How to Find Joy in Aging

My Aunt Adeline was gorgeous – a model in her youth, with luscious, flowing red hair.

She was lively and witty. My aunt was creative with everything she did, always organizing fun things with her family and friends. I liked being around her because her energy felt good to me.

As a young teenager when I was visiting, I heard her say she was leaving to go to her basket weaving class. I remember thinking to myself “Why does she bother learning anything new? She’s so old. What does it matter?”

I’m embarrassed to say I had that thought, but I did!

Of course I was young, and that’s a perspective of youth. But now that I’m the age Aunt Adeline was at that time. I hear women my age AND YOUNGER speak with that apathy and judgment.

Many aging people just give up.

On the subject of creating a joyous and purposeful life at their advanced age, they will say (or think to themselves):

“Why bother? My best years are behind me.” 

….. or ….

“My life is so heavy with responsibilities, I couldn’t change to make it better if I tried.” 

….. or …..

“I’ve learned to live with my life this way, and I’m OK” (but they’re really not!).

 ……. or …..

“I wouldn’t know where to begin to make this old lady’s life sparkle!”

Noooooooooooo!!!!!!!

It’s not that aging doesn’t happen. Of course, it does. But there are ways to experience aging in a whole different way! In ways that are joyful, purposeful, and engaging.

“We are always the same age inside.” Gertrude Stein

I believe that the most loving thing we can do for ourselves in the aging process is to care for our mindset, because our mindset directs our thoughts and actions, which directs our life.

Here are some things you can do

Some of my favorite suggestions for caring for my mindset are:

• Care for it and nurture it like a newborn baby.
• Don’t feed it toxic information or emotional baggage.
• Love and support yourself constantly.
• When you make a mistake, give yourself grace. Or even learn from it.
• Look for the good in each moment, instead of focusing on what angers you. 
• Surround yourself with uplifting friends.
• Find fulfilling and interesting things that are important to you and do them.
• Play and do fun things as often as possible, even dance by yourself!
• Meditate or pray daily.
• Keep trying new things to stay curious (University of Arizona Center on Aging/Tai Chi).
• Be part of a community of uplifting friends.
• Do regular community service.
• NCO/National Council on Aging website has info on some healthy aging programs.
• Get my free ebook on how to Activate Your Top 5 Divine Gifts.
• And lastly, be kind and love yourself more. WAY more!

Just imagine if you were in control of your mindset as you age, and you directed your thoughts to a positive and energized mindset! You will have a WHOLE DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE than if you had simply sat back and let life happen to you (like so many others do). 

Don’t just sit there – DO SOMETHING WONDERFUL!! 

TAKE ACTION: If you’re a woman who is struggling with life, I want to invite you to book a free “Stop the Struggle” 30-minute call with me. I can’t wait to hear from you!