“Women’s Edict Inspires Many” – Ann Landers

Sept. 3, 1988

Dear Ann Landers: In a few months Elodie Armstrong will be 90 years old. Forty years ago she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Soon after, she wrote her personal commandments. Our local paper printed them on two occasions, and we are in the third printing for friends and acquaintances who would like a copy.

Elodie is a special lady, full of fun, spirituality, and faith. She is an inspiration to all who know her. I would like to share her personal commandments with you in the hope that you will print them
– Marge Wisner (her daughter), Longview, Wash.

My Ten Commandments

Thou shalt not worry, for worry is the most unproductive of all human activities.

Thou shalt not be fearful, for most of the things we fear never come to pass.

Thou shalt not cross bridges before you get to them, for no one has succeeded by accomplishing this.

Thou shalt face each problem as it comes. You can handle only one at a time anyhow.

Thou shalt not take problems to bed with you for they make very poor bedfellows.

Thou shalt not borrow other peoples problems. They can take better care of them than you can.

Thou shalt not try to relive yesterday for good or ill – it is gone. Concentrate on what is happening in your life today.

Thou shalt count thy blessings, never overlooking the small ones, for a lot of small blessings add up to a big one.

Thou shalt be a good listener, for only when you listen do you hear ideas different from your own. It’s very hard to learn something when you’re talking.

Thou shalt not become bogged down by frustration, for 90% of it is rooted in self-pity and it will only interfere with positive action.

– Elodie Armstrong

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Dear Elodie Armstrong: What a splendid philosophy! Your positive approach has kept you young at 90. You are a terrific role model for the world’s pessimists. They would do well to imitate your can-do spirit. Full speed ahead, dear lady! – Ann Landers