Thoughts That Rise Up

It hasn't been too long since sales clerks, pharmacists, and service people began explaining things to me that need no explanation. When I checked out at my favorite thrift store on Tuesday, I forgot to ask for my Seniors' Day discount. When I turned around on my way out and said, "Oh, wait, I'm a senior," the young woman said, "Oh, I already gave you the discount!" When I glanced at my receipt, there it was, the 30% discount.

I am seventy-five years old. I'm not in love with it. I just don't know what to do with it.

Oh, people still tell me I look younger than seventy-five, but the guy at the nail salon said he thought I looked more like sixty-five. He thinks that's a whole lot better?

Now seventy-five, I estimate that at least three-quarters of my life is gone. If I lived to be my father's age when he passed, I would only have fourteen years, or if I lived as long as my mother, eighteen years. 

I can't seem to get to the question I need to ask myself, "What will you do with these, [gulp], remaining years?" I get stuck on what if I only live to be 80. Then I am so sad, I cannot find any other questions.

I don't want to leave this precious, troubled, wonderful, chaotic, green, climate-threatened, beautiful, war-torn world. I want to see change in my well-loved country: less hate, less hunger, less killing. My children and grandchildren would be fine without me, but I'm not finished looking at them, cheering them on, and loving them with this unequaled passion that began when the first infant sounds pushed from my body.

Most of the time, the questions arise when I feed my fish in the early mornings. I sit on the rock wall of the pond and gaze through a dense thicket separating our house from a busy thoroughfare. I note the birdsongs; I hear Cardinals order "Beer, beer, beer" and "Chip, chip, chip!" House Finches cheep and warble a trill. Robins peek and tut before announcing, "Pretty, pretty, pretty." Crows caw and caw louder to warn of a present hawk. Sometimes owls call to each other across the trees.

I am scared, weak, and afraid of the quick passing of time—something most people would never see in me.

I never imagined seventy-five, but the digits are mine. I don't want to return to my twenties, or anything like that. I just want to be . . . for longer. 

Okay, I'm ready for the question. What will I do to max out my days, months, and years? Or as Mary Oliver says, "What will [I] do with [the rest of] this wild and precious life?"

I'm working on my answers. They're endless, so I know I must begin the tasks before I finish the list. 

I plan to exhaust this endless Love inside me, even though I know love always creates more love. I'll watch and listen until I need to sleep. Lookout, Beauty, I'm going to catch you and hold you in the Light. And Joy? I'll choose you every day, even those when you seem far away. If I can't reach you, I'll make you. 

Watch me, World. Slow down, and let me hug you every day.

Diana Revell is a native Tennessean (Smith County) who wound through California and Montana between ages 12 and 25 before returning home in 1973 to Wilson County. She now lives in Brentwood with her husband, Dave, and Shih-poo, Dixie Ann. She divides her time between a fishpond, a writing desk, and an art studio where she rarely produces mixed-media pieces. She loves to cook and plays a pretty mean piano. This piece first appeared on her blog. https://dianablairrevell.com

I actually wrote this a few years ago when I was working. Nevertheless, it still applies to me today. When you finish a book and you are frustrated with the ending it can ruin your day!

I am reading the book Shannon by Frank Delaney. Actually, I'm listening to the audiobook. Anyway, tonight I pulled into the driveway right as the book was about to end. I was miserable. Should I sit in the car and listen to the rest or save the ending for my trip to work in the morning?  I decided to save it.  As I anticipate the ending , I hope it will be satisfying and not simply like blowing out a candle. When a book leads me to believe there is going to be a great conclusion, but the author decides to wind up all the loose ends in 2-3 sentences, I get really mad. Crossing my fingers that by 9:00 in the morning I will say, "What a great book."

What do you think? Can you identify with me?  Janice

Isolation has become an epidemic and the US Surgeon General notes that the mortality effects of loneliness are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Doctors are now advised to screen for loneliness, an issue that is quite common in people of all ages.

What are we to do if our circle is shrinking and relationships seem to be fading away? The answer seems simple—just build new relationships. That is probably easier said than done since building new relationships takes time and energy. However, the results can be transformative and worth the effort. Here are a few thoughts on finding your new tribe or circle.

Before seeking new connections, understand your own values, interests, aspirations, and what you seek in friendships or community. Ask yourself:

• What activities or topics do I want to pursue? 
• What values are non-negotiable for me in friendships?

Let friends and family members know that you are looking to expand your social circle. They might introduce you to people with similar interests or invite you to events where you can meet new individuals.

Join clubs or networking groups related to your hobbies, community service, and professional life. Your library is a great place to start as they offer information on local groups and activities. It is also easy to use the internet to locate groups with interests similar to your own. Just type in a few words describing what you might enjoy doing and the opportunities will be endless.

Finally, smile and be open to other people’s ideas and views on life. When you are genuinely interested in what others have to say, you will discover a multitude of people who want to spend time with you and befriend you. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The only way to have a friend is to be one.”   Janice

I am thinking of the parts of me that I can now officially call "weak."

Weak Mind - One day I was helping my granddaughter with her homework and I looked at an animal and called it a zebra. She looked at me and said "Lovey, that is a giraffe." Ouch!

Weak Bladder - I am regressing back to childhood behavior where I don't seem to have enough advance time to get to the bathroom. It happens so fast that I have to make a quick break for the restroom way too often. Ughh!

Weak Knees - Knee surgery aside, the old knees aren't what they used to be. Too much popping and cracking. I thought this only happened to old people. Alas!

Weak Back - The dreaded belly fat that I hear comes from stress has caused my back to weaken. Well I would prefer to think it is from stress rather than me sitting on my butt for hours at a time. Anyway, when the belly grows, the back goes. Whew!

Weak Eyes - I was bragging that my near-sighted eye now compensated for my far-sighted eye. Therefore I can see much better than most people my age. The joke was on me. I pulled out a speeding ticket (my first) that I planned to take to court on the 26th. Looking at it with glasses, I saw the court date was 06. The 0 looked just like a 2 to me without glasses. Missed my court date and had to pay the full fine. Whoops!  

I cannot say I enjoy new changes to my body as I grow older, but I intend to do my best to cope and live my life  to the fullest. To all of you who share similar weaknesses, I say "Power On."     Janice

Always looking forward keeps you mentally busy and can be really tiresome. For some reason I've been under the impression that I will always have enough time in my life to do the things I want to do, so the planning in my head never stops. Growing older never seemed real, but now reality is setting in. I'm not done, but boy does every day get a little harder.

I wonder about those people who are just sitting on their porch as you drive by in the country. They're not reading a book, not texting, not watching tv, and they don't look like they're getting ready to get up and go anywhere. They are just sitting. They might raise their hand for a wave when they see someone pass by, or on the other hand, there may be no indication that they notice anyone or anything around them. How do they do it? Maybe they're exhausted from a life of hard work, but they have sense enough to know when to recognize the need to stop pushing and call it a day.

I bet just sitting without constant activity would make days seem a little longer. A sitter's life might even seem 10 or 20 years longer than one of the busy bees who must always be in motion. An extra 10 or 20 years might not be too bad, so maybe someday I'll stop and ask for a lesson in just sitting. It might not be easy, but I'm teachable.  Janice

Age is just a number, they say. And indeed, at 78, many might think it's time to slow down, but for me, it's an opportunity to ramp things up. So why am I pouring my heart and soul into building an online yoga business at this stage of life?

First and foremost, it's my passion for sharing a lifetime of knowledge. Throughout my journey, yoga has been my constant companion, offering solace, strength, and wisdom. Now, through the power of the internet, I have the chance to share this gift with people from all corners of the globe, transcending time zones and borders.

But it's not just about spreading knowledge; it's about making a tangible difference in people's lives. The pandemic taught me the value of resilience and adaptability. Despite the challenges and setbacks, I've remained steadfast in my commitment to wellness and helping others. Whether it's through social media posts, creating healthy meal replacements, designing 2 minute yoga breaks, meticulously planning classes, or teaching online and private sessions, every effort is a step towards empowering individuals of all ages and abilities to embrace the transformative power of yoga.

Sure, the journey hasn't been easy. There have been moments of frustration and doubt, especially when progress didn't unfold as I envisioned. But something deep within me propels me forward, driving me to persevere even in the face of adversity. It's the unwavering belief that I have something meaningful to offer, and the conviction that every small step forward is a step towards fulfilling my purpose.

In these uncertain times, I've learned that growth often emerges from the most unexpected places. The challenges I've encountered have only deepened my resolve and sharpened my expertise. With each passing day, I'm reminded of the profound impact yoga can have on individuals, fostering physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

To those who may be on a similar journey, facing their own trials and tribulations, I say this: you're not alone. We're all navigating the twists and turns of life, striving to make a difference in our own unique ways. Your perseverance is commendable, and your resilience is inspiring.

As we continue on this path together, I invite you to share your stories, your struggles, and your triumphs. Let's create a supportive community where we can uplift and encourage one another. After all, the wisdom of many is often greater than that of one.

Together, let's unlock the limitless potential within ourselves and others, one breath at a time.   Leslie Matthews

We all experience glass-half-full and glass-half-empty days. I think most of us naturally lean more toward one way or the other, perhaps from circumstances or just our innate disposition. Nevertheless, I think we can learn to cultivate a more positive outlook in our daily life.

As I grow older, I seem to be leaning more toward a glass-half-full mentality. It has not always been that way with me and sometimes I am surprised that I am looking on the bright side of things. Perhaps it is because I can look back on my life with some pride and I am no longer as worried about what the future will bring. Of course, as with everyone, there are always situations and changes in my life that are not positive. It just seems that a lifetime of experiences has proven to me that things often turn out better than I anticipated and I have learned new ways to cope. 

If you need a little help changing your mindset I have a few suggestions.

• Practice some self-compassion.
• Reframe setbacks as opportunities for learning. 
• Celebrate even small victories throughout your day.
• When you face a challenge, seek support from friends and mentors.
• Embrace change.
• Remember patience and perseverance are essential for successful outcomes.

Here's to a positive outlook on life for all of us!   Janice

There are times when we find ourselves stalled, caught in a rut where progress seems elusive, and momentum feels like a distant memory. Have you lost momentum in any of these areas? 

• Healthy eating
• Movement and exercise
• Career
• Education
• Home
• Personal projects
• Spiritual life
• Relationships

Of course, these are just a few areas that can overwhelm us at times. Whether due to unexpected challenges or simply the ebb and flow of motivation, losing momentum can be disheartening. However, it's essential to recognize that these moments are not permanent roadblocks, but rather opportunities for growth and renewal. Regaining momentum requires introspection, resilience, and a strategic approach to reignite the spark of progress.

The first step in regaining momentum is to acknowledge and accept the current situation. Avoidance or denial only prolongs the stagnation. By facing the reality of the circumstances, one can begin to assess what led to the loss of momentum in the first place. Understanding the root causes provides valuable insights for charting a path forward. Do any of these contributors inhibit your momentum?

• Lack of purpose
• Unrealistic goals
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Burnout
• Doubt
• Exhaustion
• Lack of support from others
• Time management

Once the factors contributing to the loss of momentum are identified, it's time to recalibrate. This involves revisiting goals and priorities, ensuring they align with current circumstances and aspirations. Sometimes, goals need to be adjusted or broken down into smaller, more manageable milestones. This not only makes progress feel more attainable but also allows for greater flexibility in adapting to unforeseen challenges. For the next 7 days I will be reassessing my own inhibitors and documenting my goals. I invite you to do the same and then we can move to the next step: Cultivating a Positive Mindset.   Janice

* Note that some factors such as depression may need to be addressed by a professional health care worker.

At night my mind begins to play games with me. It tells me that things are not right in my world and the questions begin. Why didn't I start this or that? Why don't I stop this or that? Why don't I do this or that any more? Why can't I make things better? I begin to doubt my decisions and path. I replay the negative information I ingested during the day. Next comes fear. What if . . .?  

After a session of tormenting myself, I remind myself that God is with me. I recognize that I must make a decision—and I do. I decide that tomorrow will be the best time to sort things out. Tomorrow I will be rested and more focused. The answers will come. 

This scenario plays out more often than not and for some reason, each time, it takes me a while to recognize the pattern. When morning comes, as I suspected, I am rested and more focused. It is time to address the questions from the night before. However, in the light of day things change.  I am renewed. My nighttime anxiety fades and I go forward and face whatever comes.  Janice

I can't draw. When I was a child, a couple times each year we would travel to Iowa to spend time with our family. I loved seeing my grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. The cousins were so much fun and we would spend hours playing together and doing simple things like pretending to be our own ¨GT5 rock and roll band,¨ acting out our own plays, solving Encyclopedia Brown mysteries, and getting out the Crayola 64 box to color pictures. 

A couple of my cousins were very talented artists. One wanted to be a cartoonist and without hesitation he could sketch various characters in seconds. Time after time I would watch him quickly draw lines and curves and suddenly an image would appear. My favorite was Astro Boy because my cousin showed me how to break down the various pencil movements so that I, too, could draw a character. After some painstaking efforts, I could draw my own Astro Boy, but it was obvious that I was not born with the talent that my cousin possessed. His drawings flowed from his hand, through the pencil, and to the paper with ease, and he could not stop himself from drawing. It was part of him. I remember drawing Astro Boy over and over again, but each one was an effort as I created it using the directions he gave me. I became bored with Astro Boy and decided drawing wasn't for me. I reconciled myself to the fact that I was not and would never be an artist of any type. I had no idea that artists and creatives are more than painters and sketchers and that creative ability manifests itself in endless ways. It took me years to figure that out.  Janice