those butterflies fly in formation.

Simplify.
Change is (can be) simple (usually)
Eat less, move more. Spend less, listen more. BE more. Worry less. Shorten lists. Practice doing one thing at time.

Change that attitude.
First thing in the morning. I promise I will. If you focus on problems – you’ll find them. If you focus on opportunities – you’ll find them. After all, is it really that bad? Are you having a bad day?

Don’t be controlled by fear. IT’S LIFE DESTROYING! If there is something that you’ve been wanting to do, but have been to afraid to. Running a 5K, speaking in public, or just sending that one email. Do IT.

Stop. slow down. listen. Walk with no distractions. Focus on single tasks. Sit in silence. It’s okay.

Dick was quoted as saying, “one of the problems with Toastmasters is that when people DO become fluent, you can’t. Shut. Them. Up! Well, amen to that, because that means you are changing your perspective, facing your fears and living in the moment. Dick’s motto is, “accentuate the positive.” I’m a work in progress, but a role model like Dick Hendricks makes it oh so easy to keep going.

Back in April when Dick was a young 101, he was featured here.

What’s your viewpoint on the day, today? Can you make it better?

Is embracing discomfort a part of your life? Should it be? What’s scares you?

How have you simplified your life for the better?

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{ 52 comments… read them below or add one }

Lori Gosselin September 28, 2011 at 6:27 pm

Hi Craig,
If you want to live to be 102, you want to be like Dick Hendricks! You’ve got to love life to stay here that long!
Of the 3 things you learned from him, I like #3 – simplify. Sometimes I think I’ll always be OK if I have a good book to read and a craft to keep my hands busy. Sure, those aren’t the big things like following your passion, but at the end of the day, it’s not your passion you curl up with – it’s your spouse and/or a good book. I’m blessed to have both! I’m always in the process of simplifying my work, my life, my thoughts. It’s not easy as I seem to get busier. It’s a constant challenge, but then, I love a challenge!
We do need to focus on the positive because we get more of whatever we focus on! I try to remember to look in the direction I want to move in!
Inspiring post Craig!
Lori

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Craig McBreen September 28, 2011 at 9:07 pm

Hi Lori,

Indeed :) Things can’t always be perfect and life gets in the way or chaos intervenes, but we can always do our best to stop, slow down and take it all in, eh? Like you, I am also constantly working on simplifying and streamlining. Usually it’s not that I have too much to do, but spend way to much time on the wrong things, so I need to evaluate what I’m spending time on, refocus, and most importantly, simplify! Always working on that.

Yes, I love Dick’s motto, “accentuate the positive.” A very inspiring, extremely positive man.

Thanks for stopping by!

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John Falchetto September 28, 2011 at 6:38 pm

Mr Hendricks is a smart man. I often say that age is not usually a sign of wisdom, there are a lot of people who age but never learn.
Simplify is definitely a great lesson. In a world which requires us to be faster, online, more and more often, we need to have a routine which forces us to disconnect.
I cut off work every couple hours and play with my daughter. She brings me to a different world, I cut off from mine.

As for discomfort, well it’s a way of life for an expat like me ;) Sometimes I realize that something is ‘too easy or smooth’ and most generally it means I am not doing the work I should be doing. I take fear out for lunch everyday, and always look back at the end of the day to see, what did I start today?

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Craig McBreen September 28, 2011 at 9:17 pm

Hi John,

Thanks for the comments! Yes, I’ve certainly met my share of people who age but never learn. Dick is the polar opposite, with many words of wisdom, often done with a humorous touch.

It’s work, whittling down your daily activities to focus on the most important things, that’s for sure. That’s a great idea, to make it a point to stop working and hang out with your daughter. It’s sometimes difficult to turn it off, but once you do I’m sure you feel so much better. Clear head and ready to go, right?

Embracing discomfort is a big one for me too, but for you, well you have certainly experienced life. Those stories of yours never stop :) but I always look forward to more.

I love that john, “I take fear out for lunch everyday” I’m starting to do that more. Look back and analyze what I did or did not do.

Thanks for stopping by my humble little place, appreciate it!

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Erin Feldman September 28, 2011 at 7:25 pm

I used to work at an assisted living center as an activities assistant. Talk about getting out of my comfort zone! I had to be a clown most days. I learned a lot from some of the residents, although I grew a lot as a person. Learning to interact with someone who has Alzheimers is not for the faint of heart.
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Craig McBreen September 28, 2011 at 9:27 pm

Hey Erin,

Yes, that is certainly getting out of your comfort zone, but it’s great to see you learned so much from the residents and grew from the experience.

So I take it you became the chief entertainer there? You obviously have a really good sense of humor, from what I’ve read so far. I’m sure you kept the troops highly entertained :)

Thanks for dropping by!

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Erin Feldman September 28, 2011 at 9:39 pm

I certainly tried to be entertaining. I figured if the residents were laughing, they couldn’t complain or heckle each other. That strategy worked well until Bingo time. The residents could become nasty during Bingo, and I had to call upon the “teacher” voice.
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Craig McBreen September 29, 2011 at 12:01 am

Ha ha :) I can just picture that now. Comedian turned stern teacher on a confrontational Bingo Night :) My grandmother used to live for bingo, so I completely understand!

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Erin Feldman September 29, 2011 at 12:03 am

Yeah…I’m an avid opponent of anything Bingo related. I plan to refuse to play when I’m of the age that it’s the popular thing to do.
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Craig McBreen September 29, 2011 at 8:19 pm

Coins as projectiles? This story has the makings on an SNL skit.

Craig McBreen September 29, 2011 at 4:06 pm

When I was a wee lad, I sometimes went to the bingo hall with my grandmother. Oh, they would take it very, very seriously. A moment of levity would have helped.

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Erin Feldman September 29, 2011 at 6:45 pm

I’ve heard of Bingo players throwing their nickels and quarters at people. It never happened where I worked, nor would I have allowed it. Bingo would have ended for the day if that behavior occurred.
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Kaarina Dillabough September 28, 2011 at 9:02 pm

I like the mantra (can’t remember who said it, otherwise I’d give due credit):

Every day in every way I’m getting better and better. So whether a day is going swimmingly or sinkingly (I don’t think that’s a word, but I’m “embracing discomfort” and making it up:), it can always be better. That doesn’t mean I’m discontent: quite the opposite. I know that, no matter what, I can find a way to do that little bit more each day. Must be the ex-athlete/coach in me:)

I have no problem embracing discomfort, and very little scares me…other than bungee jumping. Maybe John can help me get over that, haha!

I do small things to simplify my life, the most important emptying my head of non-productive chatter, clutter and overload. I look at my priorities, and if the nagging voice starts chirping in my head, I do something to “flip the switch”. Sometimes it’s a short walk…a stroll outside to take a few photos…standing up from my desk…whatever helps to get back to the question that always simplifies and grounds me: Will this matter in 5 minutes…5 days…5 years? Cheers! Kaarina And thanks for the nice tip of the hat on the 5K…I appreciate that:)
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Craig McBreen September 28, 2011 at 11:50 pm

Hi Kaarina,

On with the mantra! Yes! And, it’s good to see you have the courage to make up words and just post them! :) I like “sinkingly!” I agree. Yes, it can always be better. I like to push myself too, but man we gotta settle down and smell the roses eh?

I kind of figured you had the embracing discomfort part mastered. I mean look at your credentials! Skydiving and bungee jumping. Now that brings on an entirely different form of fear. Ever see the Top Thrill Dragster roller coaster? That would probably bring on the same feeling.

Needing to shut off, or just tame the “monkey mind” is tough isn’t it? All that chatter. It’s real work quieting the mind, but just getting away like you describe is sometimes all you need to do. Good one: “Will this matter in 5 minutes…5 days…5 years?”

Now that you have that 5K behind you, when’s the marathon? :) I’m still hurtin’ from my mine.

Thank you for the visit.

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Joe @ Not Your Average Joe September 28, 2011 at 9:04 pm

Hey Craig, Dick is one of those very special people. He reminds me of my Nonna, who lived to the ripe old age of 96. She lived a great, but simple, life. She always had a sunny disposition despite losing a son when he was only 13. She was my inspiration while she was alive, and I’m still inspired by her now. We can learn a lot from people like Mr. Hendricks…thanks for introducing him!
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Craig McBreen September 28, 2011 at 11:58 pm

Hey Joe,

Yes he is. A very inspirational guy.

I imagine your Nonna was the kind of person people gathered around. It’s hard to imagine maintaining a positive disposition after dealing with something like that. I’m glad she was an inspirational part of your life.

My wife volunteers for our local Senior Services. She drives people to doctor’s appointments mainly, but also helps in other ways. Anyway, she has met some of the most interesting (and wise) people along the way, and even developed a great friendship from the experience.

Thank you for stopping by. Have a good one!

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Marcus Sheridan-The Sales Lion September 29, 2011 at 1:24 pm

Craig, this was way cool man. Love the sorry of the wise sage and more than anything, I love the idea of ‘embracing discomfort’. Frankly, that alone has been one of the great keys of my life. It seems like everytime I embrace more discomfort, really great things happen.

Cheers bud,

Marcus
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Craig McBreen September 29, 2011 at 4:11 pm

Hey Marcus,

Thanks for stopping by, man. Dick is a wise sage, that’s for sure. Your embracing discomfort is out there for everyone to see and I love it. I’m hoping to see a video, or a post about your experience as a presenter at Blog World LA. I’m sure it will be impressive. Onward and upward!

Cheers to you, and thanks for commenting!

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Bill Dorman September 29, 2011 at 4:20 pm

One time I was dropping off some dry cleaning at the drive-thru of a local cleaners and I thought ‘I really need to put the pants I’m wearing in there as well’. So, before I pulled through I dropped trou in the car and included the pants I was wearing with the rest. I had a shirt on and I wear boxers so it wasn’t like I was flashing or anything.

When I got home I pulled in the garage and then let the garage back down before I got out of the car. I walk in the house with my brief case, shirt & tie and dress shoes, but sans my pants. The look on my wife’s face………….priceless. Did that get me out of my comfort zone, yeah just a little, but I’m prone to be unpredictable at times.

How was that, did that fit in your story?

Sounds like Mr Hendricks certainly practices what he preaches and someone you should listen to. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself and focus on the opportunities; good advice indeed.

Thanks so much for sharing this and thanks so much for letting B’more take two out of three from the Bosox. If you saw the end of that game it looked like the heady days of B’more when they were in the hunt every year. They used to have the strongest farm system in the bigs; there has to be a post in there somewhere on how to ruin success, right?

I hope your week is going well.
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Craig McBreen September 29, 2011 at 7:23 pm

Bill,

Now that is something I don’t really want to visualize … you in your boxers :) but the look on your wife’s face, now that I’d like to see. Gee honey, … I, … ah. Well I guess you had some ‘splainin’ to do. Did she buy the story right away? Regardless, you just did it and didn’t think twice.

Mr. Hendricks certainly does practice what he preaches. And the guy is a human joke machine. His brain is a joke depository, so he always, always has one ready to go. And he does “accentuate the positive.” Always!

I’ve been so busy lately and dealing with a few other things, so haven’t had time to watch baseball (this is the best time of year to watch it of course) and have been missing way too much college football. This is great to hear though. Go O’s! Yes, they were a stellar organization back in the day, for sure. What happened? I think this could be a post.

Going well so far. Hope you’re having a good one too. Thanks for stopping by, Bill.

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Nancy Davis September 30, 2011 at 12:19 am

Life really is what we make it. There is a lady in my town who walks everywhere. She won’t take rides from anyone. It could be snowing, blistering heat and humidity, or pouring rain and there she is walking. She always had a kind word to say, and even when her husband died, she kept on in that house.

He did the driving, when he passed, she took to walking. She has to be in her late 80s by now.

Another one, when I lived with my Dad after Mom passed away, we had a next door neighbor Ray who lived with his daughter. Ray was “only 84″ and would do yardwork, he bowled in a league with his daughter and did things around the house. He would come by and talk to my Dad for a bit sometimes too. What a gift to be able to be still active and happy! My parents got old, sick and miserable. That is not for me.

I just such a visual thinking of Bill in his boxers! Only he would ever do that!
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Craig McBreen September 30, 2011 at 3:53 pm

Hi Nancy,

Agree there. We have a woman in our neighborhood who can’t even stand up properly, needs a walker, but she is out there every morning doing her very slow mile or so. Very impressive to me! There is another old couple my wife and I see all the time. The man is the spitting image of Albert Einstein :) They walk. And walk. Everywhere! We see them all the time. They must walk 5-10 miles a day. Good therapy, walking.

That is so cool that Ray stayed so active. I know sometimes people have debilitating conditions when they are older, and it might be considered a gift to be able to be active at that age, but many get old before their time, and it can be a mindset. They just stop doing. I agree with you and would like to be more like Ray. Thanks for that story!

Yeah. Bill in his boxers. Too much of a visual for me :)

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Brian Driggs September 30, 2011 at 1:19 am

Thanks for sharing this, Craig. It’s sound advice. When you think about it, the only thing we can truly control is how let things affect us. I’ve also found that, when you do what you fear most, you control fear.

Every disappointment is an opportunity. When the negative voices begin to surface, you’ve found the perfect time to ask yourself why they should limit you and how you can learn from the disappointing situation.

Cheers, mate.
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Craig McBreen September 30, 2011 at 3:57 pm

Hi Brian,

Thanks for dropping by. It was fun chatting with you over at Frank’s place.

Very good points. It can be very difficult turning those disappointments into opportunities, taming those negative voices. It sounds like you have a handle on things. I’m working on it every day.

Thanks again, Brian. Have a good one!

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Betsy Cross September 30, 2011 at 11:35 pm

Hi Craig,
My first time here and you’re talking about one of my favorite things: what I want to be when I grow up. Old and wise. My grandmother did everything purposefully. She painted landscapes, played golf, and made salad the same way. That’s what I love about age. The rythym of one’s life becomes so noticeable. I like that. Except this one lady that I used to visit had to have her dishwasher loaded a specific way. Drove her nuts when someone wouldn’t listen. She made me laugh!
See you around Craig!
Betsy

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Craig McBreen September 30, 2011 at 11:54 pm

Betsy,

Thanks for showing up here! Sounds like your grandmother was an incredibly well-rounded woman. There are many who think it’s time to give up on all these activities when they get older, but I like the way your grandmother operated. “The rythym of one’s life becomes so noticeable.” I like that too.

If my wife is reading this, she is laughing right now about the dishwasher story. I sometimes load the dishwasher “wrong” :) but I don’t have to worry because she’ll make sure it’s right. That’s why I love her … she keeps me in line ;)

But, man that lady must have been a hoot.

Thanks, Betsy

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Bryan Thompson October 1, 2011 at 2:50 am

Craig, all three of these points are brilliant. I especially love the idea of “changing perspective.” I could learn to simplify my life a whole lot more as well, but we’ll get to that…someday. :)

I remember seeing this old man on The Tonight Show a few years back who was the US’s oldest shotput champion. He had won an Olympic medal for it back in the 30s or 40s. He was more than 100 years old and demonstrated his ability on the show. Leno’s chin dropped even further than it already is. It’s really incredible. Simplify and do what you love.
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Craig McBreen October 1, 2011 at 9:38 pm

Bryan,

You can thank Mr. Hendricks for the inspiration. Hey, I’m working on changing my perspective each and every day, and it’s work, man! But we do have the power to change your outlook from negative to positive each and every day. I am working on slowing down and being more tuned in … I’ve stopped multitasking and that was a big help … Used to spin my wheels a lot going from one task to the next.

You don’t see a 100+ year old throwing around a shotput very often, so no wonder Leno’s chin almost hit the floor :) Would have loved to see that guy in action.

Thanks for stopping by, Bryan. Appreciate it.

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Jack@TheJackB October 1, 2011 at 3:43 am

Hi Craig,

Number two has been on my mind for a long time now. I think that it has become fashionable to talk about embracing discomfort. It is a bit like talking about the need to think outside of the box.

However, I think that it is a critical part of growing as a person. I can’t help but think of my school days. I was a good student who figured out how the system and didn’t care enough about pushing myself.

Some of it was because I was bored and thought that grades were useless and some of it was because I suffered from the arrogance of youth.

The reason doesn’t really matter. What I know from experience is that every time I have been forced to enter that twilight zone called “discomfort” I have come away with an experience that has helped me in life.

And that is part of what I want for my kids. I want them to embrace those hard moments and see what happens.
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Craig McBreen October 1, 2011 at 10:14 pm

Hey Jack,

Yes, I’ve heard this repeated often, but it sure works for me. I spent much of my life afraid to do things I really wanted to do, because of this attitude. Fear never goes away. We just need to work on resisting it, take it on, and just push through. I wasn’t willing to do that earlier in life. As a student I was like you. Just didn’t care enough to push myself or get uncomfortable.

It’s interesting that you mentioned entering that twilight zone called “discomfort” because it often feels like that, doesn’t it? Fear does cause endorphin release. And the body releases adrenaline when you do something like speak in public, and in my case the body begins to shake :) but you also have a somewhat euphoric feeling after you do something scary like that too.

I’m with you. Embracing discomfort is the one exercise that’s brought me the most rewarding experiences too. I guess there are more than a few hard moments, or times you just have to push through as a writer, eh?

Thanks, Jack!

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Adam Toporek October 2, 2011 at 12:57 am

For some reason, this post about Dick Hendricks reminds me of the elderly sports agent that they kept cutting back to for pearls of wisdom in Jerry Maguire. Guys like this are truly an inspiration, particularly when they still have a great attitude about life.

“If you focus on problems – you’ll find them. If you focus on opportunities – you’ll find them.” I won’t say I live up to this every minute, but I truly think this might be one of the most important lessons anyone can learn. In the end, we are what we focus on, and it is amazing how changing where you point the lens can affect the picture you see.

Good stuff Craig!
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Craig McBreen October 3, 2011 at 11:39 pm

It’s been a while since I’ve seen Jerry Maguire, but “pearls of wisdom” is a perfect description of what Mr. Hendricks delivers. He does have a great attitude and is very inspirational.

Adam, I don’t live up to that either. We have to cut ourselves some slack though, eh? I will say I’m really working on “accentuating the positive” lately and it is amazing how it can change your life … “changing where you point the lens can affect the picture you see.” Perfect!

Thanks again for the comments, Adam. Really appreciate it!

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Alicia Jay October 2, 2011 at 12:59 am

This Mr. Hendricks guy sounds pretty awesome! I do believe we have to go through a little discomfort sometimes to get to the good stuff. Anything worth having is worth working hard for. That’s where I am in my life right now. It can be rough sometimes, but it’s not a bad thing and there’s lots of crazy stops along the way!
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Craig McBreen October 3, 2011 at 11:45 pm

Hi Alicia,

Yes. He. Is! I think I’ve grown the most when embracing discomfort and pushing myself to just get out there and do it. There’s a bit of that in this new blogging venture.

If you are there right now, I’m sure you will push through the rough spots and crazy stops and be well on your way. Seems like it’s always a bumpy ride.

Thanks for dropping by!

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Jens P. Berget October 2, 2011 at 6:06 pm

Hi Craig,

Wow. 102-years old, that’s just amazing. I don’t know anyone close to that old, and what a perspective on life. I would think that it’s hard to disagree with a person who have lived that long, no matter what he is saying (he knows from experience) :)

I am going to speak to a group of people from 70 years old and up, the oldest is 87 years old, and the topis is social media. That’s going to be a lot of fun, or at least very interesting to get their perspective on what’s happening.

By the way, what’s a toastmasters club? That’s the first time I’ve heard of that.

Jens
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Craig McBreen October 3, 2011 at 11:54 pm

Hey Jens,

My wife has a friend in her early 90′s, but Dick takes the cake here, at 102. Yeah, you think about all the events he’s lived through, all the experiences, people he’s met, etc. Boggles the mind. He most certainly knows from experience :)

I would love to hear about your speaking event and how it goes. Is this something you might write about? I think it would be well worth it to get their perspective on social media. Anyway, sounds interesting and fun.

It’s a place where you can work on improving your speaking skills, work on leadership, etc. Thousands of clubs. http://www.toastmasters.org/ or for you, my friend … http://www.toastmasters.no/

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Jens P. Berget October 4, 2011 at 3:53 am

That sounds like a lot of fun, and even a Norwegian site, that’s awesome. I can’t believe that I hadn’t heard about this before :)

I’ll definitively going to write about the speaking event, maybe before and after. Right now I’m thinking about what I’m going to be speaking about, and it’s hard to speak to a group of people that have a completely different perspective on things than me :)

Jens
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Craig McBreen October 5, 2011 at 12:30 am

Sounds like a tough crowd :) Best of luck and can’t wait to hear about it.

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Lisa Gerber October 5, 2011 at 9:43 pm

How about Find Beauty Everywhere.
You’re #1 made me think of it. I lived in Seattle for 10 years. I miss those damp, cool gray days. Especially after spending a summer here in Chicago.
They are actually BEAUTIFUL if you think about it.
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Craig McBreen October 6, 2011 at 12:26 am

Hi Lisa,

“How about Find Beauty Everywhere.” … I like it!

We went back east this summer and were glad to be back in the “air conditioned” Pacific Northwest :)

Isn’t it “Cooler by the lake,” in Chicago-proper in the summer?

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Lisa Gerber October 6, 2011 at 2:07 am

I’m sorry, what? did you say “cooler by the lake?” I don’t understand.
No.
One day this summer, I was riding my bike home from work and the digital display at the bank said 111 F, and I had a really really strong headwind.

But the weather has been fantastic since mid August, so I’m not complaining. I was just adding a point about finding beauty in everything. :)
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Craig McBreen October 6, 2011 at 3:47 pm

Ha ha, I did. I have heard the expression before, so now I’ll know the truth if a former Chicagoan says that. Cool summer days by the late … right :) 111 F is way too hot, but let’s talk in February and see what the temp is then :)

I’m sure you get more than a few complaining about the winter snow, just like many here complain about the clouds and rain … eh? But I miss it. We call it lowland snow here as you may remember. There’s beauty is a good snowfall, unless you’re on your way to work on a Monday morning.

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John Sherry October 6, 2011 at 9:22 am

What a guy Craig, he puts people 100 years younger to shame. We’re too caught up in the numbers with life – under 20 very young, 20+ young adult, 40′s middle aged, 65 retiring age, 80 = old, 100+ very old and near death’s door. Well done Dick for proving it all bunkum. It annoys me that we are so quick to people in boxes through life for one reason or another (though we say think outside one!) before condeming them to their ultimate one before they’re ready. Life is not an age or a number, it’s an attitude, a prevailing spirit, an expression of who we are, which Dick lives and shows every single day. A toast to a master of life!
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Craig McBreen October 6, 2011 at 3:33 pm

Hi John,

You are so right there. If you saw the guy in action, you would be amazed. Very inspiring man, and it’s obvious he doesn’t think about age. Yeah, I’m having a hard time with the 40′s middle aged thing :) Heck with that, I’m just getting started!

I think Dick would like saying, “bunkum” too. You are so very right about placing people in boxes. And many think they have to act a certain way if they are men or women of a certain age. No. No. No. You. Don’t!

Dick, I think you should steal something from John and use it :) … “A toast to a master of life!”

Love what you said here, John. Thanks for stopping by!

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Lloyd Christie October 6, 2011 at 2:09 pm

Hello Craig my fellow Toastie master – I’m originally from a London club Early Birds Speakers, Dick sound’s like a great man – You’ve really taken some vary import lesson’s from him – I Love toastmaster because its a great opportunity to meet and learn from amazing people like Dick – Thanks for shearing these insight’s Craig

Blessing
Be Great

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Craig McBreen October 6, 2011 at 3:38 pm

Hi Lloyd,

Hello to you and thanks for dropping in. I’ve learned plenty, and most of it just through observation. When he talks, people listen. He also has an occasional joke or two … or three :)

Thanks again for the comments.

By the way … love your bio.

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Rebecca October 6, 2011 at 11:18 pm

Dick is my grandfather — and has been an inspiration all my life for the very lessons you yourself have learned from him. I’d add one more: Nothing matters more than people. He has stayed so young for so long because he has made it a practice of his life to embrace communication in all its forms, from songs to speeches to the latest technology (imagine the transition from manual typewriters and telephone switchboard operators to e-mail on a desktop computer) — because these allow connections to be made and maintained between people — and there is nothing more important than that! We still have so much to learn from him!

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Craig McBreen October 7, 2011 at 11:33 pm

Hi Rebecca,

Thanks so much for showing up and commenting. What an inspirational grandfather you have! He definitely embraces communication in all forms in that club. I do want to hear him sing though, that would be great!

It is amazing when you think of all the technologies, tools, and modes of communication your grandfather has experienced. From telephone switchboard operators to a smartphone, which has more processing power than many large computers had not so very long ago.

I agree, we have so much to learn from him, but he keeps teaching, so we might as well take advantage of the wisdom.

As an introvert who took, well decades to come out of his shell … you know, the guy who never talked … Dick has taught me many things in his own way, not shutting up is one :) But the best is always, “accentuate the positive.”

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Carol Saye October 7, 2011 at 2:17 pm

Yes my Grandfather is a wonderful man who is barely slowed down by age. The only thing he has had to give up is driving and that is only because he can’t see well enough to drive now because of macular degeneration.

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Craig McBreen October 7, 2011 at 11:37 pm

Hi Carol,

Thanks for dropping in. Giving up driving would be tough, but I see nothing slowing him down, that’s for sure! Whatever he is dealing with, or has had to deal with, it never shows, maybe because he focuses on other people so much, or just the fact that he has a great perspective on life. Very, very cool. Thanks, Carol.

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Christian Hollingsworth December 6, 2011 at 10:11 pm

This man has touched me in many ways. One way in particular is simply defined in one word…

…attitude.

Thank you for changing my life.
Christian Hollingsworth recently posted..On Reaching 100k Twitter FollowersMy Profile

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Craig McBreen December 8, 2011 at 2:27 am

Hi Christian,

Thanks for the comment! Yes, he has an AMAZING attitude!

You are most welcome, Sir! :)

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