PUT SUNSHINE IN YOUR AGE

We Have often heard our later years described as "The GoldenYears."  And yet upon entering this era I can recite many mutterings challenging the word Golden.  As people age their bodie often remind them they are not as fit as they once were.  A few extra pounds, arthritis setting in, knee and hip issues,l high blood pressure to name a few of the maladies of aging.

Some years back I read a line that stuck with me.  It said "I've lost the sunshine of my youth."  Well, I have lost my youth and not to return.  But being a psychotherapist for thirty years, my middle name is REFRAME. I'd like to think I have not lost my sunshine.  Rather than lament the wrinkles we now have, be grateful we have  lived long enough to have them.  Instead of complaining about how I can't do the things I used to do, explore the possibilities of what I can do today.  

You can bemoan that you aren't as tech savy as younger people and stay stuck.  Or you can take a computer class.  You used to be an avid tennis player, so to you say "Wish I could still play tennis" or do you chck out a yoga or Pilates class?  

Years ago a colleague of mine said "at our age we have had a lot of Firsts.  We need to continue to have Firsts." Firsts create some anxiety and apprehension as well as some excitement.  It stirs parts of us that need to be stirred.  Stimulation is the sunshine of aging.  

To keep our days sunny we need socialization.  We need to connect with people, to share ideas, to tell stories and to laugh. People charge our batteries and keep us from becoming staid  In this era of life,we lose family and long-time friends.  While we will grieve those losses, we must be open to meeting new people  

Take a day to visit the beach or a park and watch a young child chase a seagull or gleefully play on the swings.  Embrace that joy you see and let it tap into that memory of your youth.  Take more than a moment to visit this place and see where it takes you.

At this point you might be saying "Ok Georgette Reframe, this is easier said than done.  This is true.  And yet, my years on this planet have taught me to believe that our brain is a powerful instrument, and our attitude around negative thoughts is paramount in determing our days ahead.