AGING
For a number of years, I was employed doing small to medium sized construction projects. I was lucky enough to learn many skills which are called for in remodeling, building and maintaining properties, houses, etc. The work wasn’t always easy, and from a physical standpoint, it was “hard”on my body.
If I backtrack a bit, I would say that my love of sports was also “hard” on my body, particularly being a catcher for years as a (competitive) softball/baseball player.
As you know, I have had a knee replacement (and revision), and I was told at the time of the first surgery that I would be wise to have the other knee replaced soon as well.
I’ve also noticed recently that I am not hearing conversations as well as I used to. I find myself (aggravatingly so for some) asking people to repeat themselves.
And…I could go on.
What is important to me is how I respond to the process of aging that I am in.
A friend with whom I was having supper took this picture at the moment I (for the first time ) had the option of ordering from the SENIOR menu.
I was actually caught off guard and completely amused! I went on to tell the server that this was the first time I’d been aware of being in the SENIOR category, and she played along by saying she didn’t believe me, and asking for identification (proof) before taking my order. My friend, the server and I had a good laugh about it. Afterword, I sent the picture to my four sisters, and we enjoyed some lighthearted banter around it. And lucky me, I got a discount on the price of my supper.
Here’s how I respond to my aging.
First, I notice what’s different now than how it “used to be”. Next, I ask myself if there is an action that can help with the change. For example, writing things down instead of trying to remember everything. Still another path to acceptance is to talk about it. That way, I’m not holding the energy alone (and I can commiserate with my friends and family).
And finally, find the humor. When I can laugh at myself and the changes I’m experiencing, I also find Peace.
Now that I am 56 I believe it is okay to write things down. I believe we have aquired so much information in our life time that we need the USB of paper and pencil to enable our brain to track the thought. Heaven forbid we put it in a safe place because stupidly we just added one more thing to remember!
Totally agree!
I liken getting older to a game of whack-a-mole. Seems like almost every morning I wake up and something, somewhere aches a little bit (or more). For example, THIS morning, my lower left back and glute hurts. Couldn’t really say why. And my hands are kind of stiff, but that is becoming kind of routine in the morning. Point being … seems like some new ache or pain pops up every day or week or month, just as another one diminishes. Whack-a-mole. I just try to be grateful for what still works pain free, and enjoy the flowers.
I’m with you, Maria. The place to start is gratitude…