Turning the Corner on Aging -by Suzie Daggett
Not long ago, at 78, I viewed myself as energetic, active, alert, and youngish for my age. The idea of aging, getting old, or yikes, feeling elderly was not for me. I hiked, walked, adventured, and explored. I was curious and energetic about life itself.
Then . . . the tides turned. The effects of two small surgeries and an odd fracture within three months put my body into a fragile state. Anesthesia influenced my energy, and suddenly I was a slow mover without direction. Part of my healing was to be as prone as I could for four to six weeks. Wow, that was an antithesis to my normal busy, nervous high energy self. Friends wondered how I would survive such a healing stint. Yet, instead of self-pity or rancor, I incorporated a positive attitude about taking the time to heal, and I followed the protocol. My bedroom became a healing nest, complete with a trusty iPad to stream shows. The pleasures of reading were nonexistent. When the pain subsided, I realized I could get up with the aid of a borrowed walker. My spouse was in charge of most everything, but I was happy and eager to return to some activities. What was most shocking was seeing a reflection of myself maneuvering the walker. That mental image showed an old hunched over slow person. Was that really me? Had I become “elderly?”
During recovery, I took every opportunity to reclaim my former 78-year-old self. My supportive mantra was “this too shall pass.” Positive thinking, kindness towards my progress, and tuning into my inner being became my go to. When I was cleared to drive I did. If I did too much, I lay quietly and recovered. Finally, I began to go out with friends and attempt neighborhood walks with my trusty cane. My energy remained depleted, but, with time, I made it. Being who I am, I used my brand of upbeat spiritual beliefs along with solid healing protocols to reclaim me.
Now that I am on the other side, my nervous energy has thankfully been replaced with ease of living, for which I am extremely grateful. My poor sleep patterns have improved resulting in good sleep for which I am also very grateful. Will I get back to hiking, walking, exploring, and vacationing with my spouse? Yes, I will, as these are my intentions. I may not do all I desire, but I will do what my body and mind allow.
I am accepting and enjoying a gentle grateful approach to this waning stage of life. I try over and over to check my ego at the door and tune in to my soul’s path. Going through life’s twists and turns brings awareness of the fragility of the moment. Turning the corner after a setback can offer an opportunity to reflect on and discover your own way to be at peace with the ever-present aging process.
Suzie Daggett is the author of: The Pink Door ~ Moms’ Journey to the Other Side providing a roadmap to assist elders in their dying process and comfort the caregiver; From Ego to Soul ~ Discover what your Soul needs and what your Ego wants: and PEARLS ~ 52 Contemplative Insights. Suzie’s gift is to spin practical easily understood real life advice to bring clarity to everyday living.
