AgingGratefully

Seriously, I have not had this much fun in years. It is amazing to find something that can bring you so much joy. Later life joy is really extraordinary.

I’ve been so thrilled to rediscover my first true love. Creativity. It has saved me during my time working in health care, being isolated and unfocused.

We become more of who we really are as we age. This is a huge part of who I am. But I forgot. I spent last winter re starting. Watching youtube videos, collecting images of art I like and then BAM.

I havent stopped since around May.

My new bliss combines my favorite colors with nature.

Have I bee having fun re discovering art during this pandemic.

I work myself into an obsessive frenzy of joy. Planning, dreaming, picturing and creating.

Fun, whimsical pieces that bring a smile to my face.

Only for me. To see how far I can go.

At 57 you can start something new.

I also kayaked for the first time. I loved it.

What’s next? I want to take motorcycle driving lessons for when I retire and get a motorcycle for in the country.

YOLO with grey hair

I see so many sayings about the value of staying silent. Sorry, not in my DNA apparently.

Not being silent can sure get one in oodles of trouble with others.

Being silent gets me in oodles of trouble with my own mental health.

I’m trying, still at my age, to figure about a balance.

I have decided..a long time ago, that I would never remain silent about injustices that I see. But I am still learning the best way to be vocal. Being ” vocal” doesnt always mean speaking. You can change injustices in other ways. Behind the scenes, in other ways,with other people. It doesnt need to be done in the traditional way…arguing, compromising.

Although a fun way to problem solve, arguing gets one in trouble…which I also dont give a shit about at my age.

But you need to think harder, think smarter, plan and calculate to see injustices changed

Being “silent”, Ha never going to happen.

Being a “stealth” change maker” oh yeah!!

I’ve been quite lately. 2020 has brought some huge ups and downs.

Lots of thinking, lots of doing and even some time for being.

It’s a time for me to give of ones myself…and getting alot in return.

I’ll keep it short. Working hard…trying to stay safe. Taking care of myself and others. Managing stress by remembering to be grateful.

Painting has helped. Its introspective and therefore good for the soul.

Do what’s good for the soul on as many levels and in as many areas as possible. It helps.💙

And then we are there..its July. The sun is shining. You are at the lake. Surrounded by friends. Friends you havent been near in almost half a year.

Yes you messaged each other and group chatted. But you didnt really feel it.

And then…you can feel it. The laughter is infectious. You cant stop because you missed it. You are funny. They are funny. We are free. Free to eat and drink and swim and joke. To be close.

And then…you pause because you remember why you didnt get to be together. You remember and it creeps back in. But it’s not like it used to be. It used to creep in all day.

And then…you enjoy every single minute because you have learned to. You understand what you have…what you need and what you dont want anymore. No more unnecessary arguing, stuff, challenges. Only real experiences that bring meaning, hope and purpose, joy.

And then you realize life is even better than it used to be because you are even more grateful.

Practicing being grateful is easier because you really get it, and so do they.

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