I met Robert and his wife, Connie, sitting at my local coffee house.

At 88 and 86, respectively, they exuded happiness.

So I introduced myself and we started chatting.

Here’s what Sully had to say:

When you get up in the morning, you “gotta be happy.” He still works, at 88 (an engineer!).
He meets people at work, and says that some are grouchy while others aren’t. You can’t always change that about them. Some will be always grumpy, period.

But he gives them this advice:

“Deal with whatever it is that bothers you first thing in the morning. And then start your day!”

This “loosens up” the grumpies. Or so Sully hopes.

Here’s another insightful pearl he shared with me:

If you had a car that was 88, it wouldn’t be running today. So look at your body and appreciate it. But also understand that everyone, at that age, has aches and pains. So deal with them because you made it to your age!

Other pearls from Sully:

“To many people worry about when they’re gonna die. When you die, you die. Do the best that you can every day. And take it day by day.”

“If you want to see unhappy people, look at those who don’t do anything. Keep your mind going.” It’s why he keeps working.

“People want to feel wanted. But to feel wanted, you have to give. To do something for others.”

Thank you, Sully.

You and your wife brightened up my morning. And now, I’m pretty sure you’ll be brightening up others’ too!