I am thinking about setting a new physical achievement goal. Aging shifts our perception of time; instead of focusing on what’s “running out,” focus on the richness of the present by daily reflections. Focus on cycles instead of linearity to see aging as a deepening, not an ending. Try to reframe aging as a mastery stage. I wrote a few journal questions to explore: What do I know now that I didn’t in my 20s or 30s? How can I use my experience to guide, create, or contribute in ways I couldn’t before? Try to see aging as an invitation to expand who I am. A few journal questions to explore: What aspects of myself haven’t been fully explored yet? Is there a part of me that has been dormant and waiting for this stage? There must still be a rebel in me because I want to challenge stereotypes of aging by doing what I want, not what is expected. I also want to honor aging through embodiment and honor my body instead of resisting the effects of aging. I want to embrace the unfinished because I am a work in progress, and that is beautiful.
Once, I went on a trip to Uganda, and because of my schedule, I had to meet my friends there. I traveled to the country by myself, and then once in the country, it took two days to get to the city where they were located. Traveling by myself was liberating. It happened again when I traveled to Nepal, where I spent four days alone in Hong Kong. It has been many years since I did this, and I want to do it again. I want to be intentional and create an annual solo getaway to reflect, explore, and realign.
I might honor growing older in a new way by being grateful for all the spectrum of life experiences and be able to practice self compassion, love, and empathy every moment and to share my wisdom experiences to all beings when necessary but to also be open to accept wisdom experiences from all beings.
A moment of self-compassion can change your entire day. A string of such moments can change the course of your life. Christopher K.
I am really working on staying present – using all my senses in a given moment and appreciating their ability. I can honor growing older by giving myself grace when those senses start to become less sharp. I can give myself grace when I have to walk more than run.
I am turning 65 in May! It’s only a number! Two of my lifetime friends and I will plan a FUN mini Gals only trip to celebrate!
I also do believe that each of us still needs to find a new or continued purpose. My guy friend did reading for the blind for many years after retiring but then they downsized and no longer needed volunteers. Now he signs up for 1 week missions to volunteer for disaster response in the country. Today he told me he was selected as supervisor of one of the groups for sawing of trees. He loves the work and it is all volunteer. The organization flies the volunteers to the location and meals and lodging are provided. He will be s 73 in June.
Robin Ann, your post reminded me of spending time with my Mom the last few years of her life. In her 90’s, having grown a bit dépendant on others for staying in her home healthfully, she would occasionally say to me, “what is my purpose now?”. My reply was always, “That’s a good question, Mom. What do you think your purpose is now?” She always came up with something that she was capable of doing at that point in time. A teacher ‘til the end. She was something special.🩷
I have just heard from my ex-husband
that his sister is wasting away,
and will most likely be gone in a few months.
She is about 80 years old,
and apparently
started slowing down several years ago,
losing interest in activities of the world,
and eventually stopped doing anything at all.
Her life is now confined to her bed,
unless someone gets her up . . .
friends have stopped coming to visit,
and she has no interest in seeing anyone either.
One of her daughters
needs to be with her 24 hours a day.
The ‘joys’ in her life now
are smoking, drinking and television . . .
that’s all.
Ironically,
this news came with today’s Question,
and shook me out of a semi-stupor of denial.
She’s just checking out,
and it makes me very angry.
It’s also breaking my heart.
Does she not realize what a gift her life has been?
It is with this horrible news whirling about in my head
that I approach the question . . .
I think that part of is that this tragedy
might have been where I could have gone a few years ago
when I suddenly lost my independence for a time.
It also reminds me
that I don’t want to go back to that dark place.
I have a new appreciation of my life,
and am refreshing a vow I made
to hold in high regard
my battle scars and wrinkles,
and wear my long, white hair as a badge of honor . . .
I have weathered many storms,
and have the strength to weather many more . . .
there is still enough life in me
to make the rest of my time here
worthwhile.
I will summon up the courage
to be worthy of every breath I am given,
and to let go with love
only when it is time.
Hi Sparrow. After rereading the part of your comment
about your ex sister in law,
I would like to speak to her situation as I see it.
Dear Sparrow, I don’t think ex sister in law is just checking out,
and I don’t think she is just being ungrateful.
I believe she is suffering from major depression
and is self medicating with alcohol and cigarettes in an effort to dull her pain.
Sometimes medication can bring the person back, but not always.
I know, from dealing with serious mental illness in my parents
and in both my sisters, that depression is no more a matter of choice
than is cancer or heart disease.
It just is, and it is a tragedy for the one who is ill, as it is for the entire family.
Having dealt with mental illness in my own family
I wanted to share with you what I have learned.
With love♥️
Thank you,
dear Mary,
for your kind and thoughtful response.
Yes,
the possibility of depression,
and is probably what is going on,
and has been for some years now,
but she does not want to be treated.
Like you,
I see depression as a serious mental illness,
but she stridently has refused help.
At this point,
I have no idea what could change her mind.
She is not suffering from dementia
as far as I know.
My heart breaks for her
as I have fond memories of how she used to be,
but she has no desire to connect with those days.
Thanks again,
for your loving words. ♥
“I have a new appreciation of my life,
and am refreshing a vow I made
to hold in high regard
my battle scars and wrinkles,
and wear my long white hair as a badge of honor”
What you have written, Sparrow, feels so encouraging and inspiring to me.
After struggling quite a bit with this question, your words are just what I needed to hear.
Thank you so much!
I see you with your long white hair, so beautiful, and I am grateful for you.
Mary
“I will summon up the courage to be worthy of every breath I am given,” sounds like something I decided to do 3 years ago when I began my discovery of life sans booze, dear Sparrow. Thank you for wording it so memorably.
Youth is celebrated in the US and aging is not.
I unfortunately have bought into much of this.
At the same time, I appreciate that living life,
with its highs and lows has made me wiser, more compassionate
with others, and more self compassionate.
I could honor growing older in a new way, by thinking about growing older in a new way.
Having retired, I have more time to devote to the things that interest me
and the things that I care about.
Because of this I am more free than I have ever been.
I can continue to free myself by trying new things and doing what I value
or I can be my own jailer and piddle my life away.
It’s up to me.
This question has really made me think.
I very much look forward to reading
what all of you, my friends, have written.
Mary, you just spoke to my heart. The US is a country of pleasure. Youth are favored. It’s how businesses thrive with more extremes or the rich getting richer.
I find that over the years that cultivating my own individuality has greatly benefitted me more than merging along with others. I experience true freedom, think for myself, more purposeful, and feel closer to my family.
It’s much easier for me to adapt to my environment. Going with trends brings fatigue. Like I’ve consistently have mentioned before, I embrace change with a purpose instead of just for the sake of it. I firmly believe that the former feels more authentic and will increase our efficiency. Simply put, anything that’s real is more sustainable.
“A moment of self-compassion can change your entire day. A string of such moments can change the course of your life.”Christopher K. Germer
Today’s quote answers today’s question of how I might honor growing older in a new way. No one has been harder on me than ME. I am going to shoot for a moment of self-compassion each day. My self talk over the years demanded perfection of me which we all know is impossible to attain. So, I lived with maximum tension and deep fear and constantly sought validation. Thankfully, I no longer do that but I still cope with a self bully more than I would like to admit. I will be 83 in June and am probably still here because Life has decided I still have much to learn. I’d like to believe I’m teachable! What I do know is every moment should be savored and every situation accepted as an opportunity. Gratefulness helps me to do my best at that without constantly judging myself. There are so many things, so much growth in self awareness, that I have had to accept. But I do realize that at the time in my life they occurred, I gave it my best shot. I’ve been told that the word “sin” is an archery term that means “to miss the mark.” I’ve missed the mark a lot but thankfully I’ve learned from it. Sometimes, I had to go around the mountain more than once to get the lesson but that’s okay, too. I’m in the Winter of my life but the seed beneath the snow burst a long time ago. As long as I am gifted with the breath of life, my wish is to grow, to care for and share the One Life we all are. As Charlie T often says, “There is no other.” May our species learn to empower Life not control and suppress it. Theophane the Monk says it best!
Myself from “Tales of a Magic Monastery” by Theophane the Monk page 18
I sat there in awe as the old monk answered our questions. Though I am usually shy, I felt so comfortable in his presence that I found myself raising my hand. “Father could you tell us something about yourself?”
He leaned back. “Myself” he mused. There was a long pause.
“My name…
used to be…
Me.
But now…
it’s You.”
I identify strongly with what you wrote
about yourself from your past, Carol.
I still want to be perfect,
I’m fearful, and I seek validation from others.
Thank you for writing about your struggle with these things.
It helps me to know others, especially those I admire,
also have these struggles.
And thanks so much for the story from Tales of a Magic Monastery.
I love you, too, Avril, and feel so blessed that our paths have cross thanks to this wonderful site called Grateful Living and the profound wisdom and dedication of its staff and those of us who are privileged to gather here.
Hmmm 🤔
I’m not sure how to answer this one. Maybe that says something in and of itself.
As I age, I would like to stay in touch with my playful and goofy side and not get hardened.
At the same time, I would like to be progressing and moving forward and continuing to learn.
I remember hearing once that getting older is a privilege, many don’t get the chance to do so. That saying has greatly shifted my perspective on what it means to become older. Instead of yearning for the past, I bring myself to the present moment by reminding myself younger Jenifer was so incredibly lost and depressed and scared and hopeless, and although I still that way sometimes, I recognized I have changed so much and how different in terms of being able to navigate these heavy emotions without them consuming like they once did. And for that, i am grateful. 💗
Growing older skillfully seems to demand the shedding of everything that doesn’t work. What remains active is a more authentic, alive version of you. I’ve witnessed loved ones embracing aging in this way, and emerge as elders whose council I seek. I’ve also seen loved ones fight the aging process and fight change, and end up walled in by their own defenses.
The new way I’ll honor growing old is by openly delighting in things that delight me, no matter whether such expressions are sanctioned or not. I see that as one of the freedoms of growing old–not caring what people think.
thank you, Drea – I’m with you on this: ‘shedding of what doesn’t work’. Sometimes, I think growing older skillfully means paying attention to, and then putting in to practice, the advice you would give a small child if you were trying to help them figure out how to have a better day. Aging, if we are fortunate, seems to give us the opportunity to learn our own needed lessons, and then, when blessed, have the amazing gift of being with other people who can benefit from our learning them.
thank you, Community. One of my immediate, more ” temporal” needed lessons is “be early for commitments” (ie, “don’t be late!”… ) so gotta scoot, but I wanted to check in here and I am happy ..and grateful!… that I got to! thank you, Community.
Carol Ann, I love this: “paying attention to, and then putting in to practice, the advice you would give a small child if you were trying to help them figure out how to have a better day.” It’s so simple but effective–and true! Thank you.
I want to age with grace for sure, and also with some fire! I am not exactly sure what that means, but I feel it in my heart and soul! It’s not a “have-to” or “should”, it just is. Perhaps it is passion, perhaps it is energy that when directed, it is satisfying, perhaps makes a difference for myself and others, growth provoking. Peace to all.
I have embraced growing older, as there’s only one other option! I am in good health and am grateful for my practices that help me stay healthy – mind, body & soul. Sometimes I fall into a negative thought regarding where I’m at age-wise, but I’m pretty good at pulling myself back up and my husband will always take the reins if I’m having any trouble. I just try to stay in the now and will make a better effort to not judge any wrinkles I have or any new gray hair that pops up. Those things are just part of the process.
The picture for the Word of the Day is fantastic! I love how the idea of self-compassion connects with skillful aging. We live in an agist society, especially towards women, and it’s difficult not to fall into the trope of “you look great for your age,” “anti-aging,” or “youth-promoting.” I try to care for my body without subconsciously engaging in self-abuse. I am not a static entity; I change all of the time. In one day, I experience a myriad of thoughts and emotions. I am leaning into change instead of hunkering against it since it is inherent. I am also starting to get more excited about what is to come. I love my husband and am excited to experience the magic of being an older couple. I watched his father and stepmother have a romance that required the wisdom and depth that only comes with maturity. I pray we are able to have our twilight fairytale, too.
As much Hallmark TV my lovely wife Cheryl has on the set, I am fairly sure she will never have that type of “twilight fairytale” with this fellow. I am romantic in a rustic, unassuming way!
Avril, I was also just thinking about how perfectly the photo for the Word of the Day aligns with the quote….I live how you connected the idea of self compassion with skillful aging. Thank you 🙏
Arvil, this is so insightful: “I try to care for my body without subconsciously engaging in self-abuse.” That’s a habit that begins in girlhood for a lot of women. I think evolving that relationship is one of the gifts of not being young anymore–learning new ways to listen to one’s body and tend to it.
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I am thinking about setting a new physical achievement goal. Aging shifts our perception of time; instead of focusing on what’s “running out,” focus on the richness of the present by daily reflections. Focus on cycles instead of linearity to see aging as a deepening, not an ending. Try to reframe aging as a mastery stage. I wrote a few journal questions to explore: What do I know now that I didn’t in my 20s or 30s? How can I use my experience to guide, create, or contribute in ways I couldn’t before? Try to see aging as an invitation to expand who I am. A few journal questions to explore: What aspects of myself haven’t been fully explored yet? Is there a part of me that has been dormant and waiting for this stage? There must still be a rebel in me because I want to challenge stereotypes of aging by doing what I want, not what is expected. I also want to honor aging through embodiment and honor my body instead of resisting the effects of aging. I want to embrace the unfinished because I am a work in progress, and that is beautiful.
Once, I went on a trip to Uganda, and because of my schedule, I had to meet my friends there. I traveled to the country by myself, and then once in the country, it took two days to get to the city where they were located. Traveling by myself was liberating. It happened again when I traveled to Nepal, where I spent four days alone in Hong Kong. It has been many years since I did this, and I want to do it again. I want to be intentional and create an annual solo getaway to reflect, explore, and realign.
I might honor growing older in a new way by being grateful for all the spectrum of life experiences and be able to practice self compassion, love, and empathy every moment and to share my wisdom experiences to all beings when necessary but to also be open to accept wisdom experiences from all beings.
A moment of self-compassion can change your entire day. A string of such moments can change the course of your life. Christopher K.
I appreciate how you express being a teacher and a student as you grow older, S R.🩷
I am really working on staying present – using all my senses in a given moment and appreciating their ability. I can honor growing older by giving myself grace when those senses start to become less sharp. I can give myself grace when I have to walk more than run.
I am turning 65 in May! It’s only a number! Two of my lifetime friends and I will plan a FUN mini Gals only trip to celebrate!
I also do believe that each of us still needs to find a new or continued purpose. My guy friend did reading for the blind for many years after retiring but then they downsized and no longer needed volunteers. Now he signs up for 1 week missions to volunteer for disaster response in the country. Today he told me he was selected as supervisor of one of the groups for sawing of trees. He loves the work and it is all volunteer. The organization flies the volunteers to the location and meals and lodging are provided. He will be s 73 in June.
Robin Ann, your post reminded me of spending time with my Mom the last few years of her life. In her 90’s, having grown a bit dépendant on others for staying in her home healthfully, she would occasionally say to me, “what is my purpose now?”. My reply was always, “That’s a good question, Mom. What do you think your purpose is now?” She always came up with something that she was capable of doing at that point in time. A teacher ‘til the end. She was something special.🩷
I love it!
I have just heard from my ex-husband
that his sister is wasting away,
and will most likely be gone in a few months.
She is about 80 years old,
and apparently
started slowing down several years ago,
losing interest in activities of the world,
and eventually stopped doing anything at all.
Her life is now confined to her bed,
unless someone gets her up . . .
friends have stopped coming to visit,
and she has no interest in seeing anyone either.
One of her daughters
needs to be with her 24 hours a day.
The ‘joys’ in her life now
are smoking, drinking and television . . .
that’s all.
Ironically,
this news came with today’s Question,
and shook me out of a semi-stupor of denial.
She’s just checking out,
and it makes me very angry.
It’s also breaking my heart.
Does she not realize what a gift her life has been?
It is with this horrible news whirling about in my head
that I approach the question . . .
I think that part of is that this tragedy
might have been where I could have gone a few years ago
when I suddenly lost my independence for a time.
It also reminds me
that I don’t want to go back to that dark place.
I have a new appreciation of my life,
and am refreshing a vow I made
to hold in high regard
my battle scars and wrinkles,
and wear my long, white hair as a badge of honor . . .
I have weathered many storms,
and have the strength to weather many more . . .
there is still enough life in me
to make the rest of my time here
worthwhile.
I will summon up the courage
to be worthy of every breath I am given,
and to let go with love
only when it is time.
Hi Sparrow. After rereading the part of your comment
about your ex sister in law,
I would like to speak to her situation as I see it.
Dear Sparrow, I don’t think ex sister in law is just checking out,
and I don’t think she is just being ungrateful.
I believe she is suffering from major depression
and is self medicating with alcohol and cigarettes in an effort to dull her pain.
Sometimes medication can bring the person back, but not always.
I know, from dealing with serious mental illness in my parents
and in both my sisters, that depression is no more a matter of choice
than is cancer or heart disease.
It just is, and it is a tragedy for the one who is ill, as it is for the entire family.
Having dealt with mental illness in my own family
I wanted to share with you what I have learned.
With love♥️
Thank you,
dear Mary,
for your kind and thoughtful response.
Yes,
the possibility of depression,
and is probably what is going on,
and has been for some years now,
but she does not want to be treated.
Like you,
I see depression as a serious mental illness,
but she stridently has refused help.
At this point,
I have no idea what could change her mind.
She is not suffering from dementia
as far as I know.
My heart breaks for her
as I have fond memories of how she used to be,
but she has no desire to connect with those days.
Thanks again,
for your loving words. ♥
You made my heart soar Sparrow
I’m happy,
dear Avril,
that I can make a difference. ♥
There is a fierce energy here that is palpable and strong. You Go Girl!🩷
Sometimes though,
dear Mary,
I have to dig deep. ♥
“I have a new appreciation of my life,
and am refreshing a vow I made
to hold in high regard
my battle scars and wrinkles,
and wear my long white hair as a badge of honor”
What you have written, Sparrow, feels so encouraging and inspiring to me.
After struggling quite a bit with this question, your words are just what I needed to hear.
Thank you so much!
I see you with your long white hair, so beautiful, and I am grateful for you.
Mary
Dear Mary . . .
you give me too much credit. ♥
“I will summon up the courage to be worthy of every breath I am given,” sounds like something I decided to do 3 years ago when I began my discovery of life sans booze, dear Sparrow. Thank you for wording it so memorably.
I have to remind myself of this
fairly often,
dear Joseph. ♥
I am sure that was difficult to hear. I agree with you 100%
It was,
dear Robin Ann,
and it breaks my heart. ♥
I can only pray to I suppose left to my own devices not happening here
Youth is celebrated in the US and aging is not.
I unfortunately have bought into much of this.
At the same time, I appreciate that living life,
with its highs and lows has made me wiser, more compassionate
with others, and more self compassionate.
I could honor growing older in a new way, by thinking about growing older in a new way.
Having retired, I have more time to devote to the things that interest me
and the things that I care about.
Because of this I am more free than I have ever been.
I can continue to free myself by trying new things and doing what I value
or I can be my own jailer and piddle my life away.
It’s up to me.
This question has really made me think.
I very much look forward to reading
what all of you, my friends, have written.
I heard it said to re-tire.
I love your comparison of being our own jailer or setting ourselves free.
That is nuts because youth is very temporary and unwise
So true.
Old age is just as temporary and at times for some, a time of mental uncertainty.
In general,
yes,
dear Goph/Guau/Travis . . .
it’s very true. ♥
Mary, you just spoke to my heart. The US is a country of pleasure. Youth are favored. It’s how businesses thrive with more extremes or the rich getting richer.
I find that over the years that cultivating my own individuality has greatly benefitted me more than merging along with others. I experience true freedom, think for myself, more purposeful, and feel closer to my family.
It’s much easier for me to adapt to my environment. Going with trends brings fatigue. Like I’ve consistently have mentioned before, I embrace change with a purpose instead of just for the sake of it. I firmly believe that the former feels more authentic and will increase our efficiency. Simply put, anything that’s real is more sustainable.
Yes, anything that is real is so much more sustainable!
It’s hard to hold up a mask for very long.
That mask gets too heavy.
“A moment of self-compassion can change your entire day. A string of such moments can change the course of your life.”Christopher K. Germer
Today’s quote answers today’s question of how I might honor growing older in a new way. No one has been harder on me than ME. I am going to shoot for a moment of self-compassion each day. My self talk over the years demanded perfection of me which we all know is impossible to attain. So, I lived with maximum tension and deep fear and constantly sought validation. Thankfully, I no longer do that but I still cope with a self bully more than I would like to admit. I will be 83 in June and am probably still here because Life has decided I still have much to learn. I’d like to believe I’m teachable! What I do know is every moment should be savored and every situation accepted as an opportunity. Gratefulness helps me to do my best at that without constantly judging myself. There are so many things, so much growth in self awareness, that I have had to accept. But I do realize that at the time in my life they occurred, I gave it my best shot. I’ve been told that the word “sin” is an archery term that means “to miss the mark.” I’ve missed the mark a lot but thankfully I’ve learned from it. Sometimes, I had to go around the mountain more than once to get the lesson but that’s okay, too. I’m in the Winter of my life but the seed beneath the snow burst a long time ago. As long as I am gifted with the breath of life, my wish is to grow, to care for and share the One Life we all are. As Charlie T often says, “There is no other.” May our species learn to empower Life not control and suppress it. Theophane the Monk says it best!
Myself from “Tales of a Magic Monastery” by Theophane the Monk page 18
I sat there in awe as the old monk answered our questions. Though I am usually shy, I felt so comfortable in his presence that I found myself raising my hand. “Father could you tell us something about yourself?”
He leaned back. “Myself” he mused. There was a long pause.
“My name…
used to be…
Me.
But now…
it’s You.”
This is beautiful, thank you Carol.
We share the birth month and year!
Thank you for your insights!
I identify strongly with what you wrote
about yourself from your past, Carol.
I still want to be perfect,
I’m fearful, and I seek validation from others.
Thank you for writing about your struggle with these things.
It helps me to know others, especially those I admire,
also have these struggles.
And thanks so much for the story from Tales of a Magic Monastery.
Thank you, Dear Carol🌱.
Such wisdom, Carol. Thank you.
I love you Carol
I love you, too, Avril, and feel so blessed that our paths have cross thanks to this wonderful site called Grateful Living and the profound wisdom and dedication of its staff and those of us who are privileged to gather here.
Your writing of self–compassion,
dear Carol,
made me think of a little piece of wisdom we could all benefit from:
“If your compassion does not include yourself,
it is incomplete.”
Jack Kornfield
Buddha’s Little Instruction Book
Love that Jack Kornfield quote and also love his book, “A Path with Heart.”
Yes!
Agreed,
dear Carol . . .
he is a beautiful soul. ♥
Hmmm 🤔
I’m not sure how to answer this one. Maybe that says something in and of itself.
As I age, I would like to stay in touch with my playful and goofy side and not get hardened.
At the same time, I would like to be progressing and moving forward and continuing to learn.
Amen, dear Charlie.
I remember hearing once that getting older is a privilege, many don’t get the chance to do so. That saying has greatly shifted my perspective on what it means to become older. Instead of yearning for the past, I bring myself to the present moment by reminding myself younger Jenifer was so incredibly lost and depressed and scared and hopeless, and although I still that way sometimes, I recognized I have changed so much and how different in terms of being able to navigate these heavy emotions without them consuming like they once did. And for that, i am grateful. 💗
Have a great Monday y’all 🙂
Growing older skillfully seems to demand the shedding of everything that doesn’t work. What remains active is a more authentic, alive version of you. I’ve witnessed loved ones embracing aging in this way, and emerge as elders whose council I seek. I’ve also seen loved ones fight the aging process and fight change, and end up walled in by their own defenses.
The new way I’ll honor growing old is by openly delighting in things that delight me, no matter whether such expressions are sanctioned or not. I see that as one of the freedoms of growing old–not caring what people think.
I love the idea of becoming an elder.
Drea, Your sharing is delightful!
Thank you Carol!
thank you, Drea – I’m with you on this: ‘shedding of what doesn’t work’. Sometimes, I think growing older skillfully means paying attention to, and then putting in to practice, the advice you would give a small child if you were trying to help them figure out how to have a better day. Aging, if we are fortunate, seems to give us the opportunity to learn our own needed lessons, and then, when blessed, have the amazing gift of being with other people who can benefit from our learning them.
thank you, Community. One of my immediate, more ” temporal” needed lessons is “be early for commitments” (ie, “don’t be late!”… ) so gotta scoot, but I wanted to check in here and I am happy ..and grateful!… that I got to! thank you, Community.
Carol Ann, I love this: “paying attention to, and then putting in to practice, the advice you would give a small child if you were trying to help them figure out how to have a better day.” It’s so simple but effective–and true! Thank you.
My goal is not to congeal and be set in my ways. I want to deal with less so I can be more.
The word of the day is an appropriate mantra for aging.
Shed what doesn’t work, right Yram? Thank you Drea.🩷
Me too,
dear Yram,
me too. ♥
YRAM, I wholeheartedly agree!
I want to age with grace for sure, and also with some fire! I am not exactly sure what that means, but I feel it in my heart and soul! It’s not a “have-to” or “should”, it just is. Perhaps it is passion, perhaps it is energy that when directed, it is satisfying, perhaps makes a difference for myself and others, growth provoking. Peace to all.
Keep that fire burning!
😉You too, Carol.
Amen
I have embraced growing older, as there’s only one other option! I am in good health and am grateful for my practices that help me stay healthy – mind, body & soul. Sometimes I fall into a negative thought regarding where I’m at age-wise, but I’m pretty good at pulling myself back up and my husband will always take the reins if I’m having any trouble. I just try to stay in the now and will make a better effort to not judge any wrinkles I have or any new gray hair that pops up. Those things are just part of the process.
So glad you have a supportive mate!
The picture for the Word of the Day is fantastic! I love how the idea of self-compassion connects with skillful aging. We live in an agist society, especially towards women, and it’s difficult not to fall into the trope of “you look great for your age,” “anti-aging,” or “youth-promoting.” I try to care for my body without subconsciously engaging in self-abuse. I am not a static entity; I change all of the time. In one day, I experience a myriad of thoughts and emotions. I am leaning into change instead of hunkering against it since it is inherent. I am also starting to get more excited about what is to come. I love my husband and am excited to experience the magic of being an older couple. I watched his father and stepmother have a romance that required the wisdom and depth that only comes with maturity. I pray we are able to have our twilight fairytale, too.
As much Hallmark TV my lovely wife Cheryl has on the set, I am fairly sure she will never have that type of “twilight fairytale” with this fellow. I am romantic in a rustic, unassuming way!
Avril, I hope that for you, too. Also, appreciated your note and I am improving health wise.
Avril, I was also just thinking about how perfectly the photo for the Word of the Day aligns with the quote….I live how you connected the idea of self compassion with skillful aging. Thank you 🙏
Thank you
Arvil, this is so insightful: “I try to care for my body without subconsciously engaging in self-abuse.” That’s a habit that begins in girlhood for a lot of women. I think evolving that relationship is one of the gifts of not being young anymore–learning new ways to listen to one’s body and tend to it.
I appreciate that.
Avril, thank you. You speak for me regarding leaning into this chapter of my life. My life, not someone else’s life. Beautiful day to you. 🩷
beautiful day to you too