I read somewhere that we should toss all negative thoughts of aging out the window. This sounded good at the time but I wondered if it might not be easier said than done. Still, we have expended a lot of time and energy getting this far, so we might as well make the best of it.
Years of our lives have been dedicated to working for or tending to others, but now it is our time. It is time to put ourselves first, even if just for a day.
Make today a special day, just for you. Start small, prepare a favorite meal, go to the museum, or meet a friend for lunch. If you enjoyed that, expand the picture by:
• Starting a dream list, call it a bucket list if you must, but fill it with things that you can actually do in the near future. Lists are fun; start another list of things that you are good at (arts, crafts, cooking, reading, writing etc.) and think of ways that you can share your talents with others.
• Be active in your community. Remember when you were so busy that you were lucky to get to the polling place to vote? Now you can do something more; participate in the political scene and make your next vote really count.
• Create a new social network. It will take a little more effort now that kids and work are not the center of your universe, but it can be done.
• Nurture family and friendships. Older relatives are expected, after all, to keep traditions alive. Your work isn’t over yet.
• It isn’t too late to get to know your neighbors. Someone needs to start the process. You can host a block party or be the first to extend a hand. Let your neighbors know that you can be there for them.
No one expects you to be happy all the time, but make an effort to smile more. Take care of yourself, feel good, and put yourself out there.
Leave a Reply