ENBRACE YOUR AGE...STAY ENGAGED

Lake Geneva, Wi.

 A representative from the Flex to Better Aging program called this morning, giving me a positive message to remember before ending our brief conversation.  The message was only five little words 'embrace your age...stay engaged.'   I feel great when I have a cup of  coffee with a special friend, and it is not just from the caffeine rush,  it is all about connection with others that boosts my mood. 

The joy and happiness I  felt when I rode the Ferris wheel and the merry go round this past summer with my grand kids, still spark many happy memories and put a smile on my face.  I love being a reading buddy to the first graders, to see the smiles when I arrive and observe their improvement in reading.  They love having someone listen to them and I let them know they are special.

 I joined our beautiful new YMCA and have taken one water aerobics class and am looking forward to going tomorrow.  The instructor is pleasant and energetic and the hour went by quickly.  For an hour we focused on our workout and improving our aging bodies.

I love the Spirituality class and I am learning to have an open heart, to understand that we are all one.  I am striving for self improvement in understanding grammar, but the book is large and I have many chapters and tests to do and need to keep my focus.   The studies and exercise program hopefully will keep me out of the throes of depression and anxiety that can overwhelm me during the dreary days of winter.

MOMENTS OF SERENITY



On Christmas Day, Larry took me on a surprise visit to Funk's Grove.  We drove through a lovely grove of trees and I had my camera ready to see what might intrigue me at any moment. As we entered  the Chapel of the Trees I felt a sense of peace, as if the Spirit had guided us to enjoy a few moments of serenity in nature.  The weather was somewhat chilly, and so refreshing, and the sky was a brilliant blue. 

One of the first sights that caught my eye that day was the twisted branches that appeared as if they were forming a heart.  I took many pictures that day of the trees and some of the winding roads.

I loved the following daily meditation that I received in my e-mails.

Each day holds a surprise.  But only if we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us.  Let's not be afraid to receive each day's surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or as joy.  It will open a new place in our hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity.

Expecting a Surprise by Henri Nouwen Society