Captain Jack and Bella are getting old.
That’s a hard thing for me to admit, as it seems like just yesterday they were “young dogs.” They arrived on the heels of saying goodbyes to Blondie (who we had for over 16 years) and Charlie (over 7 years). I recall thinking that it was a great time to be in a stage where a long life was in front of them.
I can see the decline in certain areas…
Bella is much grayer in her face and once dark brown kidney-shaped spots. At times, it appears that her “demands” have intensified as she’s aged, almost like she’s lost her filters. I think I’m glad that I don’t exactly know what she’s saying to me.
Captain Jack’s issues are more physical. While he’s still a strong dude, he more often “misses” when attempting to jump on the bed, and recently hurt his leg simply hopping off the sofa for dinner. While the limp is gone now, it took longer to shake off than before.
I’ve heard people over the years lament about getting old. Now I’m even hearing it from people who are closer to my age!
Often, there seems to be a hint of humor in it, masking an excuse for not being able to see, hear, or react as well anymore. You probably also hear conversation around various ailments, medicines, and the “aches and pains” that are inevitable part of the aging process. Maybe you might even find yourself taking part in this banter.
Well, Captain Jack and Bella call bulls**t on that. And so do I.
There’s a great significance in aging that much too often is overlooked and undervalued. We’ve all lost people in our lives at what we consider is too young an age. This pandemic that we have all survived has taken too many of our fellow humans. To be able to age is a gift, not a curse.
I know, I know. Some of it might be rooted in humor, right?
I suggest that in this case, the humor is a red herring, and is covering up an excuse, complaint, or seeking of sympathy.
We have control of how we age. And it’s never too late to make changes.
Here are factors that what we can manage and improve to be most healthy, productive, and thankful in our journey: what we digest, how much physical activity we get, what we read and listen to, who we hang out with, what we do for fun, how we respond to adversity, how much we sleep, and how we prioritize time.
One more thing…we all need a team outside of our family and friends.
My team includes my physician, chiropractor, fitness coach, golf coach, dentist, and physical therapists. My team includes my professional coach and advisors, plus the various professionals I need to do the things I don’t want to or am not good at. For me, this team allows me to focus on making myself better physically, mentally, financially, spiritually, and professionally.
We have a couple of options as we all grow older. We can give in to the “inescapable” aches and pains, increased medications, decreased lack of strength and flexibility, and the grumpiness and gruffness that results. Or we can take control of what we can, make ourselves a priority, make changes as necessary, build a team of advisors around us, and go enjoy life.
We will all “miss” and fall off the bed at times. Captain Jack responds by walking it off like he meant to do it and then takes another run at it. And he knows I’m also there to help him out when he needs it.
Let’s all go do the same thing…
Note: My new book is coming along well. My “team” is helping me and the announcement is coming this month. I will be making changes to my Unleashed Facebook page this week and will tell you how you can be part of the official launch my LIKING it. Stay tuned for more!
Quote of the Week:
“Freedom is nothing but a chance to be better.”
~ Albert Camus
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