This is a very poignant article. I'm not far behind you in age (81), and I wrestle with the same quality-of-life issues. Fortunately, I got a "heads up" when, twenty years ago, I became a bedside hospice volunteer.
During my 10 years at the Zen Guest House, I had the privilege of serving people who knew they had little time left and wanted to share their wisdom with listeners. Quality-of-life issues were immediate for them: there was nothing theoretical about quality. Each knew that, at the most, they had six months to live.
I listened for 10 years and came away a very different person: I went from a highly regimented academic to someone whose values shifted enough to put quality-of-life concerns above the usual superficial ones people cite. Your article does a beautiful job of distinguishing between the two.
I find that my purpose in life is to do all the things I didn't have time for when I was working. I am learning to cook. I just published a novel. I go to the beach twice a day. I smile. I had time to smile before, but I didn't do it often. I think this period of my life is to lead by example; to show others that happiness is a state of mind.
What can we do to experience quality of life given our current circumstances?
My need is to be needed and not feel invisible.
Enjoyed the comment from Stan regarding hospice volunteering. Do you remain a volunteer?
Janice, as always, your insight is remarkable & appreciated🤗
I know the feeling!
Hi Janice,
This is a very poignant article. I'm not far behind you in age (81), and I wrestle with the same quality-of-life issues. Fortunately, I got a "heads up" when, twenty years ago, I became a bedside hospice volunteer.
During my 10 years at the Zen Guest House, I had the privilege of serving people who knew they had little time left and wanted to share their wisdom with listeners. Quality-of-life issues were immediate for them: there was nothing theoretical about quality. Each knew that, at the most, they had six months to live.
I listened for 10 years and came away a very different person: I went from a highly regimented academic to someone whose values shifted enough to put quality-of-life concerns above the usual superficial ones people cite. Your article does a beautiful job of distinguishing between the two.
I find that my purpose in life is to do all the things I didn't have time for when I was working. I am learning to cook. I just published a novel. I go to the beach twice a day. I smile. I had time to smile before, but I didn't do it often. I think this period of my life is to lead by example; to show others that happiness is a state of mind.