Sometimes things happen quickly in life. Things that you look back on and wish you could dwell in those moments a bit longer. Today I had one of those moments…
Paul sat next to me today at Starbucks. 89 years young and looking great. He was dapper with slacks, penny-loafers, and a button up shirt. Gold Rolex, gold rings and a chain around his neck. Not gaudy, just old-school dressed up.
He asked me what I was doing (I was checking email on my phone…) and we were off – having a great conversation.
His Greek accent was sometimes tough to understand, but I really wanted to be present with him and honor the conversation. We talked about what I did, what he had done and a bit about his story. He came from Greece when he was in his early 20’s with about $40 in his pocket. Said he became a millionaire and then took a huge risk with real estate and became a multi-multi-multi… millionaire.
It was a great conversation and I thought that is what I was going to take with me. Paul wasn’t done with me yet…
I told him I had to get going, and he told me that he wanted to tell me his 5 keys to life if I had another minute. I’m not that much of a dummy, so of course I sat back down.
Here is the list from Paul, age 89:
1- Love yourself – no matter what happens, think to yourself “I’m the BEST!”
2 – Be happy and have fun, but don’t do anything in excess. Including drinking, work, sex. (not sure about that last one, but this Paul’s list)
3 – Work hard and realize that if you are the best, then hard work will pay off.
4 – Put some money aside when times are good. Because times are not always good. ‘Nuff Said.
5 – Treat your wife as if she was a part of your own body. Respect her, love her, tell her that you need her. A man’s sex drive goes down with old age, but the need for your companion lives on…
Paul – thanks for sharing and caring.
Matt Gorski 