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.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
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!"
Saturday, October 30, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, October 25, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, October 22, 2010
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.
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