You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt, as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear, as young as your hope, as old as your despair....Douglas MacArthur
The topic of aging continues to be a challenging one for most of us. There is so much written
about the art of aging gracefully; the importance of living a full life at any age, the importance of aging within a loving and supportive community, the importance of tapping into our inner beauty, and the importance of connecting to our spiritual selves. It's as if the aging journey can be tied up in a nice red bow!
But the reality for many of us, especially in a media driven society, is that the process of aging is a sensitive one. It begs questions like-- What is appropriate for me to fight versus what is appropriate for me to embrace? Doesn't aiming to be my best self mean looking and feeling good mentally and physically as I have felt in my youth? Am I still relevant when I'm older?
On a macro level the topic forces us to look at our perceptions about aging and ask --Do we view the process negatively or positively? Do we feel wiser, more revered and respected at this time in our lives as many older women do in other cultures? Do we honor the things we can still tackle both mentally and physically or mourn the loss of what was?
For many in our Circle this month there was much to say and certainly not enough time to discuss it all. However, there were points and concerns shared that are valuable to all of us:
* We must all focus upon what we can do in the present moments rather than focus on what we can no longer do as we get older
* We must each tap into our personal dialogues and beliefs about our perceptions of aging and ask ourselves if they're serving us
* We must stay passionate, engaged, and connected socially and spiritually each and every day
* We must give of ourselves to others
* We must remember that staying physically, mentally and emotionally fit provides a much smoother aging ride. Stay up to those challenges!
* Focus on how YOU FEEL and what actions and thoughts are appropriate for you alone in order to be your best self no matter what everyone else around you is feeling or doing
* Continually ask yourself if you're accepting the limits of others or listening to your own guidance system
* Start focusing and feeling your way towards how you'd like the next 10-20 years to unfold. As the late Dr. Wayne Dyer teaches--see it as done and already accomplished and bask in those wonderful feelings
* Practice gratitude daily
* LET GO, LET GO, LET GO of thinking about your age and how much time you may or may not have left on the earth. Even though letting go can be hard, you will reap the rewards from it
IN THE END , IT'S NOT THE YEARS IN YOUR LIFE THAT COUNT, IT'S THE LIFE IN YOUR YEARS--ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Please let us know your thoughts and add to this conversation below. There are many of us out there who would be so grateful for your input!