I have so much to be grateful for! I have a sweetheart who loves me, good friends nearby, family I love, good health, new things in my life to keep me thinking and growing, satisfying work I believe in, the financial ability to indulge in things like a nice dinner out or a vacation, and savings for retirement, whenever that comes. I have to keep working for some time to come and that’s okay, although I’m starting to look forward more and more to having days that aren’t so full of meetings.
In this season of my life my children and stepchildren are young adults in their 20s and early 30s. They’re launched and are on their life paths. I have much more frequent and closer connection with them than my mom did when I was their age and I appreciate that so much. I loved and admired my mom, but that was one thing I wanted to change in my own parenting and I succeeded. I love having conversations with these smart, kind young people living very different lives.
Five years ago we moved into a home and town we expect to stay in for the rest of our lives. I recognize that the end years might not be such that we continue to live independently but we’re doing all we can to set ourselves up for health and the ability to get around without driving when we age out of that. My parents didn’t plan for that and I learned the hard way how important it was. I’ve been multimodal for years and am more a nondriver than a driver already.
While nothing is guaranteed, I’m past the early phase of my adult life when I divorced, handled financial insecurity, and managed many layers of stress simultaneously. This included needing to encourage my parents to move into assisted living for the sake of my mom’s accelerating dementia. I had many years of visits while her memories and eventually her ability to use or understand speech packed up and left town. I’m no longer the filling in the sandwich generation being squished, and I’m not yet a piece of bread in the sandwich that one of our kids has to worry about taking care of.
I appreciated different things about the earlier seasons of my life. I don’t dwell on the things that have changed, like what my body can do. That’s another thing about the current season I really appreciate–I’m far less prone to beating myself up for things I can’t do or be. I’m more able to recognize the limits of my personal span of control and let go of the things I can’t change. I carry a lot less when I choose to set things down!
My job has become way less stressful because I have finally learned my annual Goal. For quite a while all I thought of was retiring because I felt like I would NEVER learn it. I don’t know how long I will work, if I will retire at 67. Hoping to hear more soon about my daughter’s ss disability claim.
There is currently lots of peace in my mind because both my adult children are doing well and in pretty good spirits. My daughter is taking the train up to St Augustine to spend time with her son. He lives with his other grandparents and I can hardly believe he will start High School in 2 weeks.
I am enjoying time out on the sailboat and hoping to stay overnights more to experience beautiful sunsets and early peaceful mornings out on Narragansett Bay.
I have found 2 new summer concert music spots and think I have found my new church last Sunday.
In a couple of weeks I will be going to spend time with my HS girlfriends to catchup on life.
Good for you! My co-worker wants to retire at 65, she is 63. Her husband is 2 yrs older. Since I am supporting my daughter right now for her rent I can’t even consider it. 67 is now the normal retirement age for my age group.
I will take my cue from Joseph,
and borrow his description of the current season in his life,
for that is where I sit today.
A week before I turned 50
a copy of AARP
was waiting for me in my mailbox,
and when my father called to wish me a happy birthday
he made a lot of my day,
and took unholy glee in reminding me that I was now a half century old.
“All in good fun,” he said,
but I know he’d been saving that up for years to toss at me . . .
all in good fun. 🙂
I never told him this,
but it did give me pause,
that time was slipping through my fingers,
and now,
years later,
I see it all coming to pass.
That is why I treasure every day.
Very gradually,
small injuries that I used to bind up myself
became trips to the doctor’s office,
and once,
to the emergency room.
My body was not serving me as well as I thought it should,
and I felt betrayed.
Things I had blown off in my younger years
demanded attention.
So here I am.
My own “season of diminishment”
(thanks again,
dear Joseph)
has given me humility as well . . .
although I have seen old age encroach on many people in my life
I didn’t really begin to understand it
until I noticed it’s not as easy to get up from a sitting position on the floor
as it used to be.
But the Practice of Gratefulness
has saved my life
once again and I feel blessed in one way or another
every day . . .
my ego is much quieter and smaller than it was when I was young and beautiful.
Movie and product makers
are no longer seeking to target me with their fine wares . . .
my grandmother’s old cast iron skillets work just fine for me.
I have been freed as well,
from incessant wanting . . .
I’m fine with what I have
and use the resources I already have to make improvements.
I am in reasonably good health
and am blessed to be able to be a good steward to my body,
respecting it more
than I did when I was young . . .
I took so much for granted back then.
I’ve had my hard knocks
and have grown more compassionate and wise,
perhaps the most valuable blessing of all.
The Universe has given me endless opportunities
to hone my soul in the fire
and to feel the connection
between me and my Source,
a well that never runs dry. ♥
Thank you for writing this post, Sparrow. I was interested in reading what you had to say about getting older.
If not for my knees and lower back that sometimes ache, and if not for the lines in my face, I wouldn’t believe that I was getting older. That happens to other people. I somehow never thought it would really happen to me. But I am starting to realize how precious each day is. I forget, but I’m remembering more often to be grateful for each day, and for moments throughout the day. Thank you again, dear Sparrow, for your thoughts on aging, and the ways we get smarter and better.
Your post today means a lot to me. ♥️
At the age of 83, I’m still around, I’m still learning, I do not have any serious ailments, My children are in my life, My grandchildren are happily married and one has a son and the other has a daughter. My friends are blessings to me and the blessing of music. I find so much joy in listening to music. There are things that I miss. I can no longer sing and perform on the stage but I have such wonderful memories of doing both. Pictures are blessings in my life. They stir precious memories.Today’s the day and it is a blessing.
I like to say that, I am every age I have ever been.
Different versions of me, layer upon layer. This current layer comes with a bit more understanding and appreciation for what I have been through.
Also, a willingness to share and a desire to be honest.
I love what you said, Charlie, about being every age you have ever been!
That feels so true. That 19 year old is still a part of me,
as is all that I have experienced and all that I have learned.
Great insight, Charlie!
Like Drea mentioned already, this season of my life forces me to face many, hopefully all difficult emotions which are not yet integrated or having not yet been released and let go of. A difficult time where I am grateful that in this season of my life, there is some space available to sincerely ponder the related difficulties and having the chance to do my best to transform these unhealthy emotions, even if it might sometimes seem to be almost unbearable. To clear the space, to become aware of my essence, to not lose faith and follow my heart no matter what means to be moving towards integrity, which is a wonderful thing to have the opportunity to unfold into. Still being able to work is a gift and whatever is meant to be, if reconciliation and working together will be, as this being my heart´s deepest longing, I humbly may leave to His hands. May all blessings be with you all.
The blessings of this current season of my life are good health and time.
I have the time to create my life and do the things I prioritize.
My health is good as is my husband’s health.
And as we have spoken of before, the time is now.
The power is in the now.
This is a profound and ruthless season of my life. It forces me to take a hard look at where I’ve come from and who I am, and face my deepest fears. It asks: “What are you here for?” Pares me down to the essence. I think such seasons are inevitable and help one to live fully.
You are going through so much, dear Drea,
and facing and working through some very hard questions.
I hold you in my heart, as you continue through this grueling season.
Sending my love, dear Drea, and a virtual hug. 🥰
So wise to perceive the opportunity in this difficult time to face what needs to be faced. To get to know your essence is really a gift and to ask “what are you here for?” an essential question we all should ask ourselves. Thank you for your inspiring me do so, too!. Wishing you to rise like a Phoenix from the ashes from this difficult time and find joy, happiness and Peace. All blessings be with you, dear Drea.
I am blessed to be a dad. I am grateful for my sons and daughters . They bring me hope and challenges, which give me life. Most of my life has been about being a good dad and a good teacher. I am blessed to have a family.
In this season of my life, I’ve been struggling career wise and with my faith. I have spent majority of my time being frustrated with myself for not finding a career, bouncing from job to job. I also felt like I have lost my faith, feeling very disconnected from my practices that have helped in the past . When I was telling this to a good friend of mine, she said let these experiences be an experiment, see what you like and don’t like, what sticks and what doesn’t stick. I like this approach because i don’t get so caught up in thinking “this job HAS to be the one I’ll stay in” or “this faith practice HAS to be the one that works all the time” It’s a blessing to be more fluid, less rigid. As I’m writing this, I realize that I’m wanting stability and I haven’t found in those aspects of my life, causing me to feel all over the place. But I am fortune to have stability in other ways such as in my relationships and in my community. And for that, I am grateful.
Also, my brother is finally having his surgery today for his hand. He’s struggled with addiction for half his life, but is slowly making changes. He used to stay distant from me and our family but he has been more present recently, it’s been really nice to have my big brother around. I would greatly appreciate if y’all could send healing thoughts & prayers his way 💛🧡🙏🏽
Also, it IS a blessing to be more fluid, less rigid… be gentle with yourself and the path you’ve been on. I’ve had a few different “careers” in my time and just now – at 52 – feel like I’m finally doing what I was meant to do!
Healthy thoughts and energy to your brother, Jenifer. I was never frustrated about a career, wondered a bit about what I was doing in any particular ag job at the time, but it has become a lifestyle for awhile now. I am grateful for never having a game plan. I like where I live.
My healing prayers are with your brother, dear Jenifer. May he heal from his surgery today as well as from his addiction. May the good winds of faith and fortune be supporting him and may you both reconcile in heart and soul. All my best wishes are withw you both. May faith be with you and His Love to find out clearly what your values are and where you belong. Grateful for your being here, dear friend.
I will surely hold your brother in my heart,
dear Jenifer . . .
he is very brave,
in turning his life around.
I hold you too,
in my heart
as you struggle to find your footing . . .
be patient,
and don’t engage in self-judgement. ♥
I’m blessed at my young age to still be surrounded by my parents. We’ve had our parents since the beginning, but not forever… I’m grateful, I’m blessed! ♥
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I have so much to be grateful for! I have a sweetheart who loves me, good friends nearby, family I love, good health, new things in my life to keep me thinking and growing, satisfying work I believe in, the financial ability to indulge in things like a nice dinner out or a vacation, and savings for retirement, whenever that comes. I have to keep working for some time to come and that’s okay, although I’m starting to look forward more and more to having days that aren’t so full of meetings.
In this season of my life my children and stepchildren are young adults in their 20s and early 30s. They’re launched and are on their life paths. I have much more frequent and closer connection with them than my mom did when I was their age and I appreciate that so much. I loved and admired my mom, but that was one thing I wanted to change in my own parenting and I succeeded. I love having conversations with these smart, kind young people living very different lives.
Five years ago we moved into a home and town we expect to stay in for the rest of our lives. I recognize that the end years might not be such that we continue to live independently but we’re doing all we can to set ourselves up for health and the ability to get around without driving when we age out of that. My parents didn’t plan for that and I learned the hard way how important it was. I’ve been multimodal for years and am more a nondriver than a driver already.
While nothing is guaranteed, I’m past the early phase of my adult life when I divorced, handled financial insecurity, and managed many layers of stress simultaneously. This included needing to encourage my parents to move into assisted living for the sake of my mom’s accelerating dementia. I had many years of visits while her memories and eventually her ability to use or understand speech packed up and left town. I’m no longer the filling in the sandwich generation being squished, and I’m not yet a piece of bread in the sandwich that one of our kids has to worry about taking care of.
I appreciated different things about the earlier seasons of my life. I don’t dwell on the things that have changed, like what my body can do. That’s another thing about the current season I really appreciate–I’m far less prone to beating myself up for things I can’t do or be. I’m more able to recognize the limits of my personal span of control and let go of the things I can’t change. I carry a lot less when I choose to set things down!
What a loving perspective of your life,
dear Barb . . .
I can feel your contentment. ♥
same
Tooo many to list🥰
My job has become way less stressful because I have finally learned my annual Goal. For quite a while all I thought of was retiring because I felt like I would NEVER learn it. I don’t know how long I will work, if I will retire at 67. Hoping to hear more soon about my daughter’s ss disability claim.
There is currently lots of peace in my mind because both my adult children are doing well and in pretty good spirits. My daughter is taking the train up to St Augustine to spend time with her son. He lives with his other grandparents and I can hardly believe he will start High School in 2 weeks.
I am enjoying time out on the sailboat and hoping to stay overnights more to experience beautiful sunsets and early peaceful mornings out on Narragansett Bay.
I have found 2 new summer concert music spots and think I have found my new church last Sunday.
In a couple of weeks I will be going to spend time with my HS girlfriends to catchup on life.
I am 56 and think about retirement all the time – I want to at 62, but probably will have to work to 65, forget 67, LOL
Good for you! My co-worker wants to retire at 65, she is 63. Her husband is 2 yrs older. Since I am supporting my daughter right now for her rent I can’t even consider it. 67 is now the normal retirement age for my age group.
It sounds like you are doing really well, Robin Ann!
🌷🌷🌷
I will take my cue from Joseph,
and borrow his description of the current season in his life,
for that is where I sit today.
A week before I turned 50
a copy of AARP
was waiting for me in my mailbox,
and when my father called to wish me a happy birthday
he made a lot of my day,
and took unholy glee in reminding me that I was now a half century old.
“All in good fun,” he said,
but I know he’d been saving that up for years to toss at me . . .
all in good fun. 🙂
I never told him this,
but it did give me pause,
that time was slipping through my fingers,
and now,
years later,
I see it all coming to pass.
That is why I treasure every day.
Very gradually,
small injuries that I used to bind up myself
became trips to the doctor’s office,
and once,
to the emergency room.
My body was not serving me as well as I thought it should,
and I felt betrayed.
Things I had blown off in my younger years
demanded attention.
So here I am.
My own “season of diminishment”
(thanks again,
dear Joseph)
has given me humility as well . . .
although I have seen old age encroach on many people in my life
I didn’t really begin to understand it
until I noticed it’s not as easy to get up from a sitting position on the floor
as it used to be.
But the Practice of Gratefulness
has saved my life
once again and I feel blessed in one way or another
every day . . .
my ego is much quieter and smaller than it was when I was young and beautiful.
Movie and product makers
are no longer seeking to target me with their fine wares . . .
my grandmother’s old cast iron skillets work just fine for me.
I have been freed as well,
from incessant wanting . . .
I’m fine with what I have
and use the resources I already have to make improvements.
I am in reasonably good health
and am blessed to be able to be a good steward to my body,
respecting it more
than I did when I was young . . .
I took so much for granted back then.
I’ve had my hard knocks
and have grown more compassionate and wise,
perhaps the most valuable blessing of all.
The Universe has given me endless opportunities
to hone my soul in the fire
and to feel the connection
between me and my Source,
a well that never runs dry. ♥
Beautiful, Sparrow. Yes to all of this.
. . . and there is more to come,
dear Barb,
isn’t there? 🙂
Thank you for writing this post, Sparrow. I was interested in reading what you had to say about getting older.
If not for my knees and lower back that sometimes ache, and if not for the lines in my face, I wouldn’t believe that I was getting older. That happens to other people. I somehow never thought it would really happen to me. But I am starting to realize how precious each day is. I forget, but I’m remembering more often to be grateful for each day, and for moments throughout the day. Thank you again, dear Sparrow, for your thoughts on aging, and the ways we get smarter and better.
Your post today means a lot to me. ♥️
I have a lot of respect for aging,
dear Mary,
and am so grateful
that my post meant something to you too. ♥
At the age of 83, I’m still around, I’m still learning, I do not have any serious ailments, My children are in my life, My grandchildren are happily married and one has a son and the other has a daughter. My friends are blessings to me and the blessing of music. I find so much joy in listening to music. There are things that I miss. I can no longer sing and perform on the stage but I have such wonderful memories of doing both. Pictures are blessings in my life. They stir precious memories.Today’s the day and it is a blessing.
Namaste,
dear Carol Ann . . .
♥️♥️♥️
Summers off, time with my kids, and quiet morning coffee with my husband and fur baby.
I like to say that, I am every age I have ever been.
Different versions of me, layer upon layer. This current layer comes with a bit more understanding and appreciation for what I have been through.
Also, a willingness to share and a desire to be honest.
I often say the same thing, Charlie. My younger selves are all right there inside.
I love what you said, Charlie, about being every age you have ever been!
That feels so true. That 19 year old is still a part of me,
as is all that I have experienced and all that I have learned.
Great insight, Charlie!
Just like the layers of a sedimentary rock for me Charlie!😊
Charlie, integrity and the desire to be honest go together. The unwillingness to share will lead to string pulling.
Like Drea mentioned already, this season of my life forces me to face many, hopefully all difficult emotions which are not yet integrated or having not yet been released and let go of. A difficult time where I am grateful that in this season of my life, there is some space available to sincerely ponder the related difficulties and having the chance to do my best to transform these unhealthy emotions, even if it might sometimes seem to be almost unbearable. To clear the space, to become aware of my essence, to not lose faith and follow my heart no matter what means to be moving towards integrity, which is a wonderful thing to have the opportunity to unfold into. Still being able to work is a gift and whatever is meant to be, if reconciliation and working together will be, as this being my heart´s deepest longing, I humbly may leave to His hands. May all blessings be with you all.
“To become aware of my essence”🙏
The blessings of this current season of my life are good health and time.
I have the time to create my life and do the things I prioritize.
My health is good as is my husband’s health.
And as we have spoken of before, the time is now.
The power is in the now.
The older we get,
the more we realize
that good health is a real blessing! ♥
“The power is in the now.”
Yes, it is – thank you, Mary!
And good health is a blessing, indeed.
This is a profound and ruthless season of my life. It forces me to take a hard look at where I’ve come from and who I am, and face my deepest fears. It asks: “What are you here for?” Pares me down to the essence. I think such seasons are inevitable and help one to live fully.
You are going through so much, dear Drea,
and facing and working through some very hard questions.
I hold you in my heart, as you continue through this grueling season.
Sending my love, dear Drea, and a virtual hug. 🥰
Thank you Mary.
“. . . profound and ruthless . . . ”
I have known those seasons and most surely will be visited by them again. Thank you Drea.
I wish we could go without the profound and ruthless ones, but they are … seasonal. Best to accept them.
I feel the same,
dear Drea . . . ♥
Wishing you strength and courage and some respite, Sparrow.
♥️
So wise to perceive the opportunity in this difficult time to face what needs to be faced. To get to know your essence is really a gift and to ask “what are you here for?” an essential question we all should ask ourselves. Thank you for your inspiring me do so, too!. Wishing you to rise like a Phoenix from the ashes from this difficult time and find joy, happiness and Peace. All blessings be with you, dear Drea.
Thank you dear Ose, wishing you many blessings on your journey as well.
Beautiful response, Ose.
I am blessed to be a dad. I am grateful for my sons and daughters . They bring me hope and challenges, which give me life. Most of my life has been about being a good dad and a good teacher. I am blessed to have a family.
You are indeed blessed,
dear David . . . ♥
A myriad of experiences to propel me into the next season.
In this season of my life, I’ve been struggling career wise and with my faith. I have spent majority of my time being frustrated with myself for not finding a career, bouncing from job to job. I also felt like I have lost my faith, feeling very disconnected from my practices that have helped in the past . When I was telling this to a good friend of mine, she said let these experiences be an experiment, see what you like and don’t like, what sticks and what doesn’t stick. I like this approach because i don’t get so caught up in thinking “this job HAS to be the one I’ll stay in” or “this faith practice HAS to be the one that works all the time” It’s a blessing to be more fluid, less rigid. As I’m writing this, I realize that I’m wanting stability and I haven’t found in those aspects of my life, causing me to feel all over the place. But I am fortune to have stability in other ways such as in my relationships and in my community. And for that, I am grateful.
Also, my brother is finally having his surgery today for his hand. He’s struggled with addiction for half his life, but is slowly making changes. He used to stay distant from me and our family but he has been more present recently, it’s been really nice to have my big brother around. I would greatly appreciate if y’all could send healing thoughts & prayers his way 💛🧡🙏🏽
Healing thoughts and prayers for your brother Jenifer.
Sending positive energy your way too.
Sending healing energy for your brother.
Also, it IS a blessing to be more fluid, less rigid… be gentle with yourself and the path you’ve been on. I’ve had a few different “careers” in my time and just now – at 52 – feel like I’m finally doing what I was meant to do!
Sending healing thoughts and prayers to your brother, dear Jenifer.
And sending peaceful thoughts to you.
Healthy thoughts and energy to your brother, Jenifer. I was never frustrated about a career, wondered a bit about what I was doing in any particular ag job at the time, but it has become a lifestyle for awhile now. I am grateful for never having a game plan. I like where I live.
Sending prayers and healing thoughts for your big brother and so nice that he is reconnecting with family
Will do
My healing prayers are with your brother, dear Jenifer. May he heal from his surgery today as well as from his addiction. May the good winds of faith and fortune be supporting him and may you both reconcile in heart and soul. All my best wishes are withw you both. May faith be with you and His Love to find out clearly what your values are and where you belong. Grateful for your being here, dear friend.
Sending thoughts and prayers to your brother. As Sparrow said, he is very brave, and I wish him ongoing recovery and healing.
I will surely hold your brother in my heart,
dear Jenifer . . .
he is very brave,
in turning his life around.
I hold you too,
in my heart
as you struggle to find your footing . . .
be patient,
and don’t engage in self-judgement. ♥
I’m blessed at my young age to still be surrounded by my parents. We’ve had our parents since the beginning, but not forever… I’m grateful, I’m blessed! ♥
Enjoy your parents, Ngoc. Things change and you are right in cherishing them.
My Ngoc, I’m glad we still have our parents around. Enjoy it while it lasts. It’s a huge luxury. No one can love and protect us better than them.
I’m currently in the fall season of my life. It’s the season of letting go. The biggest blessing I’m grateful for is simplicity.
Simplicity is wonderful, Loc.
Thank you for the reminder.
No problem, Mary.