We welcome back guest blogger, Sandy Conant, today! Thanks, Sandy!
Instead of new year’s resolutions, I always choose a theme for the year and three or four “focus” areas. It’s an intuitive process that’s more like “intentions” than “resolutions.” This year, the theme is “Stepping Grace-fully over Thresholds.” I am 78 years old and frankly, thresholds arise fast and furious at this age. Physically, we can go from 100% to 20% overnight —- a fall that breaks a shoulder, a death-knell diagnosis. Socially, we are blindsided —- e.g. by a granddaughter suddenly demanding to be “they/them” and declaring that she’s gender-neutral. (What the hell is that??) Spiritually, we may be felled by the death of a spouse or other loved one. I won’t even mention “technologically” —- watching a three-year-old be more adept at the computer than I am is still shocking. The “thresholds” —- those events that take us from one understanding to another or even one life to another —- speed up. How do we step over them with trust and gratitude?
The focus areas for the year are: Forgiveness, Agility, Discovery, and Energy. Forgiveness —- of both myself and others, for both misdemeanors and ‘crimes.’ Agility — flexibility and lightness in moving from one reality to another. Discovery —- not buying into the notion that this old dog can’t learn new tricks. Energy —- shifting energy from resentments or regrets to reconciliation and growth. The acronym is F-A-D-E. Yep, no doubt I’m fading, but right now, I want to fade my ego, to let go of pretensions and fall upward into appreciation for all that is, was and will be.
I recently read a quote from a man named Martin Shaw who said something like this: “ We need to stop using the phrase ‘Living with uncertainty’ — and begin saying “Navigating the Mystery.” It has more energy to it. ….”
The image of “navigating” added an amazing dimension to my theme and focus areas, for to ‘navigate’ requires preparation, new skills, understanding the environment, having a vision —- whether you’re navigating the Internet, a kayak in rapids or your one wild and precious life. At this age, it’s a great reminder to live to the fullest.
I love this way of thinking. I just returned from my first safari (Africa) and turned 84 2 days after I got back. Because of a fall a few months earlier I was not sure I could go. I went with a lot of encouragement from my friends. It was one of the best experiences of my life. All my fears gone, and living in the here and now for 12 days was the best gift I could have given myself.
Who knows what tomorrow will bring? But I will appreciate living life as fully as I can every moment.
Yes. Yes. Yes. Although my vessel may be getting more cracks and holes, it still is sea worthy, life worthy. And I still sail… Even if more slowly, which actually gives me more time to appreciate the stunning views along the way.
Thanks to both of you for your comments! I love hearing examples of our moving together through life, responding to age and to the challenges faced. My gratitude! Sandy