MY BUCKET LIST

Do you want to put excitement into your life? Do you have the desire to learn something new? Do you have a passion or dream to fulfill? You may not be as physically fit as you used to be, but if you have clarity and lucidity, you must exercise your mind.
I know we all have our daily rituals. I also know it takes time and clock watching for all our necessary medical disciplines. I must admit that I was resting, relaxing, and enjoying too much television. It was becoming too addictive and too sedentary. Case in point: Since my high school days, my passion has always been the love of writing. "Now listen,Fay," I said to myself, "take positive action and learn something new." So, now the computer has become my new challenge. It takes time and patience and most importantly it takes a savvy teacher. Thanks to many lessons from my two daughters, I am now abound with enthusiasm and new found energy.

In April of 2004 Maya Angelou on her 74th birthday was interviewed by Oprah on her show. Oprah asked her what she thought about growing older, Among other wise viewpoints, she answered "I think it is exciting." The audience applauded her and so do I!

So, what is on your bucket list? If it's doable, do it! It's so true that you are never too old to live and learn. I am now a happy blogger.

THE POWER OF THE MIND

The mind accepts the thoughts you think
The thinking sinks and dwells within
Disturbs your days
Interrupts your sleep
   Be calm within.

Keep your thinking strong and clear
Though words may sting and be unkind.
Throw off the hurt
Reach peace of mind
   Be still within.

There is no pill for serenity
But with strength and courage combined
And love and hope and positivity
There is power in the mind.

Life is full of joy and grief
But the power of the mind is beyond belief.

LOVE IS THE ANSWER

When the mind is in a terrible state

The heart begins to palpitate

Oh the hurt and oh the pain

Must I endure this stress and strain?

What to do? What to say?

To forgive and forget is the only way.

Time evolves and conflicts dissolve

Love is the answer.

FORGIVENESS

Certain things in life you learn from experience. We have all incurred a situation where our feelings were hurt. To forgive or not to forgive? That is the question. I have chosen to forgive because I refuse to store rent free negativity in my mind. I become my own therapist and talk with myself. "Life is too short no matter how long it is. Get over it.  Move on. It's good for my emotional and physical health." Only brain surgery or Alzheimer's disease will make one forget. Find peace of mind when you reach forgiveness.

I have created a box

Marked "Let it be".

Because many a heartache

Has happened to me.

When friendships are over

And in your heart you know

You must weed friends from your garden

And just let them go.

When the welcome sign is no more

And the lock is bolted on the door

Gone is the warm compatibility

There exists too much negativity.

It's time to seal the box 

As tightly as can be

And sever your relationship

With their company.

And repeat to yourself, "Let it be, let it be."

CHOICES AND DECISIONS

"To your own self be true." You must recognize that this is the final chapter of your life. You love your privacy and independence.  You really want to stay in your "home sweet home." That is usually choice number one.  Good for you if you are reasonably healthy in mind and body with a few extra bucks.    But now, it's time that you ask for help.  With your doctor's approval, a local home care agency can provide you for a limited amount of time, with a registered nurse to check your vital statistics, physical therapist to assess your capabilities, and a home aide to help you shower or bathe.  This will all qualify for Medicare reimbursement.  However, you must incur other expenses from your personal income.  Meals on Wheels can be delivered to you if you are unable to cook.  A part time housekeeper is essential if you are unable to clean and do laundry.  And if you do not drive, you must hire a driver for your personal errands and necessary appointments.  By all means, you will enjoy the comforts of your home as long as you can.

Three ideal gifts in old age are health, wealth, and loving, caring, and supportive children.  An ideal situation is when the family jointly agrees to contribute to your happiness by providing shelter, love, and support.

Another new found lifestyle is a high end luxurious retirement center.  Your first visit will be a catered lunch in the dining room.  You will then be given a guided tour of the facility.  You will find the staff very gracious, meet compatible peers, see the amenities such as a swimming pool, exercise room, beauty parlor and barber shop.  The time is now to make a decision.  You may select a small or large apartment furnished or unfurnished.  You may also select one, two, or three meals a day.  The bulletin board boasts of house entertainment, busing to theatres, concerts, and events.  This is a fabulous lifestyle well worth the big bucks.  Go for it!  Money is the name of the game.

A less appealing choice for those who need more nursing care, is a nursing home.  My visit was very sad.  The depressing comment that I heard from the bedridden resident was, "For me, I know it's the beginning of the end." The facility is maintained well, but is often understaffed.  The less said the better.

Think it through carefully and do your best. Your future is in your hands. Wishing you much success.

LIFE IS BEYOND IMAGINATION

Once upon a time when you were young, healthy, and energetic, did you ever envision yourself in your dotage? Did you ever wonder how you would look or how you would feel? Yes, time is fleeting and your bad habits and your genetics are catching up to you. When you look in the mirror now and you see the wrinkled face and the thinning or balding hair, are you shocked by your unrecognizable self? "Who is this total stranger staring back at me?" You also honestly admit, " Oh my gosh! I am shorter, smaller, and stiffer. I never ever imagined this unbelievable revelation." Perhaps, if you are fortunate you still feel young and ageless.

Age is only a number
It's all in your mind my dear
Age is only a number
Keep your spirit high,discount the year!

Choose the age you want to remember
Hold onto that vision you see
And glow from within, that's the key.

Keep on nourishing that youthful feeling
Stop harping and making a fuss
With age comes experience and wisdom
Regard age as a blessing for us.

Age is only a number
As long as you dance and sing
If you're looking fine,having a good time,
Age doesn't mean a thing!

IS THERE A TIME TO DIE?

With life threatening conditions, chronic pain, and suffering, sometimes death becomes a welcome relief.
Time and time again during my many interviews I have heard, " Life sucks and I don't want to live this way anymore." "Life stinks and I am tired of being sick and tired." "They use anesthetics on animals and they shoot horses, don't they?"
My young niece once asked me "Auntie, what do you think death is like?" After some thought I said " I think
death is like drifting off to a permanent and blissful sleep. Finally, I think death is a place to rest in peace."

Death is never timely
Death is never fair
Time is a great healer
I know, 'cause I have been there.