Countdowns
I am counting down the days. Soon, I will be 60 (32 days to be exact). Based on my conversations with friends, and residents in the retirement community where I work, both of a certain age, time was a slow progression. Many base this on biological, psychological, and social factors, that because they filled their lives with such meaningful things (education, friends, family, travel, etc.), the road to advanced age felt long, and by the time they arrived, it felt natural, and they were ready to accept what lies ahead. The latter makes perfect sense to me because I often communicate to anyone who will listen, look back to move forward.
I encourage this and consider it crucial because there is so much we learn from past experiences, especially from our failures. It’s important to reflect on what was, identifying pattens and habits that will help us better understand and manage our futures. That is what I am doing now, revisiting the past, and wondering how I got this far – because it has been a journey, a very long one.
I know how I got this far, and it wasn’t with the help of family but with friends who entered my life at just the right time, believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself, and introducing worlds, which would ultimately give me wings to fly, and that is just what I did.
Sometimes I flew too high, too fast, and crashed. That happens. I learned quickly to pick myself up and start all over again. That happened more times than I want to admit, but through trial and error, I would ultimately get it. None of this was in vein because it taught me the one thing I knew nothing about – resilience.
Resilience is crucial to our respective journeys, as it helps us effectively cope with adversity, something I know a great deal about. It has helped me bounce back in the best of ways. Through tough challenges and stress, it has helped me maintain my overall wellbeing. I am a few decades grounded, managing life’s curveballs better… Thank you, old and new friends.
What I am also thankful for are these inspirational guides who have entered my life at different times, sharing personal stories of good times and bad, love and loss, trial, and error, etc. (In case you don’t know, sharing personal stories helps foster connection, empathy and understanding. It really is what creates a sense of belonging.)
That’s one of the things I am most thankful for with my current job, which if you don’t know, I am the Programs and Special Events Manager at Roland Park Place (RPP), an awesome retirement community. (By the way, I will be celebrating my three-year anniversary with RPP on July 19th.)
It has been a privilege working for RPP. It’s a special place. I have always enjoyed working with older adults because there is this constant learning, growing, and sharing, and comparing.
During my healthcare career, specifically in clinical research, I managed a number of pharmaceutical trials working with a population greater than 65, and it felt natural working with this community, and with what I am doing now, and because I am a creative, it feels like the next step.
Countdowns, both good and bad. They are valuable, especially when anticipation is present for something new and promising. Here’s to a few more countdowns, but only if they are positive. Perhaps with some new beginnings, too. – paerki
My message is clear… If you want a healthier outcome, you’ve got to do the work. Also, affirmations are important.
In case you don’t know, and please allow me to tell you, affirmations are important because they help rewire our brain for positivity, which is going to boost self-confidence.
Dear readers… Communicate your needs. Celebrate your successes. Share your affirmations.
Photos: Past and present. Tank top Paul at 40. 40 was perfection. Do you have a favorite age? – paerki
