Would you believe this is the 384th article posted in the newsletter over the last five and a half years? The question we are pondering this week is "How might what matters to us find expression in the life we now have? "
Reading this post made me sad. Maybe you are still trying to do what you think you should, rather than doing what you want to do to make yourself feel better. If I cut out lots of fabric at once like I used to, my hands hurt a lot the next day. So I cut out a few pieces that I can sew that day. That’s a small thing that makes me happy. I’m not sure about posting this comment because I know what a pain it is to get advice from people. Maybe I am nothing like you and shouldn’t comment but I can feel you looking at the negatives. I look at the negatives too and sometimes feel sad that I can’t go on long bush walks any more but I still enjoy a 15 min walk to the park and back. Just tell me to shut up if you like.
Hi Val, You're absolutely right, I was looking at the negatives and there is a part of me that still listens to the 'shoulds." The past week has been better - I'm making a concerted effort to work on some very old habits. Thanks for your important reminder and take care!
Let us know how you get on with your search for knee exercises. I am feeling optimistic for you. Now, when are we going to see more of your lovely art work, Janice? It is a fine addition to your new "persona" if you ask me, and I always see how you express yourself in paint.
Hi Sharron - I asked Chatgpt - for a save my knee daily routine. It suggested a hot pad in the morning, strengthening the thigh muscle and doing leg lifts if possible, walking, a way to use the stairs more comfortably -it's much slower but much more comfortable, and then getting out of the car with more ease. I've been doing the plan for a week - and I say very cautiously - feel improvement. But I've also found lots of chair routines online that I want to explore. OAN:: Typically, the art comes on the week there is a pop-up discussion, some are acrylic and some are colored pencil, but I haven't been doing any lately- thank you for noticing. If I do new ones, they will probably be of the colored pencil variety though - time for a different approach.
Hi Janice ~ I only have one more session of cardio rehab after twelve week of MWF morning exercise. I think I may sign up for the self-directed wellness exercise at the hospital now. Not because I like doing it, but because I feel so much better. I hope I can find the motivation. I have always known that I needed to "refill my own pitcher" so I could help others. I always used my yearly trips to Sanibel to do that. I still go to the island yearly, but not so I can survive teaching another year -- but so I am ready whenever God presents smaller opportunities to serve. It seems that my purpose remains the same: encouraging others. I do notice that even "smaller trips" into Nature now -- a walk in the park, a day by the pool, a morning digging in the garden -- do the same for me that a Florida trip has always done. I am able to write notes of encouragement to friends, attend a community meeting, help promote a former student's project, etc. Thanks for another thought-provoking newsletter. I think I'm on the right track. {{Hugs}}
I've been thinking a lot about the idea that one of the greatest burdens we can pass on is an unlived life. I spent years directing so much of my energy toward other people that I sometimes did it at my own expense. I'm realizing that living more authentically may be one of the best things I can do for myself and, ironically, for the people around me too. It gives them permission to see what's possible.
I love that you were able to receive your daughters advice without bristling. Since turning 60 a year ago I have been beset by health issues, not least of which is a torn meniscus and a frozen shoulder and I feel so old. I know that to maintain independence and quality of life I have to exercise around my current limitations.
Hi Tracey, That's what I'm coming to learn as well, I have to learn to exercise within my limitations. I can't walk 10,000 steps every day, but I can walk 5000 so that's what I do - usually that is.
Hi Janice, I am 77 and I don't think I've ever given much thought to aging, at least until now. Now I'm going through some health issues. I am scheduled for a hysterectomy on Oct 2, but in the meantime I'm dealing with a UTI and kidney infection. So...kind of miserable, but getting better antibiotics work. So...that being said, I'm doing what I can to take of myself. I'm hoping that the hysterectomy will improve things and can move on. I've always been relatively healthy and active and I would like to continue being that way. Thankyou for sharing!
My purpose includes a seniors exercise class at the Y. We encourage each other to keep doing what we can. I was in my 20's when my Mom passed away, and I sometimes wonder if she'd have lived longer if she had given some loving care to herself. So part of my purpose is to take good care of myself in order to be here for my children, grandchildren, great grandchild. Smiling at other people and offering encouragement takes very little physical energy, but enriches all involved.
Hi, I think your point is well taken in regard to giving loving care to ourselves. That is absolutely part of my purpose - to take good care of myself in order to be there for my family.
Would you believe this is the 384th article posted in the newsletter over the last five and a half years? The question we are pondering this week is "How might what matters to us find expression in the life we now have? "
I so enjoy your sharing. Thank you for this newsletter.
Purpose feels like something we're told to find once and keep. This is a good reminder that it's actually something we keep rebuilding
Ohhhhh this is exactly what I am struggling with right now. You gave me some things to ponder. Thank you.
A super ager. A society of its own. Welcome.
Amazing as always Janice 🙌
I enjoyed this article! I have some arthritis issues, and I still do some walking and some exercises.
Hi Barbara, I think we have to keep on doing the best we can.
True, Janice!
Reading this post made me sad. Maybe you are still trying to do what you think you should, rather than doing what you want to do to make yourself feel better. If I cut out lots of fabric at once like I used to, my hands hurt a lot the next day. So I cut out a few pieces that I can sew that day. That’s a small thing that makes me happy. I’m not sure about posting this comment because I know what a pain it is to get advice from people. Maybe I am nothing like you and shouldn’t comment but I can feel you looking at the negatives. I look at the negatives too and sometimes feel sad that I can’t go on long bush walks any more but I still enjoy a 15 min walk to the park and back. Just tell me to shut up if you like.
Hi Val, You're absolutely right, I was looking at the negatives and there is a part of me that still listens to the 'shoulds." The past week has been better - I'm making a concerted effort to work on some very old habits. Thanks for your important reminder and take care!
Let us know how you get on with your search for knee exercises. I am feeling optimistic for you. Now, when are we going to see more of your lovely art work, Janice? It is a fine addition to your new "persona" if you ask me, and I always see how you express yourself in paint.
Hi Sharron - I asked Chatgpt - for a save my knee daily routine. It suggested a hot pad in the morning, strengthening the thigh muscle and doing leg lifts if possible, walking, a way to use the stairs more comfortably -it's much slower but much more comfortable, and then getting out of the car with more ease. I've been doing the plan for a week - and I say very cautiously - feel improvement. But I've also found lots of chair routines online that I want to explore. OAN:: Typically, the art comes on the week there is a pop-up discussion, some are acrylic and some are colored pencil, but I haven't been doing any lately- thank you for noticing. If I do new ones, they will probably be of the colored pencil variety though - time for a different approach.
❤️😊
Congrats on the 384th!! To answer your question I push thru. I have never been one to take the easy way out.
Hi CK - That it is what it takes - pushing through. In my mind you have a plus because you know how to use humor - it is such a gift for all.
🙏🏻
Hi Janice ~ I only have one more session of cardio rehab after twelve week of MWF morning exercise. I think I may sign up for the self-directed wellness exercise at the hospital now. Not because I like doing it, but because I feel so much better. I hope I can find the motivation. I have always known that I needed to "refill my own pitcher" so I could help others. I always used my yearly trips to Sanibel to do that. I still go to the island yearly, but not so I can survive teaching another year -- but so I am ready whenever God presents smaller opportunities to serve. It seems that my purpose remains the same: encouraging others. I do notice that even "smaller trips" into Nature now -- a walk in the park, a day by the pool, a morning digging in the garden -- do the same for me that a Florida trip has always done. I am able to write notes of encouragement to friends, attend a community meeting, help promote a former student's project, etc. Thanks for another thought-provoking newsletter. I think I'm on the right track. {{Hugs}}
Jan, I think you are too - on the right track. That's what it seems to be about finding smaller - other ways to serve. Take care!
I've been thinking a lot about the idea that one of the greatest burdens we can pass on is an unlived life. I spent years directing so much of my energy toward other people that I sometimes did it at my own expense. I'm realizing that living more authentically may be one of the best things I can do for myself and, ironically, for the people around me too. It gives them permission to see what's possible.
Nathan, I think you're on to something - living authentically may just be the best thing we can do for others.
I love that you were able to receive your daughters advice without bristling. Since turning 60 a year ago I have been beset by health issues, not least of which is a torn meniscus and a frozen shoulder and I feel so old. I know that to maintain independence and quality of life I have to exercise around my current limitations.
Hi Tracey, That's what I'm coming to learn as well, I have to learn to exercise within my limitations. I can't walk 10,000 steps every day, but I can walk 5000 so that's what I do - usually that is.
What a great update! Small shifts do matter! Thanks so much for sharing!
Hi Denyse, Small shifts do matter and they are what keep us going.
Hi Janice, I am 77 and I don't think I've ever given much thought to aging, at least until now. Now I'm going through some health issues. I am scheduled for a hysterectomy on Oct 2, but in the meantime I'm dealing with a UTI and kidney infection. So...kind of miserable, but getting better antibiotics work. So...that being said, I'm doing what I can to take of myself. I'm hoping that the hysterectomy will improve things and can move on. I've always been relatively healthy and active and I would like to continue being that way. Thankyou for sharing!
Hi Vicki, Best wishes on your upcoming surgery and other issues. Let us know how you are doing?
My purpose includes a seniors exercise class at the Y. We encourage each other to keep doing what we can. I was in my 20's when my Mom passed away, and I sometimes wonder if she'd have lived longer if she had given some loving care to herself. So part of my purpose is to take good care of myself in order to be here for my children, grandchildren, great grandchild. Smiling at other people and offering encouragement takes very little physical energy, but enriches all involved.
Hi, I think your point is well taken in regard to giving loving care to ourselves. That is absolutely part of my purpose - to take good care of myself in order to be there for my family.