In later years, my Mom moved to live near my sister. And during that time, she didn't have a car. So, her way of getting around was through walking and taking the bus. In a twist of irony, I'm older now. I chose to sell my car when I left Florida. And I've also made the choice to not replace it in Tennessee. This is an amazing set of circumstances if you think about it. I'm living life the way that Maxine did as she got older. And interestingly enough, this lifestyle choice has led to many recovery lessons. And the most important one for me has to do with aging. As I've continued to have difficulty with my legs, I'm becoming very acquainted with powerlessness. Really, this is the first time in my life that I've actually been confronted with real physical limitations. I've been able to rely on my body throughout my life. Now, it is a little more "iffy". At the relatively young age of 58 years-old, I'm using a 'walking stick'. I haven't really made as much effort to pursue "solutions" as I need to. And that will be my goal for the new year. But I'm learning much about the nature of life. And the reality of aging. In good news, I'm learning that in spite of the limitations, my life is much more about 'I can' than 'I can't'.
Walking to work is a necessity for me. Given that I work in retail, I do work at night sometimes. And that is the only time that I really prefer to get a ride home. A ride is needed due to safety. During the day, when I'm able to walk, even with great difficulty because of pain, it feels like a victory. And the walk is usually do-able because I tend to loosen up the longer I walk. And as I've said before, the beauty that I see is an amazing anti-depressant. In addition, I've learned that I have more internal gumption than I usually give myself credit for. I only ask for help when I really feel I need it. I enjoy offers of rides, and I do take people up on it. But when I walk, even through the pain, I'm aware of my strength. Judy is a strong woman. I'm capable of pushing through difficulties. And aging doesn't mean that I'm not capable. I'm not so tired out or in pain that I can't accomplish. I have value. I'm still alive.
I've started to notice how people view older people. Especially with the fact that the 'walking-stick' probably makes me look older. There is one youngster at work who always tells me I shouldn't walk home. She is saying it to be kind. I know that. And I genuinely appreciate the kindness. But in reality, it is not the truth. I can walk home. And I should. It keeps me a bit more healthy. And even more importantly, I don't need others telling me what I can't do. I know better than anybody what my limitations are. And I'm a live, awake, vibrant human being. Who just happens to be getting older. As an older adult, I made a decision to move from Florida to Tennessee. I found a new job. I obtained housing. And I've been writing a blog that has attracted people to read it over 66,000 times. My life isn't over. Far from it. And my walks are a reminder of that fact. And because of that, I'm actually grateful for them. For those of you that help me out with getting around, I profoundly thank you. My work buddies have been awesome! But don't do it out of pity. I can deal. I'm stubborn. I'm a survivor. And I can problem-solve. I'm proud of those facts. They helped me get to the advanced age of 58 years-old. And they will keep me going long past my current age. My only hope is that you learn the same lessons as you get older. They actually make getting older joyful. Really. And in a woman who has lived most of her life dealing with depression, joy isn't something that I want to ignore.
Let me know how you can relate to this discussion. Let's talk! Sending love.....
Walking to work is a necessity for me. Given that I work in retail, I do work at night sometimes. And that is the only time that I really prefer to get a ride home. A ride is needed due to safety. During the day, when I'm able to walk, even with great difficulty because of pain, it feels like a victory. And the walk is usually do-able because I tend to loosen up the longer I walk. And as I've said before, the beauty that I see is an amazing anti-depressant. In addition, I've learned that I have more internal gumption than I usually give myself credit for. I only ask for help when I really feel I need it. I enjoy offers of rides, and I do take people up on it. But when I walk, even through the pain, I'm aware of my strength. Judy is a strong woman. I'm capable of pushing through difficulties. And aging doesn't mean that I'm not capable. I'm not so tired out or in pain that I can't accomplish. I have value. I'm still alive.
I've started to notice how people view older people. Especially with the fact that the 'walking-stick' probably makes me look older. There is one youngster at work who always tells me I shouldn't walk home. She is saying it to be kind. I know that. And I genuinely appreciate the kindness. But in reality, it is not the truth. I can walk home. And I should. It keeps me a bit more healthy. And even more importantly, I don't need others telling me what I can't do. I know better than anybody what my limitations are. And I'm a live, awake, vibrant human being. Who just happens to be getting older. As an older adult, I made a decision to move from Florida to Tennessee. I found a new job. I obtained housing. And I've been writing a blog that has attracted people to read it over 66,000 times. My life isn't over. Far from it. And my walks are a reminder of that fact. And because of that, I'm actually grateful for them. For those of you that help me out with getting around, I profoundly thank you. My work buddies have been awesome! But don't do it out of pity. I can deal. I'm stubborn. I'm a survivor. And I can problem-solve. I'm proud of those facts. They helped me get to the advanced age of 58 years-old. And they will keep me going long past my current age. My only hope is that you learn the same lessons as you get older. They actually make getting older joyful. Really. And in a woman who has lived most of her life dealing with depression, joy isn't something that I want to ignore.
Let me know how you can relate to this discussion. Let's talk! Sending love.....
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