By Claudia Warren-Wheat, LCSW, Counselor
Tranquil Waters Counseling and Renewal Center
I recently heard a Sunday morning minister say that we get happier as we age. Well, I'll take that. When I think about aging, I think about living. I want to work as long as possible, until one day my children have to sit down with me and say, "Mom, it's time to stop." I truly enjoy my profession. The idea of giving up my career really and truly gives me pause. For most of my adult life I've worked and taken care of my children. The idea of initially put me at a loss. However, it allowed me to confront the question of how to keep life spicy and as I get older. Life does not hold many guarantees. One guarantee though is that, if we are fortunate we will age. Let's tackle the question of how to keep life spicy as we age.
First, keep up with your friends. Many of us are fortunate to have children but many of our children have families of their own and often are very busy. It then becomes even more important to develop your own community by maintaining and investing in the relationships you do have, whether near or far. It is no longer acceptable to wait on friends to call. Effort has to be made and work has to be done to cultivate and appreciate the people in your life that you have chosen as friends. As we grow older, we need confidants, company, community and sometimes a ride.
Second, learn something new and reinvent yourself. Dust off that bucket list! You could try picking up a hobby, exercising, traveling, or learning a new skill. Some states even offer free college courses for seniors. Personally, I've always wanted to write a book, a book of whimsy, just for the fun of it. Really, the sky is the limit.
Third, learn to say yes. "Oh yes, I can accompany you on the road trip." "Sure, why not... I'll take that line dancing class with you." "Lunch ... it'll be my pleasure to join you." It really isn't about the yes, it's about building relationships and being open to try and experiencing new things.
Finally, appreciate what really matters. The things that really matter to you are personal. For some, watching grandchildren grow is the highlight of their life. For others, the freedom to travel and to engage the world as they please is what really matters. The key is to engage in life, create and foster new relationships, and learn to say yes. You'll see that these are methods for keeping your life spicy.
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