Although I am always grateful to have been born in the 50s, we were the first generation of women to have children, run a home and go to work full time. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the cut and thrust of it all. Looking back, I wonder how I had enough hours in the day to do all the things I did!
But somewhere, amongst all that craziness of my younger self, I forgot to be nice to me. So, my gift to myself as I age is to bring some little tweaks into my life that make me happy, glad to be alive and as well as I can be.
Meals
When I used to cook family meals, they were always made with love. I cared how they looked, how they tasted and how they were presented. The table would be laid, perhaps a small vase of flowers in the middle, each child would have their own special plate and cup… but the children grew up and left the home and, after a very long marriage, I found myself on my own.
At first, I would just eat anything, a sandwich for dinner, a take-away from the cartons, a few crackers and some cheese while I was working. But then it dawned on me… don’t I deserve to enjoy my meals? There was no one else going to do it for me, so I decided to present my meals as if I was a guest. It has transformed, not only mealtimes, but my self-respect.
Aqua Fit
After a knee injury which limited my walking, I became a convert to aqua fit. I do aqua aerobics three times a week and aqua dance once. I cannot believe what I am able to do once I am in the water :). The changing rooms are filled with women over 50, many with disabilities or injuries, quite a few with excess weight or mobility difficulties. I watch them slowly making their way to the pool, often with sticks or frames, the pain etched on the face of many.
But after getting into the water, they are so agile, working out for almost an hour, laughing, singing (we have great music!) and having a fabulous time. I have become fitter, more mobile, in less pain, and lost a few pounds too. :)
Also read, 12 Best Exercise Classes for Seniors.
Audio Books
I was fortunate not to need reading glasses until I hit my 60s. As a writer and researcher, I had spent many years reading, but somehow glasses made it different. My eyes grew tired, my head ached, so reading, which had always been a passion, fell a little by the wayside. Until one day my neighbour asked me if I had joined the local library audio books.
It has changed so much of my life! Having recently moved to Thomas Hardy country, I had been keen to read all his books, now they are in my car, in the garden, in my bed. :) My 3, 4 or 5 am awakenings instead of being about what-to-do? Became about listen-to-the-next-chapters. I have a list of dozens, probably hundreds, of books that I can bring to life through the medium of audio books. Oh, what joy they bring!
Booking Last Minute
I think I was born to be a nomad! From as early as I can remember, going away has brought me such a sense of adventure. Not only the places I visit and the sights I see, but the people I meet. I have been fortunate to travel to many countries and learned how to make my money go as far as possible. (Read about it in my Travel the World without Breaking the Bank! blog.)
For me, as a solo traveller, booking last minute is a game changer. I don’t mind when I go, how I get there, or where I go, so the possibilities are endless, and I have booked some incredible deals. A 7-night cruise to the Norwegian Fjords for just £499 and a 16-night fly/cruise to Spain, Portugal, Madeira, Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua and St Kitts for £999, are amongst my favourite. If I am cruising, I usually book the smallest inside cabin, which is often a fraction of the price of others.
Gratitude
After having a few years where my entire life seemed to implode, I forgot to be grateful for the good things. However tough life gets, and mine got pretty tough I have to say, there are always people worse off than you. It took a while, but I finally got there and now, every morning, I start the day with gratitude and thanks.
The more I did that, the more happiness I found in my life. It was like an awakening, and I am so very thankful it happened. I make no apologies for it sounding corny, but listening to the birds, watching the sun rise, walking in the rain, smelling the grass, are all beyond priceless, and give me more happiness than anything I could buy. And the best bit is they are all free! :)
Please Join the Conversation:
Have you added some small tweaks to your life? How did it change? Is there something you would like to add?
