We
have many informative sessions out here in the desert in Boomerville. The most recent was on how to age gracefully.
Even
though I considered this a lost cause for myself, I at least wanted to attend
and ask “why?” My plan is to be an
embarrassment to my family and children and I’d say I’m right on track, and I’m
pretty sure my kids would say I accomplished this mission some time ago.
But
I plodded over to the circle with my chair, water, notepad and big floppy hat
to see what I might have missed. It was
a delightful lesson and covered all aspects of being vibrant and alive right up
until death.
Being
in Boomerville is like attending an RV Elderhostel where we have planned
outings, gatherings and classes. It has
been an experience I will cherish for years and is enriching my life in ways I
would never have foreseen.
The
main ingredient it seems to aging gracefully is attitude. No surprise there. Life is what you make it and you need to
adjust your mindset to what is happening around you.
It
reminded me of a Jewish precept I’d learned long ago. The question: “who is the happiest man on
earth?” The answer: “he who is content
with his lot in life.” If you’re happy
with what you have and stop lusting over the next “thing” you might be able to
obtain, life is so much simpler. I do
not see this as just settling for what you have.
My
daughter wrote a beautiful song many years ago and the line that resonates with
me is about stopping the chase of all the shiny things I thought would set me
free. How she got so smart so young in
life amazes me.
After
shedding all the excess “stuff” of my life, both material and mental, to embark on this RV
journey; I have never felt more alive.
My current sense is that whatever happens I am not alone, I am protected
and cared for by a higher power. I do not worry anymore about running out of
anything, I am certain that I will always have “enough”. And it really is having “just enough” that
you need, the extra is just baggage to drag around.
Long Live the Queen of Graceful Living
You are one smart lady, and that's probably how your daughter go so smart. My oldest daughter tells folks, "I got that honestly from my mother." Sometimes, I think she could keep all the credit for herself! I was such a mouse way back when, but I taught my kids to speak up for themselves. Not to be rude, but not to be stomped on.
ReplyDeleteI think I'd have enjoyed that recent gathering. I've been okay with my lot in life for many years.
I'm at wor now, so gotta get busy here. You have a wonderful day, Hugs, Edna B.