Feeling Old? No Need To...
A recent article in the NYT demanded my immediate attention: 3 Steps to Age Exuberantly by Jancee Dunn.
I mean really, isn't that what we all want? This article highlights the advice of an 86 year old Swedish artist turned author who is doing just that.
Cutting to the chase, this is the best, simplest, do-able advice ever. And we don't need to be 80+ to start, we can do it right now, whether we are 55, 60, or 75! Margareta Magnusson, author of The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly: Life Wisdom from Someone Who Will (Probably) Die Before You offers up this wisdom.
kärt besvär, doing with joy and gratitude.
This first one is so, so true and is part of a business-based spiritual operating system that I am currently helping test as a member of a beta group. This is basically the Swedish version of doing whatever it is you are doing/committed to doing with joy and gratitude. Grocery shopping? Rather than putting it off, letting your cupboard and fridge contain only things that no one wants, try this. Get thee to the supermarket or online resource thinking: "I am so grateful for the abundance available to me, the delicious food I will prepare for my family, and that I can afford to purchase what we need and want." Hey, even the drive there is something to be thankful for... your car, the beautiful surroundings, if applicable. Paying bills is another good one to change that attitude. Summed up, live with joy rather than resentment.
Hang around with young people!
Have you noticed what a drag it is when all that people are talking about is their latest ailment, COVID boosters, and their doctor appointments--where and when and then every little detail? Totally deadly and boring, especially when you are hearing it for the second or third time. OY. Starting with your children, grandchildren, groups that are more diverse age-wise, create opportunities to interact. Magnusson advises to keep your door and refrigerator open! Be a good listener, you will learn a lot. She also recommends 8 minute (no longer) phone calls to your younger friends and family.
Say "YES" whenever possible.
I love this one. We put up our own walls and create impediments to saying "yes to life." Magnusson says that oftentimes those events, parties, dinners, "adventures" that your first internal reaction (based on what?) was to say “no” to, are the times that turn out to be best and most memorable. She cited a recent dinner party she was invited to when she "closed it down" with the last guests, having had a delightful evening.
It is likely that you will be able to continue on your life journey with these few simple "rules" you can follow, starting right now. Bon Voyage!
P. S. In the spirit of full transparency, I always say no to cruises, so that’s not me on the deck in the image above.
