Oh how we age mentally is totally up to us as well as our actions. The authors and books you mention Don interest me. As I age I strive to be the best I can be. Treat others as I hope to be treated. Be a helper as often as I can. Play is my medicine.
I am still growing into my Elder status, and its lessons and responsibilities. One aspect that I've mostly completed is acceptance of myself--how both my failures and my subsequent life choices over time have strengthened me to grow as a human. I'm still working on how to share what I've learned with patience and kindness towards my family. It's an easier task to fulfill in my community and in my writing.
Amen to this. And note to the wise: While younger adults condescend, kids and sometimes teens are really listening: Have an impact! I just booked to speak in schools in Georgia in February, to kids from 9-11, and I relish the chance to plant not only a love of history, but a sense that there's more than one way of looking at the world. :)
I’ve thought about my legacy for a while. It was my volume of knowledge on desert container gardening. I published two books and have planned for their life beyond me. But now, as I have been thinking back over my life, the legacy is evolving. I don’t have it yet but I agree with Pat that play is the best medicine, coupled with laughter.
Work and Mission, two words that can imply the same thing, or one being the interpretation of the other. I'd like to hear what others have to say about the "Aha!" moment when they knew why they were put here. (And I agree that Jeanette Leardi's book, 'Aging Sideways' is terrific. So quotable!)
Thank you, Don, for inviting Reb Zalman to the conversation. His dying which unfolded consciously over a length of time was such a gift. He had been teaching in the Jewish Renewal community for decades and he clearly saw himself modeling the end-of-life process as part of that teaching.
Oh how we age mentally is totally up to us as well as our actions. The authors and books you mention Don interest me. As I age I strive to be the best I can be. Treat others as I hope to be treated. Be a helper as often as I can. Play is my medicine.
I am still growing into my Elder status, and its lessons and responsibilities. One aspect that I've mostly completed is acceptance of myself--how both my failures and my subsequent life choices over time have strengthened me to grow as a human. I'm still working on how to share what I've learned with patience and kindness towards my family. It's an easier task to fulfill in my community and in my writing.
Thanks for your insights, Don.
Jackie, thank you for this addendum. You can choose your friends and your community, but you can't choose your family, and therein lies the rub.
Amen to this. And note to the wise: While younger adults condescend, kids and sometimes teens are really listening: Have an impact! I just booked to speak in schools in Georgia in February, to kids from 9-11, and I relish the chance to plant not only a love of history, but a sense that there's more than one way of looking at the world. :)
Annette, thank you for this wise reminder!
:)
I’ve thought about my legacy for a while. It was my volume of knowledge on desert container gardening. I published two books and have planned for their life beyond me. But now, as I have been thinking back over my life, the legacy is evolving. I don’t have it yet but I agree with Pat that play is the best medicine, coupled with laughter.
Excellent, as always, Don.
Work and Mission, two words that can imply the same thing, or one being the interpretation of the other. I'd like to hear what others have to say about the "Aha!" moment when they knew why they were put here. (And I agree that Jeanette Leardi's book, 'Aging Sideways' is terrific. So quotable!)
Thank you, Don, for inviting Reb Zalman to the conversation. His dying which unfolded consciously over a length of time was such a gift. He had been teaching in the Jewish Renewal community for decades and he clearly saw himself modeling the end-of-life process as part of that teaching.
Susie, I was not aware of his conscious end-of-life modeling. Thank you for sharing it.
Hi, You just defined what I've been trying to do in my way. Very interesting, and I'm looking forward to reading some new material.
Thanks, Janice. I hope it's helpful
👍