The Wisdom Project

Sheila, age 78

Wisdom. I would first like to give you my definition of Wisdom.  Wisdom is common sense. Doing now what you are going to be happy with later. My name is Sheila. I am 78 years old. I was a pharmacist along with my husband for 40 years. We had a wonderful marriage for 53 years.   We have two daughters, 7 grandkids and two greats.

What are the top 1-3 things you would like to pass on to others? How did you learn this?

1. I think it was Lou Holtz who once said, “Always do what is right and you will never regret it. When in doubt, consult the Bible.”  When trying to decide what to do in a particular situation, this has always been my deciding factor. I think “love” plays a big part in this cliché’, too. Love seeks the other person’s highest good.
2. Never underestimate your abilities, never stop trying. A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.
3. Worrying about something you have no control over doesn’t do anybody any good. This is certainly a hard one. I have to remind myself of this often.

You’ve seen a lot of significant events and changes over the course of your life. What wisdom can you share from your observations and experiences of the world in your lifetime so far?

There have been a lot of significant events and changes in my lifetime. Morality has certainly been a big one.  Also lack of concern for others, especially when it comes to service, integrity, and respect.   My husband and I had our own pharmacy for 40 years. Our motto was, “Never Closed to the Sick.” Many after hour calls getting medicine for sick people. The world of business has certainly changed, but service should still be number one. A desire to help people. I see such a lack of personal concern. Returning phone calls, going the “Extra Mile.” Really caring.

What obstacles and disappointments have you faced that you were able to put into perspective, turn into a positive, and/or contribute to in a way that made things better? What did you learn from these experiences that you can share with those who did not have those same experiences?

Probably the biggest obstacle I have faced in my life is the loss of my husband almost three years ago. We had a wonderful marriage for 53 years. We did everything together. We met in school, had our own business together, shared all of life. After his death, I had a choice to make. Have a pity party or reinvent parts of my life. I have tried to stay busy, doing mostly volunteer work. It is amazing how a plate of cookies, a card, smile, encouraging words can lift someone’s spirits and yours, too. Thinking of others instead of yourself is good medicine.

The Bible is my handbook for life.