Jemma's Tales
Aging With Style #2
August 31, 2016
Awhile back I asked for suggestions on topics of interest to you all and one of them was aging with style.I think that today might just be a good day for me to share some thoughts on that topic.Aging with style is a mindset, like so many things in life-it is a choice, an intentional action, a cohesive thought on where you are going and how you are going to get there.I sort of think of it as boarding a train, we wouldn't just hop on a train without knowing where it was taking us, or not having packed.So today I am sharing with you some of the items that I have packed for my new train ride into the future.I must be honest, I am not so crazy about this new route.All of my children have officially flown the coop, in fact they are thriving without me.(Can you imagine that-they don't need my guidance anymore! Shame on them...)So this has left me with time to "fill."Hmmm...I don't like that notion of filling time-because in my heart I know that it should be savored, devoured, explored, grabbed, gobbled up and made use of-not filled.Life is short, life is precious, life is wonderful.
Do Not Coast Through Life At Any Age Never Ever!
"Insanity is coasting through life." Morgan FreemanI remember looking at my parents at the age that I am now and thinking that they had"arrived."That the train had stopped and they most likely were just going to coast from here on out.I say to myself now "what a foolish girl you were."I mean seriously who wants to coast for the last 30 years of their life?
I know they had hopes, dreams and adventures to still be taken and it is holding onto those dreams, fulfilling as many that are reasonable that helps a person to age with style.
Those Hikers In Colorado-They Have HOPE!
While we were hiking in Colorado at a whopping 11,000 feet my husband and I had to take a little breather. As most of you know we live in Texas at a high altitude of 430 feet.The available oxygen at 11,000 feet is considerably less than at 430 feet.Well as we were leaning against a tree, several spry 80 plus year old's passed us without so much asa huff or puff.It was these older hikers dreams and hopes... that were keeping them vital and active -it is crucial to do so to age with style.Never, ever adopt the attitude of I can't, if there is a dream that you want to follow DO IT!
New Dreams, Exploration, Spiritual and Mental Growth
As I look in my suitcase that I have loaded up for the next years of my life I see I packednew dreams, exploration, spiritual and mental growth, letting go, new styles, acceptance and laughter.I'd like my train to take me to that new mountain to climb, let me explore the new possibilities whichexist in life and God please grant me the opportunities and sight to see them.
Look Forward With HopeFocus on looking forward to the future with hope of new experiences, joy in the present and gratitude for what was. Take those moments of sadness that some of the journey is behind us and replace it with complete joy for the moments, memories and delight in what was and what still can be.Love the life you have, no matter what "phase," you are currently in.
New Role ModelDelight in being a new role model for other woman, family members, and peers.Give your time with a generous heart.Be a woman with a lilt in her step who lives with intention, hope, encouragement and delight in her own life and by doing that she is able to be mindfully present in the lives of others, as well as her own.
Prayers of ThankfulnessLet all prayers begin with thankfulness for the many blessings that we have had.For those heartaches, disappointments, losses, and ill-health which have paved some of the path of life, make them lessons which make us stronger and not bitter.
Attitude is Everything (great read - Huffington Post by Dr. Hyder Zahed)
Are we going to have to push ourselves?You bet we are, but just remember how when you were a kid and pushed yourselfso hard to run down the street, jump rope, ride a bike, swim and in the end it felt so good.This will too.xo
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Great post and so inspirational! I think when you get to a certain age you just accept where you are and there is a peace to just enjoy life more. There is no more striving for what you have to accomplish...it is just living each day fully. Having the Lord in my life helps me do that.
ReplyDeleteJemma - this is beautiful and I feel so blessed to know you. I Really enjoyed - Love the looking forward with Hope and beginning prayers with thankfulness is fantastic. It just really sets the tone for life because God has blessed each and everyone of us with so much.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a beautiful day friend!
Carole @ Garden Up Green
Hello Jemma, great post. It is nice to know our children can thrive without us. I plan on living each day fully and be thankful. Thanks for sharing. Happy Wednesday, enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteI remember when my father died at 59 I thought he had lived his life. I was so wrong! Now I think he died just when his life could have began, as he worked hard and never enjoyed retirement.
ReplyDeleteThe one negative about aging is it takes us closer to the day we will be gone, and there's always more to see and do. There's never enough time, but time is something none of us can control, so we may as well focus on making the most of it.
xxx
Having 3 people pass away in the last 9 mos. has made me think about these kinds of things a lot. We want our children to thrive and make their way in the world but sometimes it takes them to unexpected places. I've had to adjust quite a bit too that whole subject. I've never been one to have big goals about doing things like climbing mountains but whatever the goal is it's good to have them. My gardens bring me satisfaction and peace. It's a gift from God and I am so grateful for it.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful post my friend. I definitely like to evaluate my life...daily. As you get older, you realize how precious every day is and want every minute to count. Hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful, inspirational post, Jemma. Thanks, I needed this today.
ReplyDeleteI love this post! Since I'm older than you, just wanted to say that it's so important to treasure each day, each moment! :) Sometimes we allow "stuff" to get in the way and it's not about that...it's about gratitude, joy, love and just being in the moment. That's all we really have anyway!
ReplyDeletexo
Pat
Thank you for the inspirational thoughts and beautiful photography. My husband rode in the Hotter than hell bike ride last weekend. When he was going over his results, he commented that the times get faster in the older age groups. Then he amazed me by reading the results of the 84-100 age group.
ReplyDeleteWonderful thoughts to live by. I have to say that the years since I was 62 have been some of the best of my life, filled with exploration, joy, new experiences, fun, special relationships. I have no idea how much time I have left (but do any of us) and I'm determined to dance through life with bells while I can!
ReplyDeleteA truly wonderful post! My Grandma Jingles lived to be 92. Her motto was "Never stop learning." She subscribed to medical journals to keep up with her nursing profession, was constantly trying new recipes, knitting stitches and read the New York Times cover to cover every day.
ReplyDeleteI love your attitude! My sister-in-law's dad celebrated his 91st birthday hiking in Alaska recently! What an inspiration. Of course, I know we won't all have the good health to do that, but we can "hike" in other ways.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice piece Jemma. Truly inspirational and such a lovely sentiment. My husband's grandmother use to tell us that she feels like she is young on the inside and now I know what she means. Sometimes I look in the mirror and am surprised at the face that stares back. :) I am so grateful to God for all that I have and all that I am, and have many hopes and dreams to come.
ReplyDeleteJemma,
ReplyDeleteYou are such a beautiful writer! I recently spoke to a 97 year old woman who informed me that I should never refer to myself as old! She said that she is 97 and she was not old and never would be. I laughed at the time, but upon further reflection realize that age really is just a number in so many ways! As a five year breast cancer survivor I cherish each day and try to focus on the special moments that can pass by without us even knowing! Thanks for the reminder!
Tammy
This is such a beautifully written piece Jemma. I really think all of this applies to any age and stage of life.
ReplyDeleteHere's to aging with style!!!
What wonderful inspiration today Jemma. I do think it's all about our attitude at times for sure. I look at my FIL who will be 82 in Feb. and dang, he outworks most of the men in our family. And yes his health is good but he has the mindset of "Life ain't over for me till God calls me home and then I will still live forever....with the King". Love that! Hugs and blessings to you sweet Jemma.
ReplyDeleteCindy
Perfect timing...I love this post. I was getting ready to "fill some of my time". Now I am just looking for a new perspective! :) Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOh, I loved this, Jemma, and it spoke to my heart even more when you used pictures of nature with your words. You mentioned on one of your topics, "New Role Model." Well, you are definitely a role model to me and to so many others, my dear Jemma.
ReplyDeletelove, ~Sheri
ps your enthusiastic way of writing lifts me up and makes me smile. :)
I agree with you on not coasting through life at any age! Life is just too precious for that ♥
ReplyDeletesummerdaisycottage.blogspot.com
At 51 I am not ready to be old, my brain tells me I'm young but my body is in bitter disagreement :) but I won't give in or give up. Life is meant to be lived to the fullest and I know I have to take better care of this beautiful vessel God gifted me with! I want to be those 80 somethings climbing that mountain without a huff or a puff.
ReplyDeleteI love this, and I think you are a great example of someone who will age with style. The older I get, the more I realize that it's time to really live life! We have to try to let go of past mistakes and regrets, and move forward with the lessons we've learned. A big goal for me has become to make my health a priority so that I can enjoy several more decades of travel and time with friends and family. Thanks for your words of wisdom!
ReplyDeleteJemma, what a great post! I so agree, I want to live life to the fullest, never coasting but experiencing every moment that God gives me! Blessings, Pam @ Everyday Living
ReplyDeleteThis was a beautiful post, Jemma. A sweet reminder of so many things and one I needed to hear today as I was feeling that I wasn't up to doing something today because it wasn't as easy as it used to be. Thanks for the push. :)
ReplyDeletexo, T.
Once again, you have inspired us all.
ReplyDeleteNo more coasting. If there is a slight downside to blogging and being involved in other blogging activities, it is all the sitting. It's time to look for balance :)
Beautiful post with lots of sound advice! As I near the big 60 you can bet I'm taking it all to heart!
ReplyDeleteI really love this! I agree with you about new dreams, hopes, and plans! We must live our lives fully - full of thankfulness for what we have been given, even if we have limitations!
ReplyDeleteLove this & I agree 100%! Personally, I think you are happier, more balanced & at peace now than in the whole time I've known you! Keep up the good work & keep moving forward! ❤️❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteAh my friend, you are smart and inspiring. Just look at the gift you have given others today. :)
ReplyDeleteAn enjoyable post Jemma! Read it all. I like your attitude, especially about "never accept 'I can't.'"
ReplyDeleteGreat post Jemma! I never think about my age and actually have a hard time telling my correct age without actually thinking about it. LOL I think we're to live life full on... everyday. Jesus came to bring us the abundant life. If we sit around we'll never experience it. xo
ReplyDeleteLife is a precious gift and I so appreciate it. Love your thoughts and dreams on aging with style. Our age is just a number and I don't let it dictate who I am. Enjoy! xo
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
ReplyDeleteJemma this is a beautifully written and heartfelt post. I wish you today on your birthday and everyday my fellow Virgo sister the wisdom and grace of age and the heart and spirit of being forever young.
ReplyDeleteSending love,
Vera
Long, long ago an elderly woman told me that I should 'just keep on doing' what I loved to do, and that as long as I didn't stop, I'd be able to do it all my life. I've followed that philosophy - I love to move, I love to learn, I love to meet new people, try new things.......
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Jemma! Wonderfully written!
ReplyDeleteJemma, As always, an inspiration. Thanks, Joan-My Cookie Clinic
ReplyDeleteJemma this is so beautifully written, and the words ring true for me (and apparently for many of your readers, as seen from the lovely comments everyone has left you!). These were just the words of encouragement I needed to hear this week, and I thank you for writing this post and sharing it. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteWendy xox
Beautifully written, Jemma! You couldn't have said it any better!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful and inspirational post! Thank you so much for sharing with us this week at Dishing It & Digging It! :)
ReplyDeleteI envy your life Jemma, because I think you have lived it to the fullest. I am on my 30s and I always cram on things that I do on a daily basis. I have a younger body but my mind is that of a 50 years old. I have read several stories like mine from http://www.trustessays.com/write-my-essay and I can't help but feel a little sad. Because I am preoccupied to working hard while watching over my kids and preparing for their future, that I gave up a lot of things for myself.
ReplyDelete