Your article reminded me of navigating a large ship into port. The successful docking isn't decided at the pier. It's determined by the course corrections made miles before you ever arrive. So many of our choices work the same way. We notice the consequences downstream, but the decision that shaped them happened much earlier, often before we realized its importance.
The same has been true emotionally. Ignoring difficult feelings never made them disappear for me. They needed to be acknowledged, cared for, and sometimes shared with someone I trusted before I could actually move through them.
For a long while, Janice, I had been just feeling so much self-pity regarding my worsening physical limitations and chronic pain ...oh poor me! And what is even more frustrating, is constantly worrying about how much worse it is going to get and dreading my future. Now I am trying to face just one day at a time, focusing on TODAY and giving thanks for the bit of mobility I still have. I am going to let tomorrow worry about tomorrow... I remember reading once (sorry, I can't say where...) "If you have something horrible and unavoidable coming in December, you would be fool to let it ruin your September, October, and November."
Ha! I am looking to retire in 6 months from now, and find myself for the first time in my life having trouble making decisions! All of a sudden, there are too many choices to make, each with what seem to be rather unpredictable consequences of possibly hard to correct outcomes...I know, analysis paralysis....it is good to be reminded by your post that not deciding is a decision, too, and take responsibility for that...
@janicewalton My choices are working well. I retired over 20 years ago, but have worked most of that time at a job part-time that pays well and offers engagement, and utilizes my skills. I switched my coaching focus from career management and business development for small business owners (also a part-time endeavor) to helping people focus on planning for their LIFE in retirement, not just their finances. Too many people don't know what to do; some are "afraid to retire" because they don't know what they will do with "all that free time." While there is no one "right way" to retire, you CAN build a life around what matters most to YOU. I help professionals in their 50's and 60's get clarity on what matters most to THEM, and consider all the possibilities they have never considered before, to create a happy, satisfying life for what could be the longest "chapter" of their life!
I have spent my latter years studying coaching which has primarily been a process of personal development and healing. I agree we made choices over our lifetime that helped get us where we are. We can turn things around, our health by degrees if we really want to focus on what we need, more than just adding medications. I choose to keep improving steps each day, to get out into the community and foster friendships. It can be easy to slip into a small quiet life, quite comfortable but oh so boring. I try to make every day count, especially since having a warning heart attack in March. Love your share ❤️
In terms of aging well, how are your choices working for you?
My answer would some work pretty well and others need rethinking.
Your article reminded me of navigating a large ship into port. The successful docking isn't decided at the pier. It's determined by the course corrections made miles before you ever arrive. So many of our choices work the same way. We notice the consequences downstream, but the decision that shaped them happened much earlier, often before we realized its importance.
The same has been true emotionally. Ignoring difficult feelings never made them disappear for me. They needed to be acknowledged, cared for, and sometimes shared with someone I trusted before I could actually move through them.
Hi Nathan, What a great analogy.
For a long while, Janice, I had been just feeling so much self-pity regarding my worsening physical limitations and chronic pain ...oh poor me! And what is even more frustrating, is constantly worrying about how much worse it is going to get and dreading my future. Now I am trying to face just one day at a time, focusing on TODAY and giving thanks for the bit of mobility I still have. I am going to let tomorrow worry about tomorrow... I remember reading once (sorry, I can't say where...) "If you have something horrible and unavoidable coming in December, you would be fool to let it ruin your September, October, and November."
Ha! I am looking to retire in 6 months from now, and find myself for the first time in my life having trouble making decisions! All of a sudden, there are too many choices to make, each with what seem to be rather unpredictable consequences of possibly hard to correct outcomes...I know, analysis paralysis....it is good to be reminded by your post that not deciding is a decision, too, and take responsibility for that...
Thank you for sharing your perspective, Janice. Quite helpful as I maneuver thru menopause and evolve my career and passions.
Thank you so much for sharing your insight. ❤️
@janicewalton My choices are working well. I retired over 20 years ago, but have worked most of that time at a job part-time that pays well and offers engagement, and utilizes my skills. I switched my coaching focus from career management and business development for small business owners (also a part-time endeavor) to helping people focus on planning for their LIFE in retirement, not just their finances. Too many people don't know what to do; some are "afraid to retire" because they don't know what they will do with "all that free time." While there is no one "right way" to retire, you CAN build a life around what matters most to YOU. I help professionals in their 50's and 60's get clarity on what matters most to THEM, and consider all the possibilities they have never considered before, to create a happy, satisfying life for what could be the longest "chapter" of their life!
Hi Colleen, That must be very rewarding work. It's so true, I think, that many people have no plans for after they retire - and are kind of lost.
I have spent my latter years studying coaching which has primarily been a process of personal development and healing. I agree we made choices over our lifetime that helped get us where we are. We can turn things around, our health by degrees if we really want to focus on what we need, more than just adding medications. I choose to keep improving steps each day, to get out into the community and foster friendships. It can be easy to slip into a small quiet life, quite comfortable but oh so boring. I try to make every day count, especially since having a warning heart attack in March. Love your share ❤️
Hi Christine, I like that goal -trying to make every day count. Be well and take care.