Lesson 33: Age is Just a Number

As I grow older, I look at my peers and realize how very different we look and feel.  When we were young, we all "looked the same".  With stress and genetics, we have changed over the years, and as we are reaching our 6th decade of life, the differences become more apparent.

Some of my peers have not been fortunate enough to celebrate another birthday. Others are hampered with health issues that impair their daily activities. Some have embraced their gray, including me, and some are lucky enough not to have any gray yet, and don't need the help of Clairol.  Some have lots of wrinkles and some only have a few wrinkles, without the help of Botox. Some are bald, and some are sporting a full head of hair.

But even though many of us have changed on the "outside," we are still young at heart.  We enjoy doing fun things and appreciate the art of "play."  So the lesson today is to see beyond the physical shell of another's body, and look within. After all, age is just a number.

Lesson 32: Your Body is Your Temple

Today's lesson is to appreciate your body and to take good care of it. When you were born, your body was at its purest state, protected from the outside environment, and hopefully nourished well by your mother during your fetal development. 

While you did not have control over the food your parents fed you when you are young, it is important to nourish it your body well once you do have a say in your diet.  It is also important to go outdoors and soak in some sun for Vitamin D, and it is just as important to protect your skin when you are there. Exercising your body to keep it supple and mobile is critical to live a quality life as you age. 

Reduce the stress in your life. Even if you are physically doing all the right things, stress can take a toll on your physical well-being. Find things to do that make you feel happy and fulfill your personal dreams and goals.

Remember, your body is your temple. Honor it.

Lesson 31: The Cat's in the Cradle



Harry Chapin said it best in his famous song "The Cat's in the Cradle," when he said "I'd like to Dad, if I had the time, but the new job's a hassle and the kids have the flu..blah blah blah." 

Take the time to read the lyrics at http://www.lyricsdepot.com/harry-chapin/cats-in-the-cradle.html.
Analyze your life against the song's message.  Are you taking the time to appreciate what is really important in life?  As parents, we have done the best we can with what we have (had), but it is true that very unimportant things get in the way of what is really important.  The sad part is that we did not know that at the time.  Aging really does make you a lot smarter about life's lessons, and anyway, we never would have believed these things when we were younger and "knew it all."

So the lesson this week is to take the time to consider what is really important in life, and lead your life in that direction.  It is never too late.  At that point, you can say you understand and are reaching for self-actualization.