senior happiness

Oh, my grandparents weren't that way; I enjoyed their company! As for visitors, unless it was bad weather (& they weren't spending the night), I was left to go outside or play in my room or do chores...whatever. Most of the time it was family dropping in, & they'd talk of things about which I was largely uninterested, anyway. Or, if it did become interesting, I was allowed to sit & join in. I feel especially blessed to have had "Mama," my maternal grandmother, as my chief role model. She was strong & outspoken, & I grew up being the same. It never crossed my mind to feel as though I wasn't in charge of my own life. No-one in the tiny village near our farm seemed to think her attitudes odd, so I just assumed everyone was like my grandparents, & was surprised to later discover the biases society had toward strong women. It drew me to join the feminists, at first, then later, ironically, to leave them behind. They were all caught up in the "women are victims" mindset, & I just couldn't stomach that! I knew better. I knew that the only thing that could hold me back was myself! And thanks. Rest assured the "negative bilge" will never defeat me! Just you take care of yourself, hun! We can always pray for one another! Maggiepie Put that "misfit" topic in Open Mike! Anything goes!

You most certainly are the exception to the rule !Not many take time to smell the roses at all. the best they can do is gripe about the thorns! It took me years to understand that concept but when I did it was Katie Bar the Door cuz quita was on her way to the garden :) You attitude has truly served you very well and you should be proud of yourself. God Bless, quita

I too was raised by middle aged grandparents and went thru about the same routines as you did. It was hard to get out of that house and wander on because I had chores to do and when company came I had double jeapardy. I was expected as a youngster to honor my elders and sat and was quiet, bored and nice,but still was glad when they left. I have been some what set free over the years except for responsibilities to my son and now my grandkids and a husband who is an ivalid. I think now that I've finally decided to get up and go and allow myself the reality of making my own decisions has hit me the last few years. I've always been burdened with a man or others who always cast a shadow over me and I somehow allowed them to make decisions for me. No more! I can't live all pent up and unhappy anymore. I had two heart attacks last year and why was I spared??? So, it is time to enjoy what the green earth has laid out for me in whatever aspects I find enjoyable. Ok, so we won't disuss our ails LOL I don't have that many really................. Now, you take care and don't be defeated on negative bilge:) Have a "rose smelling" day ! quita

I did not say it right. I meant the only negative small things are here on myLot at times. In my real life I notice and enjoy every slightest detail in nature especially when the same(?) birds come back. I treat my plants as if they understood how much pleasure they bring me.. Every year when I replant my garden I get such happiness from the new blooms. With my many house plants every new year I am so proud when they all bloom again. I was a real city girl growing up so I am amazed that I seem to have a green thumb. I do not even like to kill insects with two exceptions roaches and house flies. Yes indeed I am truly happy in my Golden years and I thank my Loving God every day for blessing me.

I even thank God for my enemies; they keep me on my toes, & give me someone to pray for! Maggiepie Can't find a spot for your discussion that really fits? Try Open Mike!

LOL on being attacked on mylot ! Been there and done that ! I have to disagree tho about the smaller things. I'm talking flowers blooming and birds singing and the sound of rain on my roof. I no longer feel attacked as you so graciously put it ! I feel I can hold my own with the world if I have to. I do not pay a lot of attention to the sordid things in life---I hate politics and I know you are deep into them---so we will agree to disagree and mainly cuz I am not as knowledgable as you on the subject !! But, we are two separate entities and we both have our preferences. I am glad tho to hear you are happier in you Golden Years as I am ! It's nice to not worry about going out all dolled up and at restaurants we have the privilege of being seated in a gracious manner and getting our 10% senior discount Hey, later and let's enjoy our old age more now than ever ,ok?

Ha! Believe it or not, I actually know what rose mallow is and think it is pretty. You know, I haven't a clue who designated what for weed classifications, but I find all of them pretty in their own way. Even plain old thistle is pretty when it's blooming, and it's one of the plants that hummers like, so I leave them grow on the edge of my hayfield that borders my lawn. Two heart attacks! Wow! I know what you mean about being thankful. I had two cancers in one organ and lost a whole year due to therapies. The one was supposed to 'take me quick' (as the Dr put it.) But, here I am almost 9 years later and cancer free. My oncologist now believes in miracles lol (which is definitely a good thing!) I've been home bound pretty much since then, so I believe happiness is often a state of mind, and a choice: we can either choose happiness with everything great or small, or we can let it bring us down. I choose happiness lol:) Wishing you good health, and much happiness! Nice to meet you quita!

Hi quita, thank you for your comment. I bet your smile is addictive, most are. Not worrying about how great I look stopped about ten years ago so I am with you there as well. Comfort is where it's at. Additionally, I don't worry about what others may think of me either. I know who I am and what is in my heart. I feel as long as we stay positive, optimistic, we will breeze through any obstacles with ease. I agree to not sweat the small stuff! It took me all of about 30 years but I got it and practice this daily. I think for myself, bringing in my senior years is going to be a breeze too. I am pretty much ready as far as my frame of mind goes. Your idea of the essence of life is right on and age is just a number. I strongly believe that we are only as old as we think/feel we are. Does faith not keep our hearts content? Thank you for sharing and for the BR. It's been my pleasure.

I think it's wonderfull you feel this way ! I have found a difference in how I feel or relate to others as well as outside activities. I find people intriguing, young or old and if you find a nice smile on either of your parent's faces then they too have found what I call the essence of life. To me the essence of life is simple: Just don't give a da*n about the little irritatons of the day and realize they will be in less than 48 hours anyways and who cares? A smile makes others wonder what you've been up to :) and at this tender of 61 I hope everyone thinks I'm up to no good! A sense of humor about our aging bodies and not haveing to worry about how great we look or if we meet the approval of others is essential to a senior ! Just make people smile back and Boom ! they are in your essence too ! Oh, and the most important thing---Is my faith in God and that HE sees me thru the storms of life . God bless you:) quita

Me too hugssssssssssssssss

The smallest things are the best. I love to see kind of an animal a cloud looks like. Yep, me too, not old anymore! I am enjoying life more now than I did many years ago cuz of my kids and grandkids. Life ain't bad. huggssssssssssssssssssss

LOL on the battles ! I've learned that patience is a virtue I never had but have cultivated along this long aging highway !! I find that the flowers are nice even with a few weeds in the flower bed and I don't need so much flattery as I used to think was necessary to feel good about myself! Thanks for the response and let's grow older together

Weeds suddenly enhance the garden!!! Flattery....flattery....what is flattery??? We're close to the same age & if you don't quit , we'll probably be sitting right here reminiscing about the good old days!!!!

Hey you and I should get along just super great !!! I see you are just a year younger than I am :) I too will grow older in Sept tho But yes on the weeds ----------have you seen one that didn't have a bloom ?? Flattery is when a guy says, hey your butt looks good in those pants Ah, the good old days,no???

Great ! I am glad to hear that. Maturity comes with not only age but understanding how we want life to be for ourselves. At 48 you are doing better than most at your age and you hang in there and life will get better and better, I promise! hugs, quita

It's not exactly that I didn't realize before, more like I knew I liked those things, but I wasn't exactly aware of their effect upon me. Things like cats purring, a beautiful day, music, art, snorkeling, the kids' laughter...

Me too! But tell me just what are the things that do make you happy that you didn't realize before? as in, the sky is bluer or the stars are brighter? etc.

We are talking about the aged people and there are lots of senior citizens here on mylot. As one ages we find there are simpler ways to deal with life and not worry so much about the trivial things that don't matter anyways. Just take the time to stop and smell the roses and listen to the wind and love the people around you and you will do just fine. Hang in there, you will be fine. God bless

We seniors thank you! ANd, just remember you too will be a senior day too! God bless, quita

I agree totally. We don't worry about the trivial things we can't fix anyway. We have learned this over the years. I too don't get distracted like I used to. Being at peace with one self is a comfortable feeling. Yep, your time is yours and no one can take that away from you. God bless.

Maturity comes with living life. LIfe as you know it now is different as you age. The phrase of "take time to smell the roses" comes to mind as I age. Mylotter seniors are all great people and we , you and me should take lessons from their wisdom. Thank you for posting:) God bless.

I think you will find most older people are more understanding and caring than most. I appreciate the fact you recoginize your grandmom's understanding and is easier to relate to now that she is older. He patience is rewarded by grandkids like you seem to be. God bless.

Sounds like you have the age problem licked already ! True enough some older people can be grumpy. I think aches and pains cause this. I have worked in nursing homes most of my adult life and have found that those who are grumpy usually need more love and attention. There is a reason for every thing in life and we need to take time to figure out the why's and wherfores --- Take time with an senior and give him/her a chance to talk and you'll get a better perspective on life yourself. God bless.

thank you! :)

It really is nice to have the time to take in the smaller wonders isn't it? It's just hubby and me now and life is slower and the kids don't get here too often since they are older and have their activities and their own lives to live. It's refreshing change to have them over when they do come and truthfully I am worn out when they do go ! But still it a pleasant tired :) I am a humming bird fan and also flower person and each one of my birds and flowers I find beautiful in it's own way. Thanks for sharing, God Bless.

We all are learning here on mylot and our senses are more intense in the way we answer our discussions and postings. I' m quite sure you are feeling more intelligent as you have grown more accustomed to being the bearer of good news for a lot of mylotters. Keep it up and you have my best !