Around the time I add a year to my age, I find myself
taking stock or thinking about life a bit.
You know, the regrets, the wonderful moments.
So much to be grateful about.
I recently read one of those articles posted to fb that talked about women
"over fifty" and what they should or should not be doing. Most of it I take
with a grain of salt but I did appreciate their encouragement for women to
"dress their age." How beautiful an older woman can look when she is not
squeezed into a mini skirt or trying to look like a teenager. I loved
how Vanessa Redgrave dressed in Letters to Juliet.
While I continue to grow, and learn new ways,
I have figured out life a little by now--haven't we all?
Here's my list of things I hold in value for each day living:
Early rising
Stretching and exercise
Time with God
Drinking lots of water
Eating no or little sugar, low carb, lots of veggies and fruit
Taking time to read a book
Writing notes of encouragement
Working with my hands
Looking outside myself for people who need help
("It is better to give than to receive")
Taking time to cook a nice meal,
set a pretty table, and sit down for dinner with my Gardener.
Don't go to bed late.
If I do all these, it's bound to be a good day.
What a wonderful post. Much of your list is mine. It's good to reflect on our lives, who we've become, and all the things we for which we are grateful. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLovely reflection on what's important in life. It may be different for each one of us, but so important to "take stock. " ♥
ReplyDeleteThat is a really great list, Dostie. Although I abide by some of them, there is always much room for improvement. Oh, and about that dressing for your age thing, you are absolutely right! Definitely one of my pet peeves. I hope that you enjoyed a great birthday!!
ReplyDeleteMy list is much the same--could work on the sugar part a bit more!!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
What a wonderful post. All of your words ring true! I've been taking stock or thinking about life a lot these past few weeks! Life is short, we must live each day to it's fullest and you are doing that! Awesome!
ReplyDeleteThe annual celebration is a good time to take stock for sure but I find myself doing it almost on a daily basis with age as there is so much to be grateful for.
ReplyDeleteMy list is similar to yours Dotsie and I find setting a pretty table for hubby and I as well as guests makes the meal that much more special doesn't it?
I like a post such as this one that encourages a warm response and gives me pause to sit and reflect on the things you've written.
Hello Podso! Your list is certainly a good one, highlighting all that leads to mindful living and thankfulness. Like others who commented here, I need to work on some of those things, so I appreciate your sharing it with us and reminding us of what's important. As far as dressing one's age, yes indeed! Vanessa Redgrave's wardrobe in that movie was very appealing to me also. And Happy Birthday to you, either belatedly or early, not sure which, but I pray it was, or will be, blessed! Sara
ReplyDeleteYou make me happy. :)
ReplyDeletePodso,
ReplyDeleteGreat advice!!!
When first retired, my wardrobe was the hardest thing to change!!!
Business clothing doesn't work well for "stay at home"!!!
Little~by~little, I began to make the necessary changes!!!
End~of~Season $ales were a huge budget saver!!!
Thanks for the "reflection" thoughts!!!
L o v e your tablescape!!!
Fondly,
Pat
Happy Birthday, I think...
ReplyDeleteYes, wise advice I am sure. Each of us could benefit from taking stock, not that we can erase the years, but that our future time will be more pleasant. (Hope you slip a bit of chocolate into that list. ; > )
If this is the second comment, please delete.
Wonderful advice for us at that certain age, or any age really. Good clean living and lifestyle is wonderful for everyone. Happy Birthday as the numbers roll over soon. Blessings,
ReplyDeletePam
As you add a year...I hope you have a wonderful birthday! And I so agree with your list. When you said, work with your hands, I would have said, be creative. (it may be the same thing) The nice dinner in the evenings is one of the highlights of our day, too. Enjoy your afternoon! Hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteGood post. And my mother - who never lived to be old and the few grey hairs on her head were "badges of achievement and never will be dyed" always said that "Each day is a blessing, and a true lady grows old with grace."
ReplyDeleteI like your list. I need to do a few of those, cuz I don't and that is bad bad bad. It is something to strive to achieve.
Hugs. ♥
I love this post, Dotsie. I love to look nice, but age appropriate. I've never been a regular early riser but I've enjoyed the days when I have. We've tended to be late nighters because of Tim's work schedule. But starting Monday that's all going to change. We'll be up early and planning earlier bedtimes! I'm working on gaining flexibility once again. I love a pretty table too!
ReplyDeleteDeanna
What a lovely time of reflection on your birthday - happy day to you! (or a belated one)
ReplyDeleteMany of those things you listed are part of my life, too, but I've never thought of putting them all down as you have done. Like Vee, I hope there's room for a bit of chocolate!
That sounds nice, and within reach. I really need to exercise and keep feeling to tired to do it.
ReplyDeleteI love your list, Dotsie. And Happy Birthday to you!
ReplyDeleteI like your list very much. Thank you for sharing some encouragement and wisdom.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great list. Getting up early is the hardest for me! I had to google Vanessa Redgrave in the movie, and I agree! Love the long silver hair, too, as that's what I'm going for. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI think that you have "figured out life" a little better than I have, as I could use improvement in many of those categories! Oh yes, it is always a good thing to take stock...evaluate...consider...and then aspire to improve. Thank you for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteI hate the part about low sugar and low carb, but I feel so much better (and thinner) when I avoid them.
ReplyDeleteI don't dress my age though, at least if I compare it to my mother. I live in flip flops, tees and Patagonia (corporate headquarters are in town so we get good deals) shorts. My mother never wore Converse shoes and jeans which is my cold day uniform.
Oh how wonderful your list is dear Podsie. I mostly go by your list, I just need to do outside help which I'm planning to do and found my cause.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the reflection on life as we get older.
Have a lovely and blessed week my friend.
FABBY
A lovely post with wise advice. I've recently started volunteering and joined a new church where I'm much more active and now am much happier, too. Coincidence? I doubt it!
ReplyDeleteI came back over to read the comments and see what others said. I think we are all pretty much in agreement...and have a good idea of what getting older means to each of us. Enjoy your day! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteGreat list, Dotsie. Life is different after 50 (after 60 in my case), but we have to do all we can to be healthy and intellectually active and engaged in what's happening in the world. The young consider us irrelevant all too soon as it is. We need to prove them wrong.
ReplyDeleteOh, you are good! I enjoy so many of these same things. Isn't there a scripture about striving to live a quiet life? The more I live the more I see the wisdom in it.
ReplyDeleteAlthough with the grandchildren we have, living a totally quiet life is not possible!