For decades there has been a near frantic search for a new word to describe aging - something that makes us feel better about growing older. Companies create focus groups looking for the right word and anti-ageism experts write extensively about promoting a new term that will magically change everyone's perception of growing older. Euphenisms like wisdom workers, grand elders, super agers, perennials, queenagers, modern elders, boomers and countless others. It's as if we believe that when we stumble upon the right descriptive word, we'll immediately feel better about ourselves, the workplace will respect us and society will appreciate our value.
This is exactly the problem - we allow these words to impact the way we think, what we believe and even how we age. We don't need new words - we need to change or expand the definition of current words. We do that by changing the way we live and we change the way we live by changing our belief system about what's possible. Yes, words do matter but we can't allow ourselves to be bullied by them. We can't let someone calling us old or senior cause us to embrace the negative traits that are wrongly associated with those words, and we shouldn't be fooled into thinking that a new word will magically transform our later decades.
Close your eyes and imagine someone who is 90. What do you see? Now understand that whatever is in your mind will ultimately wind up in your body. That's the power, for better or worse, of your belief system. So, whatever you imagined when you closed your eyes, imagine more, a lot more. The truth is most of us anticipate the perceived negative benchmarks of aging so completely that we all but guarantee they'll come to pass.
Imagine your life. Are you living where you are? Or somewhere closer to family or friends? In a community? In a condo instead of a house? Why not contact a Caring Transitions team member today within Wauwatosa, Greenfield, West Allis, Milwaukee, and begin to take to take steps to declutter or downsize your home. There’s no time like the present to take steps toward the life you want.
Even small steps can make a big difference. Our friends at Growing Bolder have three quick tips to help make your day and eventually your life.
Number 1 - Have a Purpose
We can all become more purpose-driven as we age. Having purpose is fundamental to healthy aging. We all need a reason to get up and get going each morning. Could you commit to helping one person every day? It doesn't have to be anything major. A kind word of encouragement is really all that's required. Lighten someone's load in one small way. When you give, you get, it's the law of reciprocity.
Number 2 - Focus on What You Have
The way to get what you want is to be grateful for what you already have. So, take a minute or two every day to think about all the things that you are grateful for. Everything you need to be happy is probably already right in front of you.
Number 3 - Say Thanks
Count the number of times you say thank you each day and start saying it more often. Our words matter. When you make it a point to speak with gratitude and kindness, you'll be surprised at what happens.