|
“Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” I came across
this quote recently and felt it was right on.
I was busy enjoying my retirement years as if they would never end. Then
suddenly, I am in my nineties! “I can’t believe you’re 90,” one friend said. “I’m
not,” I respond. “I am ninety-one.” But I really do not feel any different. However, I soon learned that crossing the threshold from 89 to 90 was indeed different. People expect me to be frail in need of help. All because of the BIG 9-0!! I am determined to prove them wrong.
A good friend said the nineties introduces me to the WOWs – “Wise Older
Women.” Now that is a good reason to be in the nineties. I will buy that!
How did I get here? I was indeed busy, and life just went on, season to
season, year to year. Life just happened.
My two children grew up, went to college, married, and had a total of five
children between them. I became a grandmother! Those five had a total of six
children between them, so now I am a great-grandmother! Life happened.
I continued to work. My professional life was interesting and rewarding as I
had a job I genuinely enjoyed, that of Public Relations. Over the years, I worked in four different hospitals. Also, directing volunteers was often part of my job, adding to the interest and enjoyment. I saw myself as a true innovator and won awards for my many successful projects. This was a busy time. And life happened.
Retirement at age 66 was fun and I enjoyed many day trips from my home
in Bethel with my brother and two sisters. We traveled to country fairs and
festivals or just sightseeing trips to various Maine and New Hampshire locations. Life happened.
My eighties proved to be a decade of change. Regretfully, I lost my brother,
and one of my sisters went into a nursing home. Also, at least six of my good
friends moved away to be closer to their families. Through all this change and
perhaps because of it, I began to slow down. Life happened.
Now in my nineties, I am fully aware that it is time to simply appreciate
what each new day has to offer. I follow a certain routine to enjoy those nineties!
I start my day with four gentle exercises, which I do on my bed. Then I get
up, take three deep breaths, and continue with my Tai Chi warm-ups. Later in the day, I do at least five minutes on my stationary bike. Got to keep the joints greased up!
Zen Things are even more important. Zen living is a state of mind that
incorporates the body, mind, and spirit. I feel Zen when I meditate; or when I am walking in nature. How we connect with our inner Zen is completely unique, but it is something that we all do. The first three Zen Things that I follow daily to infuse my life with balance call for me to do one thing at a time, do it slowly and deliberately, and do it completely. If I follow them, I can almost avoid “senior moments.”
The remaining Zen Things also help to balance my life: Do less; Put space
between things; Develop rituals; Designate time for certain things; Devote time for sitting; Smile and serve others; See that cleansing and cooking become meditations; Think about what is necessary; and Live simply.
I have developed rituals that I follow daily. I read the Daily Word each
morning and meditate on the message. This small non-denominational booklet is a Unity publication. It contains brief messages that are both encouraging and inspirational. I follow this reading with special prayers to start my day.
To exercise my brain, I work on the Sudoku in the daily newspaper, which I
have delivered to my door each morning. At days end, I make entries into my
gratitude journal. I believe having an attitude of gratitude will keep our outlook
happy and content.
I recently read in the “Mind, Mood and Memory” newsletter published by
Massachusetts General Hospital, that one can clear away brain fog and memory troubles by giving our minds a rest. Just pausing to enjoy a few peaceful moments can do wonders for our thinking skills. In fact, the newsletter states that multiple breaks throughout the day can be critical in preserving healthy brain function.
I have been following this advice. I take breaks from whatever I happen to
be doing at the time and relax. At the recommendation of my physical therapist, I purchased a McKenzie lower back lumbar support pillow. I strapped it to the back of my Canadian Rocker and my short breaks become restful “body breaks.”
At least twice a day, I take a short walk around the area outside my
apartment and beyond, breathing in the fresh air and observing the changing
seasons. If the weather is too threatening for me to go out, I just watch the snow or rain coming down as I gaze from my deck windows, happy that I am inside a nice warm apartment. Sometimes I will call a friend for a chat and update. I also enjoy the solace of my weekly meditation group and take advantage of local senior activities when possible. Socialization is important.
I continue my lifelong love for writing as a member of a Storytellers Group
that meets monthly over Zoom. This also gives my brain a good workout as I
search for storylines.
I have decided to continue with the annual Senior Players that I have
enjoyed for the past sixteen years. I hope to do one short play with my friend,
Gayl, 85 years young, who joined me last year. Just another way to keep our minds
active.
Last but by no means least, I believe that to really find solace in the
nineties, one must look at final arrangements. Mine are all made; it is a comfort to me and my family. It follows that spirituality is important. I attend Church services regularly and find them peaceful and centering.
The quote, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans,”
does not apply to the 90s.” Life in the nineties, I have found, is best when it takes place day by day in a slow, quiet, deliberate way.
Life happens. Live all your days!
Western Mountains Senior College
Wikimedia Image
Autumn Tree Tops by Winslow Homer
| 
