Written by Guest Writer Melba Asberry.
As we get older, we may at times find ourselves focusing on what is no longer our reality; the person we were rather than the person we are today.
It’s easy to find one’s self doing this. All it takes is a glance in a mirror or seeing a photograph and noting that we don’t look as we once did.
I’m not the me of yesterday.
Who is that person I see?
Is that really MY reflection?
For some of us, it’s trying to read without our glasses and finding it impossible. Others of us are losing our sight altogether. We don’t have the sense of balance we once had and must sit down to put on our slacks if we don’t want to chance falling over.
Bodily functions have even changed to the point that simply getting ready for the day is quite a different experience than it was when we were younger.
I am here to tell you that it’s okay to acknowledge these changes, but not okay to focus on them.
Thinking of what we have lost can lead to depression.
It’s better to accept our new reality at this point on our journey through time.
Keep a good sense of humor and focus instead on what you have RIGHT NOW.
Maybe you can barely see any longer and your favorite thing is reading a good book. If you can still hear, how about trying an audiobook? If you can still speak, use your voice to enlist the help of someone to record your thoughts.
An advantage we have over youth is our knowledge and experience. Why not take a subject for which you have a passion and share it with others?
When we are lonely, we could focus on the lack of contact others have made with us or…
We can call someone ourselves!
OR
We can send someone a cheerful note!
My point is simply this:
We should take stock of what we have and then use it to BRIGHTEN THE WORLD AROUND US!
The great thing about focusing outward is that our giftedness will not only make the loads others are carrying seem a bit lighter, but the sunshine we spread will brighten our own days as we continue our journey through time.
I want to travel lightly with a joyful attitude. Won’t you join me?
Note from Kathryn: Thank you, Melba! I love this post because adaptability is probably one of life’s biggest challenges and one of my biggest lessons to remember from all of my Aging Gracefully interviews!
Does this article above resonate with YOU?
Do YOU think you’re adapting as you’re “traveling through time?”
Please share any ideas, recommendations, or comments you may have…
This article is important for those that are young also. So many young people look at what they can’t
change and get depressed. The advice in this article can be helpful to many .
Beautiful thoughts and so true! You are very inspiring!
Thank you. I did think of those who are lonely and depressed when I wrote it.
Thank you, Melba, for this wisdom. It’s better to look for the gold in the puddles than to get stuck in the mud, which everyone has some of in their life! I appreciate your ideas on how to focus on the NOW!
Grace, Jeanette Levellie
Thank you for the positive feedback. I like “. . better to look for the gold in the puddles than to get stuck in the mud . .”. You are welcome; NOW is where we live.
This is a beautiful reminder of the privilege it is to grow older and the responsibility we get to have. It is also something I really needed to hear today. Thank you!
Thank YOU, Suzanne, for the added perspective of the true privilege we are granted as older adults. If only we will keep that fact in mind, we will more easily endure our new normal and make the most of every moment.
Well done and resonates with me. Thanks, Melba, for the article and Kathryn for the post.
Thank you, Nancy. I appreciate your input and feel blessed to know these thoughts are resonating and helpful.
Melba…this is so like you! Wisdom, first class. Thank you! Dr. Hilaire Tavenner. Xxxxxx
Thank you for your affirmative words, Dr. Tavenner; they have blessed me.