I make beautiful handmade cards (so everyone says!) that I give to people as keepsakes. I love doing it, especially when I can capture someone’s spirit.

I have an abundance of love, friends, and a stable income in retirement. I have a loving husband, great family, and perhaps most importantly, my mostly good health. I am rich indeed!

As I age, I notice the small things that have gotten harder to do–like walking up a steep hill. I used to do that all the time with barely a lost breath. Now I usually have to stop at least once on the way up. A bit humbling for me. I don’t see myself as “old” but at 66, I guess it is upon me!

I am a friendly person and I hope it spreads out into the world.

What came to mind is aging. I am now of Medicare age (!) and know that aging will bring a whole new set of challenges and opportunities. I sometimes can’t believe I am the age of my grandparents, and I remember thinking of them as so old! I think I will face the fears of aging with a good sense of humor, rather than worry about all the things that could happen to me!

I have applied to be a mentor to a newly arrived Afghani family. I helped another family from that country a few years ago and it was the most enriching experience of my life.

Be kind to all my relations.

My entire day just got upended with all my plans changing. I usually don’t react well to that, but I am instead opening myself up to what else may enter my life today instead. That would be more healing, than pouting… 🙂

Plans get changed all the time. I have always chafed at that but since Covid, many things happen to change plans. I still don’t like it but I am trying to “go with the flow” more and accept that life is an ever changing adventure.

My husband always gets up earlier than me and cleans the kitchen. He takes pride in making sure all the dishes are done and countertops clean. It is lovely to wake up to.

A lovely home to live in. A loving husband. Healthy food to eat. I know how lucky I am and I am deeply grateful.

Being in the forest, especially of old growth trees, is the most humbling experience to me.

Seeing my husband in the morning. Reading emails from friends. Walks.

You are always spot on, Elaine!
Linda

Yes!!

Thank you, Holly. I am really looking forward to it. I am still friends with the first Afghani family. There were 4 children; all have gone to college, 3 have married, two have children and the parents are doing well overall.

I like that: the grease that soothes the squeaky-grinding gears of life. So true.

Yes, they are pheromones! May you experience many more…

Good for you, Elaine!

That is so true, Maurice! Thank you for this reminder.