I talked to a very cheery 91 year old woman this week. Inspired, I asked her what the secret to her happiness and longevity is. 

“Don’t dwell on the past. It’s like bankers say:

Yesterday is a cancelled cheque.
Tomorrow is a promissory note.
Today is cash! Use it”

Since one good deed deserves another, I shared one of my favorite verses from a Leonard Cohen song with her. It sings a very similar tune:

“The birds they sang/ at the break of day
Start again/ I heard them say
Don’t dwell on what/ has passed away
or what is yet to be.”

There are many ways to say the same thing. But not every way of saying something will resonate the same with each person. That’s why I love meeting people who help me frame ideas and messages that are close to my heart in slightly different ways than I’m used to. It makes me that much more likely to be able to relate to the next person I meet. So thank you, wise 91-year old lady, not only for your wonderful energy, but also for your perspective. Today IS cash. And I do try to get the most out of it.