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Aug 2010  |  By Gloria Higgins  |  Comments

Reader Submission: “Post Young”…Aging Gracefully: My Personal Guide to Feeling Young

Age is a state of mind.

I have heard this throughout the years, but I now understand and appreciate the meaning.  “I am what I think I am”, and if I think “young”, I can be young at heart at any age. (I have also heard it called “post young”.)

To feel young, I need to take care of myself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This is an ongoing process and requires a new focus on ME. If it is possible to share this in a step by step approach, My Personal Guide goes like this:

I start with exercise and diet. Exercise helps not only my body but my brain and my attitude. I notice the difference on days that I miss my exercise. I love walking with my dog, friends or alone, and I enjoy yoga and light workouts. I watch what I eat and enjoy what I choose. I try not to waste my calories.  “Is it worthy?” (Usually I need to talk myself out of a few things.)  The better I feel, the healthier I am. Vitamins, meds, and regular doctor appointments are a must.  When I feel good, I know the difference.

Each day, I try to take care of my appearance; my body, my nails, my hair and my makeup. Some days, no one will see me, but I do what I do for myself. Yummy scents in the shower or bath, lotion on my feet, sunscreen before my walks, delicious shampoos and conditioners, a finished look, always ready to go. Whether I am home alone or going out for a special occasion, I love to dress with flair. My “favorite things” and my favorite color mixing, accessories , jewelry, and eyeglasses allow my fashion personality to come out.

I try to be organized and make my surroundings appealing. Whatever makes me feel good is what I like to see. I like my surroundings to be cheerful, neat, clean and orderly, whether anyone will see them or not.  This enjoyment and comfort is reflected in my attitude.

It is important to enjoy something I love to do each day. I follow my passion, whether it is writing, dancing, singing, walking, crafting, reading, traveling, enjoying sports, visiting, enjoying my pet, playing the piano, painting, fishing, playing golf, or whatever hobby or favorite activity.  I try to keep my attitude positive.  If I send out positive vibes, I will receive them back.  For example, when I see that the “glass is half full”, the sun is shining, or progress is being made, then my enjoyment dominates.  When I am enjoying my life, I am happy and cheerful.

Learning and communication today is fun. Hopefully I learn something new every day.  I try to stay current on news events, research the internet, register for different classes, read a lot, try brain teaser games, and enjoy new experiences and adventures.  New technology is fun and challenging. Texting friends and family is a great way to stay in touch.  Computers and cell phones make communication easy and non invasive.  Daily I communicate with friends or family members. I often initiate the call or the note or the text or the E mail. I do not wait to hear from others. I let them hear from me.

Listening to others is something I am always working on. When I listen and hear what others are saying, it opens great opportunities in my life.  Sometimes others are not looking for answers or responses; they just want someone who will listen. Listening is very fulfilling.
I try to savor the moments. If I live this moment and this day and not allow myself to focus on tomorrow or the future, I am enjoying this day.  Worry is a waste of time, if I spend my time worrying about yesterday or tomorrow, I am not enjoying today. I am wasting today.  I enjoy living in the moment.

Stress comes from anxiety and anticipation. I try to create a “less stressful” life and environment. I try to be flexible and easy going, and take things as they come. If I focus on what I can change or manage and let the rest go, stress is nonexistent. Meditation and relaxation can be helpful when decisions are complex. I try to convey confidence in my mannerisms.  If I am uncertain of a situation, no one should know but me.  Deep breathing, smiling, and laughter are helpful tools.

Gratitude is a very important part of every day. Appreciating others and what they do for themselves and others always feels good. I try to remember to say “Thank You”. Smiling helps me on the inside, and it reflects in those I smile with. I smile and laugh as often as possible. It takes fewer muscles to smile and more muscles to frown. Laughter is healthy and intoxicating.

Each day I try to share with others. I regularly volunteer to help others.  Whether it is the hospital, the school district, the gardens, the food pantry, the church, there is a need for volunteers. Giving help to others is meaningful to me. I feel love in my life. I love God, my family, my friends, and the things that make me happy.

Balancing life is an ongoing effort. Each day I need to create the balance necessary to take care of myself inside and out. Being too busy or too quiet prevents balance. I'm learning ing to say “no” when necessary, and initiate activities when necessary. Achieving balance is not easy.

Life is a journey, not a destination. If I enjoy the journey each day trying to include each of these steps on my pathway, I feel good inside and out. I reflect the happiness I have within me, and I will enjoy my life and my “post youth,” Aging gracefully.