Embracing Change & the Joy of New Experiences

What are the secrets to Pro-Aging? We all know that we cannot stop the march of time, that the effects of many decades on this planet will start to show. Pro-Aging is accepting and maybe even embracing those changes. Even the healthiest of us will start to slow down a bit. Our bones, muscles & tissues have done a lot over the years! I noticed a couple of years ago that I found myself walking up the stairs. This old girl always ran up the stairs. Always. But now I find myself walking. The positive in the this though is that I still can run up those stairs if I think of it & choose to (and I do so a few times a day). My default speed however has slowed a tad. Other changes we will perhaps accept, and maybe not embrace (like our wrinkles). Just an occasional sigh and an 'oh well' will suffice.

The more troubling symptoms of aging may be the ones related to memory, response time and overall cognition. This is a worry for all of us and we may panic in the fear that we are developing dementia. Nope, probably not. It's more likely just our natural progression. One important strategy to keep sharp is to do new things. For sure trying new skills on the physical side is great - even something as simple as new balance exercises. Since I turned 50 I have taken up hockey, golf and pickle ball. The hockey is done now but the challenges (both physical and mental) of the other two must be doing something to keep me sharp and agile!

My newest discovery is poetry! I have never had an appreciation for poetry; I have read an occasional poem and was underwhelmed. I was however always a little impressed by people who enjoyed poetry. Recently, on a couple of blogs I follow, I read about the idea of a 100 day challenge. That is making a commitment to do a certain thing for 100 consecutive days. It could be a simple as teeth flossing (if you are not are a regular flosser) or stretching, or spending time reading. I decided to commit to 100 days of pushups (I have fallen off the wagon with that one) and 100 days of reading a poem daily. Donna Ashworth was one that was suggested so I checked out a copy of Wild Hope by that author.

Well, let me tell you, I LOVE IT! I decided to read a poem every morning. Most days I read several, I go back and re-read my favourites, and rarely stop at just one. I cannot tell you how moving and emotional many of these are. They make you think, they make you examine and question why the words are hitting your heart hard. Like this opening of "Now You Do" by Donna Ashworth:

I promise you, the next paragraphs are so moving. This one brought on some strong emotions at the visceral level, and in fact tears to my eyes. The poems in this book are all about hope of course, but also grief, parenting, positivity and embracing your true self.

Well, is it not so amazing to discover something new and joyful in life, especially at this stage, just over 2 months from my seventh decade. I certainly think so. Check this book out, or another one -- maybe ask a librarian for suggestions. If not poetry, I encourage you to try something new, and maybe even try a 100 day challenge yourself!

Pat xo