One of the organizations I belong to has some very interesting classes and seminars on a variety of topics. One that caught my eye was:
Conscious Eldering: Aging with Intention and Passion
Discover the types of inner work that facilitate fully claiming and embodying one’s potential as an elder. This highly experiential workshop is for those of us approaching our senior years (50+) who wish to age consciously.
50+???? Eldering?
Well, since 50 is here and gone for me, this program is not only for someone who is an actual elder, it’s for me, with my newly minted ‘elder’ status.
Fine.
So….
I am now embracing this full force. So now that I am consciously eldering what is my mantra?
You want intention? I’ve got intention. I intend to keep building my nutrition business, Patty James: Healthy Kitchens. Healthy Lives, and the non-profit I founded and direct, DirectionFive. I intend to create an incredible community resource helping kids and adults with their health.
You want passion. Check. And then some.
What else?
My Personal Eldering Manifesto:
- I will create a life whereby my kids don’t worry about me, don’t feel a need to entertain me and I will set an example about what it means to age with intent. I will live my life in such a way that when my kids think of honesty, fairness, integrity, with a healthy zest for life, they think of me.
- I will take responsibility for my own happiness
- I will try my best to leave the world a little better than I found it.
- I will better my skills at recognizing the inconsequential and ignoring it.
- I will trust myself and listen to my intuition.
- I will be a problem solver, not a victim.
- I will be a life long learner. I understand that with knowledge comes an increased sense of wonder.
- As I age I will mentor those younger than I who ask for my help. Passing along wisdom that comes from years of mistakes and life experiences is what mentoring is all about.
- I will try not to die with music left inside of me. I will life my life to the fullest!
I decided to leave some open bullet points for future ah, ha moments and I’m quite sure there will be some.
Why the photo of a river? Well, you can’t step into the same river the same way twice. Everyday is a new day. Somehow it just seemed to fit!
Thursday, April 12th 2012 at 5:48 am
Patty I too must be an elder, hmmm. Well, the older I get, the smarter I feel, smarter in the way I approach people and the world. Priorities seems clearer, small moments dearer. Yep if this is being an elder, I’ll take it, though I would like to keep my younger self’s joints and waistline.
Thursday, April 12th 2012 at 9:01 am
Thanks for writing Tom. I’m with you. I feel thankful to be wiser and more connected. With age and more experiences comes more empathy because we’ve seen and done so much. I’m embracing my elder years and hopefully my ‘elder’ chapter will be long and full!
Like me, you like to cook, but I’ve managed to keep my waistline because I give away much of what I cook and bake! My neighbors love me….I’ve seen photos of your pies, however, and could probably eat a whole one myself…
Wednesday, April 11th 2012 at 3:58 pm
I’m totally into aging gracefully – or graceful eldering:) Loved your post – full of insight and wisdom.
Wednesday, April 11th 2012 at 6:01 pm
Thanks Victoria! What turned out being an interesting series of thoughts…starting with elder?…ended up being a useful exercise and one I enjoyed. I can’t wait until you’re back in California!