Really anywhere, if I just do it!

I am getting older (who isn’t?) and sometimes feel as if the best part of life is behind me. I know this doesn’t have to be true, but I am struggling to embrace that “second season” of life. What shall I do with it? Am I doing enough?

Fun music and dancing!

I am sitting too much, now that I am retired! I am working to change that pattern–of course, snow and ice haven’t helped here.
I can move more even around the house.
Spring is coming!

To my father. He didn’t get to go to college but he made sure I and the rest of my siblings did, at great cost and sacrifice. It has created a life for us without the difficulties of working in manual labor positions as he did. Thank you, Dad.

I have never thought of weeds being useful, but these comments opened my eyes. I grew up pulling large, noxious weeds out of the dry ground of the southwest, and that is all I remember about weeds. I will now pay more attention–I live in a very different part of the country now and perhaps I can learn something from my weeds here!

I value the truth, especially in politics.

The people I love. Without these relationships I would not be the person I am.

A good meal. The way my husband greets me each morning. Open time. Doing art. Having a craft beer with my friends. So many things!

A nice walk, a conversation with a friend, sunshine, a new art project..

Having recently retired, there are many things I can let go of. High quality professional clothing that others can use. Our second car, eventually. And I am most definitely reading much less online news. All these things lighten my life.

At times when I have felt like reacting to something, I am able to wait and see what the eventual outcome is. It has served me well in emotionally charged situations. If I could just remember to do it all the time!

I am newly retired and am eager to see what shows up for me. I know staying active keeps my mind and body healthy so that will be a priority. I love to make and look at art, so that will be at the top of the list, too. Just having the open time to explore will be a great gift!

Thank you, Anna, for your wise words.

Holly, I want to thank you for your words of wisdom a couple of weeks ago regarding my far right family member. You gave me permission somehow to just let her be for now. It has really helped.

I love this! Thank you, Carol. You gave me a way to manage the ongoing chatter in my head!

So true, Lauryn!

It is horrifying to realize that most of us carry racism within, much of it unconscious. I grew up in a prejudiced household and thought I had overcome that, but my grandson has pointed out several ways how systemic it is in many of us babyboomers, and that things I never even thought about before can now come across as racist and unconscious. It is important to recognize these things in us so that we can change them. Awareness is the first step, Howie. Thank you for sharing.

I have the same issue. I don’t know why I default to negative thoughts. I remind myself to come back to the present and breathe.

I like this idea to be real, rather than perfect. It does take some of the pressure off. Thank you for sharing it.