On Borrowed Time
My mind is like a thinking machine. As long as my creative juices are flowing, I shall enjoy sharing my most innermost thoughts and feelings. Now, at age 92, sleep away time is nearing. My life's journey is coming to an end. Right now, I love my independence and except for decreasing and limited energy, I am not suffering from any disease except old age.
The importance of my family has always been my greatest joy. Because of their love, devotion, and caring, I hold onto my enthusiasm and hopefulness.
Please don't cry when I die. I have been glad to be alive.
To have loved as I should, to have done all I could.
To have seen what I've seen, to have been where I've been.
Life has not passed me by, so please don't cry when I die.
I know you will be sad and take time to grieve, but I would like you to celebrate my life and remember me.
Remember me as a loving wife.
Remember me as a nurturing mother.
Remember me as a happy, optimistic lady of positivity.
As long as I shall live on in your hearts and minds, I shall live on forever.
Friday, January 4, 2013
The Power of Love
Everybody longs for it.
Everybody dreams, prays, and sings about it.
Everybody searches for it.
But not everybody finds it.
What is this magical potion?
It is LOVE.
Love has been my lifelong song.
It is wondrous, heavenly, and indescribable.
Love is like music to the soul.
Three little words, "I love you" when spoken sincerely are so meaningful. My favorite quote is by George Sand, "The greatest happiness is to love and be loved." Young or old, love is a youthifier and a beautifier. Even though Shakespeare wrote "the course of true love never runs smooth", I believe that when love is strong, nothing will go wrong.
Poets, composers, artists, and many bible verses speak of love. "Love is patient, love is kind, love never fails." I proselytize my mantra by repeating "Be happy, think positive, and love is the answer." How sad and lonely I would be if true love did not happen to me.
Friday, August 31, 2012
The Search for Happiness
You can shop everywhere and buy many things,
But it isn't something you'll find.
Happiness lives deep inside your heart.
It's a positive state of mind.
Self acceptance and self esteem are very important qualities of a confident person. When you maintain a positive attitude, a pleasant disposition, and a generous spirit, you will become especially endearing with a handshake, a smile, a hug, or a kiss on the cheek. You instantly make a friendly connection.
Don't go around bemoaning or lamenting your problems because you will become a bore and a dullard. Time is ephemeral and it is wise to exude wonder, curiosity, and enthusiasm instead. Happiness is a gift you give yourself. There will always be minor mishaps and major accidents that you cannot foresee because there are bumps and potholes in the road of life. How you handle the changes and challenges reveal your true self. However, if you are experiencing chronic pain, suffering with a terminal illness, it becomes impossible to be happy. If the wolf is at your door due to the weak economy or if you and your family are hungry, and homeless with circumstances beyond your control, the horrendous stress and constant exhaustion, lead to an unbearable existence. Then happiness is only a word in the dictionary.
Depending on your well being in your mind and body, try to find a purpose to your daily routine. Fulfill a dream, goal or passion. Can you plant a small garden, take care of it and watch it grow? Do you like puttering in the kitchen and planning your daily meals? Oh, to have a window view and see a rainbow after the rain. Be content with all you possess, that is the secret of happiness. Life is too short no matter how long it is. You cannot change the past, you cannot predict the future. Embrace the present. Nothing is more highly prized than the value of one day at a time. When you value your own health, forgiveness is best for your heart and soul. You may not forget the hurt, but you can reflect on your sweet memories. Your choices and decisions determine the ride you take throughout your lifetime. Care less about the small stuff and above all else, love your family and friends who see you in the image you see yourself. When the older generation is questioned on their idea of happiness, many different answers and similarities are revealed:
- Money enough to take the fear out of paying bills
- Having a close knit loving, caring, and supportive family
- Being able to remain independent
- To see and enjoy children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren
- Partaking of good times with good friends and good neighbors
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
MY "BUCKET LIST" FULFILLED"
Do you want to put excitement into your life? Do you have the desire to learn something new? You may not be as physically able as you used to be,but if you have clarity and lucidity you must use the power of your mind. I know we all have our daily routine and all of our medical disciplines. Most of all, we enjoy taking time out to rest and relax viewing television. Perhaps we become too sedentary and too addictive. Case in point...The computer has become my friend.
Since my high school days, my passion has always been writing. It takes time, it takes patience, and above all else, it takes a savvy computer teacher. Thanks to many lessons from my two daughters, I am abound with enthusiasm and new found energy.
In April of 2004, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah and among other wise advice,she joyfully said "Life is exciting!" I applaud you and I agree with you, Ms Angelou.So, my advice is to live and learn and fulfill your "Bucket List." If it's do-able, do it! You have my guarantee that you'll feel happier and younger.
Since my high school days, my passion has always been writing. It takes time, it takes patience, and above all else, it takes a savvy computer teacher. Thanks to many lessons from my two daughters, I am abound with enthusiasm and new found energy.
In April of 2004, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah and among other wise advice,she joyfully said "Life is exciting!" I applaud you and I agree with you, Ms Angelou.So, my advice is to live and learn and fulfill your "Bucket List." If it's do-able, do it! You have my guarantee that you'll feel happier and younger.
The Spirit Within
There is a voice deep inside of me that I call intuition, instinct, or a gut feeling. It is strong and powerful and fills me with hope, faith, and positivity. This life force I believe is called spirituality.
I love and am loved especially by my family. My gratitude and appreciation for their loving care, kindness, and respect is overwhelming. My purpose is to leave a legacy of love and wisdom which will live on in their hearts forever.
I also believe that there is an art to growing old. Now there is more time to embrace life and more freedom to fulfill a goal or a dream. Outwardly, my face is wrinkled with a noticeable puppet chinline and a smaller and shorter stature. Inwardly lives a young and vital spirit who wakes up every morning and shouts, "It's a miracle....I'm alive!"
We're all unique and special and entitled to our own religious beliefs. Depending on our upbringing, schooling, and home environment, we choose our own way of thinking and believing. As human beings we all have our virtues and our flaws. Become the best you can be. As you grow older, your experiences will make you wiser and you will become more of your own true self.
Who else can I be if I can't be me?
I wake up each morning
With gladness in my heart
That this new day is about to start
"I'm alive" I say
And I plan this day
In and out, and all about
And again I shout "I'm alive!"
I love and am loved especially by my family. My gratitude and appreciation for their loving care, kindness, and respect is overwhelming. My purpose is to leave a legacy of love and wisdom which will live on in their hearts forever.
I also believe that there is an art to growing old. Now there is more time to embrace life and more freedom to fulfill a goal or a dream. Outwardly, my face is wrinkled with a noticeable puppet chinline and a smaller and shorter stature. Inwardly lives a young and vital spirit who wakes up every morning and shouts, "It's a miracle....I'm alive!"
We're all unique and special and entitled to our own religious beliefs. Depending on our upbringing, schooling, and home environment, we choose our own way of thinking and believing. As human beings we all have our virtues and our flaws. Become the best you can be. As you grow older, your experiences will make you wiser and you will become more of your own true self.
Who else can I be if I can't be me?
I wake up each morning
With gladness in my heart
That this new day is about to start
"I'm alive" I say
And I plan this day
In and out, and all about
And again I shout "I'm alive!"
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Mind and Body Movement
I have just completed twelve sessions of pulmonary rehabilitation prescribed by my doctor and paid by Medicare. Sharing my experience may help you. Firstly, the greatest awareness for me was learning how to focus on a proper breathing technique. It began low and slow with a deep breath into my nose held to the count of two and pursed lips breathing out to the count of four. Gradually, it became easier for me to increase to three deep breaths into my nose and six counts pursing my lips and breathing out. In time, with practice, you will find your own comfortable breathing style as it becomes surprisingly simple.
Breathing properly changes the chemical balance in the brain. It is a great way to reduce anxiety, de-stress, calm down, and relax. Secretly, I perform this new healthy habit anywhere, anytime, and any place. It works for me when I need to cat nap, and especially at bedtime for a good night's sleep.
A secondary pleasure is called "Senior Stretching". Oh how I remember in my youth enjoying my health club membership and exercising like crazy using their expensive and sophisticated equipment. Swimming was my lifelong passion, but it is now just a memory. I live without regret because now self-care and self-love are the secrets of my survival. I have now created a personal stretching routine: arms, neck, shoulders, hands, fingers, and other able bodied parts from the top of my head to the tip of my toes. I jiggle and wiggle and self massage the best I can. Recently I purchased a home recumbent stationery bicycle and peddle away twenty magic minutes everyday. A painless day is a happy day when stiffness and discomfort have lessened.
Find your own level of breathing and body movements. Who knows you better than you do? Listen to your body and allow your instincts to guide you. Lethergy begets lethergy. Sitting too long leads to stiffness, tiredness, and grogginess. Keep trying. Don't quit. Hang in there. Your bones and joints will thank you. There will be young days, old days, good days, and bad days. Do your best to feel your best everyday in everyway.
Stretch your arms without delay and give yourself a hug today.
Breathing properly changes the chemical balance in the brain. It is a great way to reduce anxiety, de-stress, calm down, and relax. Secretly, I perform this new healthy habit anywhere, anytime, and any place. It works for me when I need to cat nap, and especially at bedtime for a good night's sleep.
A secondary pleasure is called "Senior Stretching". Oh how I remember in my youth enjoying my health club membership and exercising like crazy using their expensive and sophisticated equipment. Swimming was my lifelong passion, but it is now just a memory. I live without regret because now self-care and self-love are the secrets of my survival. I have now created a personal stretching routine: arms, neck, shoulders, hands, fingers, and other able bodied parts from the top of my head to the tip of my toes. I jiggle and wiggle and self massage the best I can. Recently I purchased a home recumbent stationery bicycle and peddle away twenty magic minutes everyday. A painless day is a happy day when stiffness and discomfort have lessened.
Find your own level of breathing and body movements. Who knows you better than you do? Listen to your body and allow your instincts to guide you. Lethergy begets lethergy. Sitting too long leads to stiffness, tiredness, and grogginess. Keep trying. Don't quit. Hang in there. Your bones and joints will thank you. There will be young days, old days, good days, and bad days. Do your best to feel your best everyday in everyway.
Stretch your arms without delay and give yourself a hug today.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Golden Days at the Senior Center
Do you think that only young people are having all the fun? How wrong you are. I just returned from a visit to the local senior center. My oh my! What a busy and buzzing place to enter. I see happy and energetic men and women networking with new friends and exploring new horizons. Outwardly, they seem to be upbeat and healthy; no canes, walkers or wheelchairs. I approached a good looking gentleman.
"Good afternoon, my name is Fay. What's yours?"
With a cordial smile he answered, "Call me Dan, short for Daniel."
"Nice to meet you Dan. As a writer interested in interviewing the aging population in many environments, I would like to ask you why you come here and what do you do here?"
"I am a widower and enjoy socializing especially with the ladies. I must admit I'm a bit of a flirt and I hope that I can get lucky and meet a nice lady friend."
I continued to ask many questions of many people, always explaining my purpose. The responses were surprisingly positive.
'My name is Lilly and I am here as a volunteer in the gift shop. Because I have always been an aficioanado of theatre, I usher at the Performing Arts Center on the weekends. It makes me feel useful and needed."
"My name is Terry. This is my home away from home. I have a tendency to worry too much. When I come here I leave my troubles behind. I look and feel better meeting and talking to interesting people."
"My name is John. I know that time is fleeting so I cherish every moment of every day. I have a very strict medication schedule and when I come here, I feel like I have swallowed a happiness pill. I enjoy the billiards table and the camraderie it provides."
"My name is Max. I have chosen the fitness and exercise class for my aching back and stiff neck. I can definitely feel the improvement."
"My name is Fran. I have been a widow for many years. Luckily at 70, I am blessed with good health, am financially secure, and ready to love again. Yoga is my favorite class."
The snack and coffee bar is always crowded. These active guys and girls come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of fitness. Happy conversation and camraderie are ongoing.
"My name is Jack. The card room is fun for me. I play both bridge and poker. My memory is still okay because this is the way that my brain get a good workout".
"My name is Julia. I love the ladies dance class called "The Slick Chicks". It keeps me flexible and makes me feel young again."
As we age, there are many new changes and challenges and we must learn to adapt and adjust. Some share their ailments and handicaps and others choose to maintain their privacy.
With Betty's approval, since it was obvious that she was toting a portable oxygen tank, she was willing to explain her condition.
"When I was young, neither my husband nor I knew that smoking was so hazardous to our health. He unfortunately died of lung cancer. I have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). I am breathless, but not helpless. I tire easily so I have joined the Book Club. I find it very relaxing and I like sharing and discussing the current book selections."
My conclusions after a very informative and pleasant visit at the senior center:
These interesting men and women are all focused on living a good life by redefining their lifestyle. They are all reasonably healthy in mind and body and they have all reached the acceptance of their aging process. I would call them exceptional and extraordinary septuagenarians.
Happy News
Do you believe in destiny or the law of attraction? At one of the holiday dinner parties, guess what happened? "Dapper Dan" and "Flamboyant Fran" are now engaged to be married!
Congratulations!! Good luck and good health. Oh the joy ahead!
They call me a "Swinging Grandmother", but I don't care
I'm just not ready for a rocking chair.
Sometimes I wear a wig or color my hair
So let them call me, "A Swinging Grandmere".
Life is for living, I just don't fear it
I may be up on years, but I'm not down on spirit.
My compensations are many and pay big dividends
Not in making money, but in making new friends.
So no matter how the years go by
No matter how my birthdays fly
When it's time for me to go and I'm no longer young
Just remember me and say
"There goes a grandmother who really swung!"
"Good afternoon, my name is Fay. What's yours?"
With a cordial smile he answered, "Call me Dan, short for Daniel."
"Nice to meet you Dan. As a writer interested in interviewing the aging population in many environments, I would like to ask you why you come here and what do you do here?"
"I am a widower and enjoy socializing especially with the ladies. I must admit I'm a bit of a flirt and I hope that I can get lucky and meet a nice lady friend."
I continued to ask many questions of many people, always explaining my purpose. The responses were surprisingly positive.
'My name is Lilly and I am here as a volunteer in the gift shop. Because I have always been an aficioanado of theatre, I usher at the Performing Arts Center on the weekends. It makes me feel useful and needed."
"My name is Terry. This is my home away from home. I have a tendency to worry too much. When I come here I leave my troubles behind. I look and feel better meeting and talking to interesting people."
"My name is John. I know that time is fleeting so I cherish every moment of every day. I have a very strict medication schedule and when I come here, I feel like I have swallowed a happiness pill. I enjoy the billiards table and the camraderie it provides."
"My name is Max. I have chosen the fitness and exercise class for my aching back and stiff neck. I can definitely feel the improvement."
"My name is Fran. I have been a widow for many years. Luckily at 70, I am blessed with good health, am financially secure, and ready to love again. Yoga is my favorite class."
The snack and coffee bar is always crowded. These active guys and girls come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of fitness. Happy conversation and camraderie are ongoing.
"My name is Jack. The card room is fun for me. I play both bridge and poker. My memory is still okay because this is the way that my brain get a good workout".
"My name is Julia. I love the ladies dance class called "The Slick Chicks". It keeps me flexible and makes me feel young again."
As we age, there are many new changes and challenges and we must learn to adapt and adjust. Some share their ailments and handicaps and others choose to maintain their privacy.
With Betty's approval, since it was obvious that she was toting a portable oxygen tank, she was willing to explain her condition.
"When I was young, neither my husband nor I knew that smoking was so hazardous to our health. He unfortunately died of lung cancer. I have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). I am breathless, but not helpless. I tire easily so I have joined the Book Club. I find it very relaxing and I like sharing and discussing the current book selections."
My conclusions after a very informative and pleasant visit at the senior center:
These interesting men and women are all focused on living a good life by redefining their lifestyle. They are all reasonably healthy in mind and body and they have all reached the acceptance of their aging process. I would call them exceptional and extraordinary septuagenarians.
Happy News
Do you believe in destiny or the law of attraction? At one of the holiday dinner parties, guess what happened? "Dapper Dan" and "Flamboyant Fran" are now engaged to be married!
Congratulations!! Good luck and good health. Oh the joy ahead!
They call me a "Swinging Grandmother", but I don't care
I'm just not ready for a rocking chair.
Sometimes I wear a wig or color my hair
So let them call me, "A Swinging Grandmere".
Life is for living, I just don't fear it
I may be up on years, but I'm not down on spirit.
My compensations are many and pay big dividends
Not in making money, but in making new friends.
So no matter how the years go by
No matter how my birthdays fly
When it's time for me to go and I'm no longer young
Just remember me and say
"There goes a grandmother who really swung!"
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