Last January I was sidelined with an annoyingly slow recuperation to a mundane procedure.
I had ample time to process the phrase my hip gynecologist had casually tossed in, “If you were my mother…I would advise… blah blah blah.” I lost her at “mother”. Here I thought we were contemporaries…potential bff’s.
Here’s a picture of my gynecologist. What was I thinking?
So I was under strict orders to be a couch potato. I cleared my calendar. Oh the books I would read; oh the writing I would produce, oh the plans I would make.
Day 1 was liberating. Brett was at my beck and call – grocery shopping, cooking, emptying the dishwasher, vacuuming golden retriever stage brush.
Day 2 however had me staring at the window, a la Jimmy Stewart, wondering what life was like “on the outside”. No evidence of reading, writing, planning.
Day 3 found me stir crazy. A control freak somewhere on the ADHD spectrum. And still no reading, writing, planning.
So it begs the question — how on earth would I cope with the inevitable shrinking of life? When beloved activities are hijacked by the aging process.
I hope I cope like Mary.
Mary just celebrated her 105th birthday. She’s the life of the 3rd floor at the nursing home I visit. Her white hair is always coiffed; she wears brightly colored scarves and gobs of jewelry. And now helium balloons adorn her wheelchair flopping behind her as she heads to Bingo.
“What’s your secret?” I ask.
Mary is dismissive of such a silly question. “Oh, Barclay, I am just too busy!” She peruses the activity board to check out the day’s options.
Mary is probably the most positive person I’ve ever encountered – in the most dismal surroundings I’ve ever encountered. She’s thriving.
It turns out our attitude matters more than our circumstances.
So, let’s model Mary.
And while we’re at it, let’s yell a robust “Bingo!” and fling some scarves in the air — just for fun.
Today’s Takeaway –
- There are ALWAYS blessings to count. Stop reading right now and hold up your hand and name 5 – out loud and with gusto.
- BE ready so you don’t have to GET ready. (I stole that catchy phrase from a sermon.) Work on your attitude NOW while you can still move. And a word about Bingo – we have to admit – it has stood the test of time!
Enjoy the ride!
xox Barclay and Joy
Revisionist Retirement 