Thank you for sharing this, it was so refreshing to read the article 😊 here and I definitely Agree with this perspective and personal 😊 😀 👍🏾 experiences !!! Thank you!!!
We are always evolving. Change is inevitable no matter how we fight it and we MUST change with it. Some changes are so dang hard, but some are so surprising and rewarding!! Aging is not easy but it can certainly be an adventure. Attitude and gratitude is everything.
I found my identity was defined by my work in health care which I worked in for 45+years. Now I'm retired and feel a bit lost and unsure of my purpose.
I so agree with your writing about others defining us when we were younger, from parents, religion, partners, even children sometimes! So my relationship with myself, now in my 70’s, is focusing on what brings me joy, how to bring joy to others, to forgive and let go. Thanks for stimulating these thoughts and reflections. 😊
Janice — How has my relationship with myself changed as I've grown older?
I'm seventy-two. And the honest answer is: better. I have a clearer sense of who I am, what I'm about, where my talents are, where I still struggle, and what I still need to learn. That combination makes this time in my life easier. I'm clearer today.
I think it comes from having spent a lot of time looking at my life. What worked, what didn't. Where I made mistakes. How to fix them and move forward. Recognizing the blessings alongside the losses. Looking at the whole package honestly.
I am nearing 70, my pivot year and I have never been truly alone in the world, ever. I lived through hell and came ou t a gloriously dangerous empath. I finally feel enough. I am worthy of grace through the prayer of St. Francis. I am brave and able to take risks trusting the Serenity prayer.
Hi Robyn, So very true about joy that touches us rather than what touches others. I'm also finding that things that once brought me joy are either no longer available or no longer bring the same joy. Are you finding that to be true as well?
This resonated deeply. I've found that some of the hardest adjustments haven't been to aging itself, but to releasing old identities and assumptions about who I thought I would be. What surprised me most is that letting go created room for something new. Thank you for this thoughtful reflection.
Hi Mary, I'm finding that to be true as well - releasing who I was and what I thought I could do at this age has been a challenge. I'm reminded of the old quote, "When one door closes, another opens."
Hi Janice ~ great question, but difficult. Since I was a teacher for nearly 40 years, I was treated with a lot of respect as an "expert" in my field(s) for many years. Now that I'm nearing 80 and retired I do still have quite a few admirers, but it feels different. A delightful young woman complimented me the other day, "I hope when I'm 80 I look and act like you." Ha! I'm actually trying to figure out what my relationship with myself is right now. Timely article for me. Do I no longer based who I am on knowing things well and base it on my ability to age well? Does that make sense? I'm trying to do both with my Substack blog.
Hi Jan, I'm trying to figure that out as well, because although I have the same personality and qualities, given certain limitations, I'm experimenting with who I can be now. So, we are still experts in our field; we just express it differently. What do you think?
I was a substitute and guest teacher in the classroom for a couple of years, and I supervised counseling interns. That is no longer an option, nor do I want it to be - but my new venue is the newsletter. It's still teaching. As I think about it, you already do that with your writing suggestions, which are so helpful.
I love reading all of your articles!! Tbh, Im still trying to figure out how to adapt as Im getting older & learn how to actually take care of myself, mentally & physically.
My answer would be that I’m listening to myself more and more.
Thank you for sharing this, it was so refreshing to read the article 😊 here and I definitely Agree with this perspective and personal 😊 😀 👍🏾 experiences !!! Thank you!!!
We are always evolving. Change is inevitable no matter how we fight it and we MUST change with it. Some changes are so dang hard, but some are so surprising and rewarding!! Aging is not easy but it can certainly be an adventure. Attitude and gratitude is everything.
I found my identity was defined by my work in health care which I worked in for 45+years. Now I'm retired and feel a bit lost and unsure of my purpose.
Hi Catherine, I know that feeling. Fortunately, writing this newsletter has helped me in that regard.
Interesting reflection. I think perhaps i have clarity about myself and comfort with that.
I’m being kinder to myself. That voice in my head isn’t critical anymore.
Hi Betty, I'm working very hard with that voice to make it more of a coach than a critic.
I enjoy spending time alone .
Hi Karen, So do I.
Always important things to think about. I do worry about my energy level. When I stress I get very tired. I’m trying to own it.
Hi, CK, I sure have noticed a loss in my energy level. A future article is about energy being the new currency and deciding how we want to spend it.
I so agree with your writing about others defining us when we were younger, from parents, religion, partners, even children sometimes! So my relationship with myself, now in my 70’s, is focusing on what brings me joy, how to bring joy to others, to forgive and let go. Thanks for stimulating these thoughts and reflections. 😊
Hi Janet, and unfortunately, I held on to their opinions far too long. What brought me joy this afternoon was. playing with my great-granddaughter.
Janice — How has my relationship with myself changed as I've grown older?
I'm seventy-two. And the honest answer is: better. I have a clearer sense of who I am, what I'm about, where my talents are, where I still struggle, and what I still need to learn. That combination makes this time in my life easier. I'm clearer today.
I think it comes from having spent a lot of time looking at my life. What worked, what didn't. Where I made mistakes. How to fix them and move forward. Recognizing the blessings alongside the losses. Looking at the whole package honestly.
It's not one single thing. It's the accumulation.
— Jim Patterson, Ventura California
Hi James, so it sounds like this has been a lifelong journey for you - one that seems to have served you well.
I am nearing 70, my pivot year and I have never been truly alone in the world, ever. I lived through hell and came ou t a gloriously dangerous empath. I finally feel enough. I am worthy of grace through the prayer of St. Francis. I am brave and able to take risks trusting the Serenity prayer.
I am becoming my best beYOUtiful me!
Hi Janet, I love your final sentence. It's a great reminder.
I’m trying to notice and connect with what really brings me joy, what touches me rather than be directed by others.
Hi Robyn, So very true about joy that touches us rather than what touches others. I'm also finding that things that once brought me joy are either no longer available or no longer bring the same joy. Are you finding that to be true as well?
Yes Janice. It’s small thing bring me joy these days. A blue sky after weeks of rain is doing it right now.
This resonated deeply. I've found that some of the hardest adjustments haven't been to aging itself, but to releasing old identities and assumptions about who I thought I would be. What surprised me most is that letting go created room for something new. Thank you for this thoughtful reflection.
Hi Mary, I'm finding that to be true as well - releasing who I was and what I thought I could do at this age has been a challenge. I'm reminded of the old quote, "When one door closes, another opens."
Hi Janice ~ great question, but difficult. Since I was a teacher for nearly 40 years, I was treated with a lot of respect as an "expert" in my field(s) for many years. Now that I'm nearing 80 and retired I do still have quite a few admirers, but it feels different. A delightful young woman complimented me the other day, "I hope when I'm 80 I look and act like you." Ha! I'm actually trying to figure out what my relationship with myself is right now. Timely article for me. Do I no longer based who I am on knowing things well and base it on my ability to age well? Does that make sense? I'm trying to do both with my Substack blog.
Hi Jan, I'm trying to figure that out as well, because although I have the same personality and qualities, given certain limitations, I'm experimenting with who I can be now. So, we are still experts in our field; we just express it differently. What do you think?
I was a substitute and guest teacher in the classroom for a couple of years, and I supervised counseling interns. That is no longer an option, nor do I want it to be - but my new venue is the newsletter. It's still teaching. As I think about it, you already do that with your writing suggestions, which are so helpful.
Trying to find what brings me joy and digging deeper into being my very own’ sole/soul/ mate. Easier said than done.
Hi Gayle, How very true - much easier said than done.
I love reading all of your articles!! Tbh, Im still trying to figure out how to adapt as Im getting older & learn how to actually take care of myself, mentally & physically.
Hi Sandy, I'm so glad that you are enjoying the articles. This adapting seems to be a challenge and an opportunity at the same time - that's for sure.