When we are surrounded by mass media which hammers us with fake news, half-truths, scandal, downright lies and simply too much of everything, it’s time to chill out. That should be easy at my age, My body has been chillin’ for some time now, but my mind hasn’t yet caught up with it. I’m learning, however, to stop and think before I commit to something; before I do more harm than good; before it’s too late. I’m in that age when we have to reevaluate our lifestyle. I continue to worry about undone tasks. I look out the window and see WORK TO BE DONE I have trouble lifting a frying pan. I walk like Tim Conway, sometimes using a cane or walker. My bones have turned dry and nobody like to have dry bones.

I guess we can blame some of these transitions for the aches and pains that follow, but often we can think we are still capable of what we used to accomplish in a day. This change in life comes at different times for everyone. I tried to retire at the age of 75, but soon became bored. I became involved in a local theatre company. I even performed in a couple shows. By the time I was 80 I was again teaching acting classes to those aged 55+. That turned into a group of elderly actors creating a series of episodes regarding the aging process.

When we’re young, it’s hard to take a chill time out. We’re busy making a living and hours are filled with extra-curricular activities, building a family, earning a living and struggling to make ends meet. As we grow older, all those things catch up with us and by the time we retire, we either press on or become grumpy. We feel we’re entitled to smooth sailing after all the years of storms we’ve faced. Maybe it has to do with the stress of having to still work to make ends meet.  It might even have to do with aging bodies that ache and tire out so quickly.

My life has always been filled with busyness. It’s definitely hard when you have a strong work ethic, to put yourself on the couch to relax. You feel guilty. You feel embarrassed that you need help. It’s funny though, when family members tell you to slow down, but on the other hand they want you to stay involved and active.

I am finally starting to accept my capabilities. There are hours when I just sit and read or watch mindless TV shows. When my body is saying, “knock it off,” I’m still too stubborn to do so. Maybe by the time I’m 90, things will change and I will have learned how to balance this thing called life. I hope that I can continue to look at the bright side and avoid the slings and arrows – the sticks and stones that accompany daily living. In the meantime, I will trust that God has this. I have no intention of becoming a grumpy old woman,

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!