Tuesday, January 22, 2013

TO THRIVE IN PRESENT TIME


                 TO THRIVE IN PRESENT TIME

As we grow older, it is common to have dear friends have serious health issues
Again and yet again, we are reminded of our own mortality.
It helps to be able to grieve with empathy for their losses, their suffering, and offer a helping hand or caring words.
It helps to use our rational mind to realize how we might best prevent the same misfortune from impairing the quality of our own life.
Yes, we all know we need more exercise, a better diet, a social network, friends   
   Who will listen and hug us when we are struggling. 
The obvious is easy to overlook, too, like the importance of drinking more water or
   Taking time to rest or meditate when we are tired and distraught.

Growing old has many challenges we may have not faced in earlier years. So it’s good to have friends who can remind us, in present time, of our strengths.  If we’re in our final decades, it helps to be honest with close ones about our wishes, should we become seriously disabled or die.  These conversations provide a reality check for us and for those we love.

To thrive instead of simply being reactive to life’s challenges, we do need tools
To uplift our spirits, protect our bodies and minds, encourage pro-active behavior.
Aging is not for sissies; it does require courage to face fears, to face loss, to be willing to downsize our expectations when they add to our stress.  Learning new skills keeps our brains active, and saying yes to better shoes, lots of post-its, becoming aware of our changing needs, all help us be more likely to thrive not just survive as we become elders.

The simple rhyming poems I used to write
Often become a sharing of my inner dialogue, not so tidy anymore.
We need to be flexible as well as resilient, and then it is easier to accept and learn from the unexpected in our lives.

Carol Browning

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