Ann Richards' five rules for living life

[kurth]

From her 1995 commencement address to Mount Holyoke College
http://www.mtholyoke.edu/offices/comm/csj/950605/richards.html

... Now that the preaching is over, I thought I should give you five rules for living life that have worked for me.

The first rule in life is: Cherish your friends and your family as if your life depended on it... because it does. Isn't that right, Jane?

Number two: Love people more than things. You know those T-shirts that say, "He who has the most toys when he dies wins." I'm going to promise you that over the years I've spent my life collecting a great number of things I thought I was going to die if I didn't have. And I wouldn't give you a nickel for most of it today.

Number three: Indulge the fool in you. Encourage the clown and the laughter that is inside of you. You know? Go ahead and do it. Make time now for play, for the impractical, for the absurd, and make it a rule to do it. Not just every now and then. Let your heart overrule your head once in a while. Never turn down a new experience unless it's law or it's going to get you in real serious trouble.

Number four: Don't spend a lot of time worrying about your failures. I've learned a whole lot more from my mistakes from all of my successes.

And number five: Have some sense about work. No one ever died muttering, "I wish I had spent more time at the office."

There is a wonderful world out there. It's just waiting for your energy and your ideas...

[WhiteTara]

1. Thank you Ann, you were a wise and

funny woman. Rest In Peace.

[Rowdyboy]

2. She was one of a kind.....Thanks so much for that quote. I hadn't read it

before but it sounds so like the Ann Richards I adore. Each line perfectly expresses her personality and is totally consistent with her values and her public record.

I've always had a fantasy that my partner and I would have dinner with Ann Richards and Molly Ivins, the two coolest women in American politics. Today, that fantasy ended. I'm so sorry I'll never have a chance to tell her just just how much she inspired me.

[babylonsister]

3. I remember voting for her as gov, not paying lots of attention, and

the anti-christ got in. I was a bit flummoxed, and went on. Who knew.

Thank you, Governor Richards! :patriot:

[Pachamama]

4. What a great woman she was....

RIP Ann.... I'll always love you for the "Born with a silver spoon in his mouth" regarding ole Georgie.

:hug:

[bumblebee1]

5. A wise and funny woman indeed.

I love that line about GHWB. RIP Ann!

[Kurovski]

6. Highly recommended,

with love.

[bonito]

7. Great post thanks, definitely recommended.

[SlavesandBulldozers]

8. RIP Ann RIchards

[Homer Wells]

9. Poor Old George!!

Born with a silver foot in his mouth!

Bless you Ann.

You will be missed!

[malaise]

10. Kick

great post

[Seabiscuit]

11. Rule Number 6: The world will be a much better place when we

put all the neocons behind bars and throw away the keys.

R.I.P. Ann Richards.

[wicket]

12. She will certainly be missed

RIP Ann :patriot: