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No one looks forward to getting older, but if we are lucky it will happen and it’s certainly better than the alternative. I have often been asked if I could be 20 or 30 again would I? Like most folks they would probably say yes only if they could take the knowledge they have accumulated over all these years back with them.
I had a big birthday this past January and I celebrated with some gal pals over a lavish dinner. I stated no gag gifts please as I didn’t want boxes of Depends or hemorrhoid cream, laxatives…well you get the picture. One of the highlights of the evening was going around the table and all taking part in reminiscing about our lives; what we have learned, what we would change and where we see our futures.
My children are grown and live about an hour away and they have their busy lives as do I. I am single but live with my two Golden Retrievers and 3 chickens so I’ve had plenty of time to reflect on the last 60 years of my life. I’ve found that probably the most important event in getting older and wiser, is that by now I am more comfortable and confident in my skin and don’t really care what other people think of me or my views, or what I am doing. I can stop trying to control things and the outcome and adopt a what ever will be, will be outlook. It’s actually quite freeing to have put in the time and earned the right to be who I am.
So what does it look like to transition from that middle aged person to the slightly older one that is no longer dealing with a 9 to 5 grind? Finding something different but possibly more fulfilling?
Here are a few ideas that you might want to consider in order to enrich your life with something new, exciting and challenging.
• Volunteer – for years I have been volunteering at the Zoo. I particularly enjoy playing “Mother Goose” at the “Boo at the Zoo” Halloween party they host once a year. Kids and animals; a great combo.
• Bridge (or any card game or Maj jong, etc…) – a few years ago I started taking bridge lessons. I took to it like a duck to water and now I am teaching a beginning bridge class at the local community college.
• Craig’s list – I have found many interesting and creative opportunities checking out the part-time jobs on Craig’s list. From working at a Therapeutic riding academy to tutoring.
• I love to cook and I make a few special dishes. I worked on creating a specialty nut business to sell to brides and a few local artesian businesses around town. I obtained a Cottage license and that allowed me to make them in my home. Hence, a new business was born.
• For a year I have hosted a foreign exchange student. Though the pay is only a stipend, I have met some wonderful women from many different countries.
• Let your house work for you. If you have some extra space like a bedroom or garage, rent it out. I drive a Mini Cooper, so it doesn’t take up much room so I’ve rented out the other half of my garage to a vintage Corvette and my home office to another therapist.
• I love dogs and have a half acre all enclosed and fenced in, so I started a doggie day/overnight care service. I have two Golden Retriever’s so they get to have fun too while mom makes some extra cash and cuddles with other furry friends. If don’t have the space for a lot of rough housing, then consider fostering a pet from a local animal shelter.
• Turn your hobby or passion into something that fills your days and might even turn a buck. Or go back to school to make some new friends and learn a possible new trade.
Phew….lots of choices and opportunities to explore. For me, all of these activities keep me happy, healthy and young…at heart.
If I can be of service, please visit my website www.familyrecoverysolutions.com or call (805) 695-0049. In addition, I invite you to explore my book Reclaim Your Life – You and the Alcoholic/Addict at www.reclaimyourlifebook.com, PayPal or on Amazon. In addition, my book is available as an audio on my website only.
