Last week Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was laid to rest, having died at the age of 96. I have been reflecting on the lessons she taught in living her long and extraordinarily busy and successful life.
Her activity levels were extraordinary… !!!
Physical activity …
… like hiking in the Scottish hills, doing public walkabouts, standing for hours at ceremonial events.
Having fun…
… making movies with James Bond and Paddington Bear, dancing and going to the races.
Working hard
She appointed a new Prime Minister two days before her death.
Human interaction
We know strong relationships and social interaction are key parts of long happy lives. To me it seemed a turning point was the death of her husband, during Covid (not because of it) which must have affected her, along with so many others who lost access to critical people in their lives over this period.
Doing good…
Research tells us that doing things for others increases your own feelings of wellbeing. For The Queen, her Christian faith underpinned her duty and service to the nation, while also providing times for prayer and reflection. For others this might come through charity work and through mindfulness or meditation.
Prince Philip
Her equally hard working husband Prince Philip died in his 100th year, aged 99.
What do we take away from all this…?
So many lessons which I have taken to heart, and experience the benefit of them in my own life. Be not fearful of LIVING.
Get out there and be FULL of LIFE to the very end…
2 responses to “What did The Queen teach me?”
I was at a garden party at Buckingham palace about 40 years ago We were all standing by the lake awaiting the approaching Queen and the lady standing alongside me fainted I managed to catch her before she was flat on the floor and carried her the 100 yds across the lawns to the st johns tent were I was relieved from loosening her clothing by a nurse . After returning to the line the queen had passed by and my chance of honour had missed . The crowds broke up in informal chatter ,the queen and royal party returning headed for me thanking me for my gallant helping of the lady overcome with a little emotion and probably Balmoral whiskey!!!!!
Love this !!