The five dimensions of aging are physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual which are also the five dimensions of living a full life at any age.
“When we reach these advanced years and still have a measure of grace, humor and confidence intact we can consider ourselves fortunate. I begin each day by regarding it as a gift waiting to be received, embraced and celebrated. I set aside a few moments and with deliberate and conscious intention offer a quiet prayer of gratitude for one more opportunity to make of a day whatever I can. The sense of freedom in choosing how I will use this gift of time remains large on this landscape of life as I know it.”—this resonated with me deeply, Gary! I was just journaling this morning about how upon waking lately, I am feeling some pain in the body and grogginess that is new for me (I’m well behind you at 49!). I was writing how sometimes it is a real challenge not waking up feeling grateful automatically and reading your words today reminds me that it’s a “deliberate and conscious intention.” We must choose life, we must choose gratitude, we must choose peace…everyday, over and over again. Please keep writing and sharing and I promise to be more of a reader! Lately I’ve been a bit overwhelmed at all of the reading I’ve subscribed to here and I’m so glad you glided into my chat this morning to remind me to connect with you and your work. Thank you so much, Gary, for choosing to share your light and wisdom with the world. It matters. You matter. 🩵
Thanks,Deanna. I know exactly what you mean about being oversubscribed and have had to clean up and clean out my too many, too much and keep those that resonate most. Not sure how many that is just yet but I’m working on it. Taking a complete break for a few days helped. It’s about refocusing with better vision of what I need, what I want and how much time I want to devote to “managing” Substack. I am not a full time writer nor do I depend on it for any income so for me, that’s a plus. I do it because I enjoy it and happy that others seem to appreciate the time and effort that I invest on a weekly basis. We’re on the road for a couple of weeks and my hope is to post about that next week, maybe later. Full disclosure: I try and keep one at the ready to fill in which is what I did with the most recent one on trash since traveling requires adjusting to writing time and times. Having just gained a couple of hours by crossing time zones I was up at 4:30 AM this morning and able to devote a couple of hours here before setting out for the remainder of the day ahead. Will take a nap this afternoon.
I hear you, Gary! The other day, I stared going through the list of who I subscribe to with the intention to unsubscribe to many and then I just couldn’t do it. There are so many kind and lovely people on here sharing their work that I just didn’t have the heart to hit that unsubscribe button…yet. I’m thinking of making an old school handwritten list of my favorites as a reminder to myself to check in on those. Every once in awhile I read a “random” post from someone I have subscribed to but haven’t interacted with that deeply resonates with me so this also keeps me from unsubscribing. I don’t even publish weekly or adhere to any kind of schedule as I have found that stifles me… I drop into Substack when I feel like it and then drop right back out…finding and creating my own unique dance with this! Thanks for sharing your process a bit here and enjoy that afternoon nap…I love those so much! 🩵
Gary, This was a great read. Navigating and adjusting the changes we grow through as we age has been challenging at times for me, but your 5 points are points I follow. Thanks so much for this insightful post.
Gary, you are a true elder. Thank you for shining a light and sharing your wise insights about a holistic approach to aging well. May we all live fully and love deeply right up to the edge of eternity. Sending love, hugs and goodwill. Thanks for a relatable essay.
Thanks, Leanne. It might be better to look at it as living well, regardless of age. There is so much “ageism” permeating the landscape and honestly, I am a little weary of writing about it although as J.K. Simmons said in the insurance ad, “We know a thing or two because we have seen a thing or two.” 20 years ago is about when I finally retired, for the third time, and the 20 years since have been and continue to be a great ride for which I am enormously grateful. As the locals here would say, “mucha alegria” or much joy to you in your next chapter.
Thanks, Michael. I have a fair amount of both “reflections and vitality” and want to shift gears moving forward on a few other reflections and vitalities. Any suggestion would be welcomed given what you might know about me, my life and work. You can send via DM or email if better.
Beautifully said! "If we are to succeed…we must learn how to build collaborative energy, listen carefully to what is and what is not being said, ask questions that are penetrating and honest, discern the real from the superficial, and help a group move forward with a purposeful, shared vision…”
I look forward to reading your post. I have been retired for over 3 years now and am still " adjusting" I do have a routine, including walking everyday or most days, online zoom exercise classes four times a week, and a morning spiritual reading time. I do some gardening, reading, and cooking. I do most of my housework and attend to the household management as we are still in our home. I believe these activities cover the five areas you noted.
“When we reach these advanced years and still have a measure of grace, humor and confidence intact we can consider ourselves fortunate. I begin each day by regarding it as a gift waiting to be received, embraced and celebrated. I set aside a few moments and with deliberate and conscious intention offer a quiet prayer of gratitude for one more opportunity to make of a day whatever I can. The sense of freedom in choosing how I will use this gift of time remains large on this landscape of life as I know it.”—this resonated with me deeply, Gary! I was just journaling this morning about how upon waking lately, I am feeling some pain in the body and grogginess that is new for me (I’m well behind you at 49!). I was writing how sometimes it is a real challenge not waking up feeling grateful automatically and reading your words today reminds me that it’s a “deliberate and conscious intention.” We must choose life, we must choose gratitude, we must choose peace…everyday, over and over again. Please keep writing and sharing and I promise to be more of a reader! Lately I’ve been a bit overwhelmed at all of the reading I’ve subscribed to here and I’m so glad you glided into my chat this morning to remind me to connect with you and your work. Thank you so much, Gary, for choosing to share your light and wisdom with the world. It matters. You matter. 🩵
Thanks,Deanna. I know exactly what you mean about being oversubscribed and have had to clean up and clean out my too many, too much and keep those that resonate most. Not sure how many that is just yet but I’m working on it. Taking a complete break for a few days helped. It’s about refocusing with better vision of what I need, what I want and how much time I want to devote to “managing” Substack. I am not a full time writer nor do I depend on it for any income so for me, that’s a plus. I do it because I enjoy it and happy that others seem to appreciate the time and effort that I invest on a weekly basis. We’re on the road for a couple of weeks and my hope is to post about that next week, maybe later. Full disclosure: I try and keep one at the ready to fill in which is what I did with the most recent one on trash since traveling requires adjusting to writing time and times. Having just gained a couple of hours by crossing time zones I was up at 4:30 AM this morning and able to devote a couple of hours here before setting out for the remainder of the day ahead. Will take a nap this afternoon.
I hear you, Gary! The other day, I stared going through the list of who I subscribe to with the intention to unsubscribe to many and then I just couldn’t do it. There are so many kind and lovely people on here sharing their work that I just didn’t have the heart to hit that unsubscribe button…yet. I’m thinking of making an old school handwritten list of my favorites as a reminder to myself to check in on those. Every once in awhile I read a “random” post from someone I have subscribed to but haven’t interacted with that deeply resonates with me so this also keeps me from unsubscribing. I don’t even publish weekly or adhere to any kind of schedule as I have found that stifles me… I drop into Substack when I feel like it and then drop right back out…finding and creating my own unique dance with this! Thanks for sharing your process a bit here and enjoy that afternoon nap…I love those so much! 🩵
Gary, This was a great read. Navigating and adjusting the changes we grow through as we age has been challenging at times for me, but your 5 points are points I follow. Thanks so much for this insightful post.
Gary, you are a true elder. Thank you for shining a light and sharing your wise insights about a holistic approach to aging well. May we all live fully and love deeply right up to the edge of eternity. Sending love, hugs and goodwill. Thanks for a relatable essay.
I'm 20 years behind you Gary - but aiming to approach life with the same goals. Aging well is the goal for me too.
Thanks, Leanne. It might be better to look at it as living well, regardless of age. There is so much “ageism” permeating the landscape and honestly, I am a little weary of writing about it although as J.K. Simmons said in the insurance ad, “We know a thing or two because we have seen a thing or two.” 20 years ago is about when I finally retired, for the third time, and the 20 years since have been and continue to be a great ride for which I am enormously grateful. As the locals here would say, “mucha alegria” or much joy to you in your next chapter.
Grace, humor, and confidence— good goals, indeed, for all ages. 😊
Thanks Gary. You inspire me mate.🙏🏼
I appreciate your reflections and vitality.
Thanks, Michael. I have a fair amount of both “reflections and vitality” and want to shift gears moving forward on a few other reflections and vitalities. Any suggestion would be welcomed given what you might know about me, my life and work. You can send via DM or email if better.
Beautifully said! "If we are to succeed…we must learn how to build collaborative energy, listen carefully to what is and what is not being said, ask questions that are penetrating and honest, discern the real from the superficial, and help a group move forward with a purposeful, shared vision…”
I look forward to reading your post. I have been retired for over 3 years now and am still " adjusting" I do have a routine, including walking everyday or most days, online zoom exercise classes four times a week, and a morning spiritual reading time. I do some gardening, reading, and cooking. I do most of my housework and attend to the household management as we are still in our home. I believe these activities cover the five areas you noted.