A life changed by a Grossism

DEAR HARRY: Some time ago, I read one of your columns that had "Grossisms" in it. Some of them were great mini-lessons on rules of life. The one that got to me the most was, "Don't rust out, wear out." I retired from my job as a state employee and spent my first year just loafing around. I had very few bouts with illness in my earlier life, but I really got sick a number of times in that year. Until your words snapped back into my mind and changed things. It's now seven years since then, and I'm doing just great. I work at the airport as a volunteer with United Services Organizations, I help Habitat for Humanity, I work with Philabundance and I do many small things for my church. I have not been ill (except for an injured leg) since then. I have more friends than ever. Are there any more "Grossisms" that can be so life-changing?

WHAT HARRY SAYS: Thanks for the kind words. Over the many years that I have written this column, I have learned a great deal from our readers, either directly or by the research that an answer requires. The Grossisms were started by one of my students who picked out what he liked best. Many of them are original, but many are picked up or modified from other sources. I have some favorites and the one you like is one of them. Here are a couple more: "Every man is my superior in some way, but I am his in another." "He who laughs lasts."