Day 91

Weary this morning from restless night, mild headache, and kind of grumpy attitude. Must fix all that before it ruins the day. Story group was chatting group, fun and we all seem to be in a flat spot about writing our memoirs. I told about all the activities and things I have given up since my 80^th birthday. I guess it’s age-related that I want to simplify while at the same time wanting new endeavors.  Today I’ll stay mindful and observe life.

Post to Collective Journey

I have started writing and deleted about a dozen times thinking all I have to tell is what I have already shared over and over. My life is a rut and I peek out once in a while to say hello. Then something happened to change my view. A new acquaintance  said, "It's good to keep busy when you get older." and I flared up. I am not keeping busy like an old lady in a rocking chair tatting. I am contributing to my community.. Then I told him my current philosophy of life: family first, keep my bills paid, my house clean, my yard neat, keep and eye on my neighborhood, volunteer in my community, participate in local politics, and feel gratitude all day long.. I do not think this person will ever say such an annoying thing to another elder ..

My daughter and son in law had a string of losses and are doing the best they can. There is little I can contribute to them except checking and supporting them with praise at the efforts to regain their lifestyle. They did replace the car that was a total loss by a hit and run driver. They repaired the roof where the tree broke it just a month before the fire that reduced half of their house and damaged the rest, then the incident with the nazi squatters in their rental that is just now repaired. Meanwhile Megan is through with the long commute and at work and loves it. I stand as the rock and keep everything in place as I can. 

Three friends are nearing the end of their cancer struggles. I lose friends at a scary rate. .Rosalie and I are planning another conscious aging group. Some of the people we contacted want to wait until fall as summer plans would interfere. I finally have enough good weather to reconstruct my garden and plant a few vegetables. It's my meditation to sit and watch them thrive. I'm off to a board of supervisors meeting. I take notes and a time line that the other committee members can read. The time line helps those who want to watch the video of the meeting. They. can find the part they are  interested in without watching it all. That's it. My health is great. Exercise and nutrition and "keeping busy" have rewards.. love you all, Shay