Changes and Embracing the Future

Navigating Life's Transitions

Photo by Tyler Jamieson Moulton on Unsplash

Four years ago, Dan was adjusting to life at the memory care facility, and I was adjusting to life on my own. Since then, I’ve learned many things about myself and experienced wins and losses.

I write a newsletter, do art, and take trips. Life is good; however, approaching my 86th birthday seemed like a good time to reevaluate what I want for the future and how to accomplish it.

Experts say a person’s "new normal" refers to a situation that’s different from what it was and is expected to be usual now. My usual looks like this.

I live in a nice two-bedroom apartment with my cats, Bailey and Bella. It’s centrally located and close to stores and restaurants.

I no longer drive but know how to use Uber and have other options.

While healthy, I see myself slowing down a bit, forgetting a few things, and experiencing minor aches and pains. However, I walk daily, can easily climb four flights of stairs, and take no prescription drugs.

I do things with my family, belong to an art group, and have online friends with whom I chat regularly.

I keep busy with household chores, projects, and other hobbies.

The next step is to figure out what I like about my life, what I might want to change, my strengths and weaknesses, and the challenges and opportunities I face. Asking questions like:

• What bothers you?

• What frustrations nag you?

• What daily habits support you and your goals?

• What saps your energy?

• What drains you?

• What about relationships?

• What goals inspire you?

• What are your strengths? 

• What are your weaknesses?

• What are your excuses for not doing what you want, and are they valid?

• Do you have a purpose for the future, and what is it?

• Are you kidding yourself about what you can do?

Based on my answers, I decided on five goals.

The first one is to exercise more, which I’ve been ignoring.

The second goal is to focus on what I can do and accept what I can’t.

The third and fourth goals are to manage my feelings better and make choices supporting me.

The final goal is to work on those goals - not just write about them.

Ramona Grigg wrote about her birthday this week in the article 87 and Counting. You might want to take a look. Her newsletters are on my List of Favorites.

P. S. I’d love to have you share the Aging Well Newsletter with others. I want to bring the lessons I’ve learned through my years of life and caregiving to as many people as possible. More than anything, I want to continue to expand our community of readers.

So please forward this email to a friend and invite them to join us. They can subscribe here:

If you want to contribute to my work, consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association. This link takes you to their website. The choice is yours.