Mia Elizabeth Newman

COPING AND THRIVING

Coping includes age appropriate life skills. We may need assistance with these as we age. Life skills form the basics of well being and self respect. They include maintaining a nurturing home base, regular medical checks, moderate exercise, stress management, healthy food and social connection. This is serious self care which we need to make a priority.

Thriving is an added dimension to our identity. It gives a deeper meaning to our life. Each person will search out what that is for them. We can ask the questions ‘what do I need to let go of?’ ,’what can I say hello to?’ and ‘how do I want to age?’ I have found the following ideas helpful in continuing to develop as a person and write a new narrative.

Lived experiences are what we bring to the mature years. They have contributed to who we are. You can only move forward from where you are. I find this opens up continued self awareness and respect for who I am. Changing and adapting in this new place to make it manageable and interesting can be a challenge. Questions that arise are ‘what am I saying hello to?’ and ‘what am I saying goodbye to?’.

Transition into a new sense of self can change the important relationships in our life. This needs to be handled carefully. Social norms and stereotypes of aging including family expectations can limit us. As we age family support is important. 0ngoing small changes are helpful in maintaining stability

A balanced weekly plan is a strategy I would like to share. I have a diary which opens out so I can see the week. Each day is divided into two sections. One side is appointments and to do items. The other side is my priority for the day. It may be only an hour or two. This is an activity that reinforces my mature year’s identity and gives depth and meaning to the journey. When I look at the diary it easy to see if I have lost the balance and given over all of my energy and time to something else. It’s only a guide. Flexibility needs to be in the mix. If the sun is shining and you get an offer to good to refuse then go play. The coping and thriving weekly diary plan will aways bring you back to centre and help with a positive sense of self.

Reconnect with yourself is an article written by psychologist Michelle Saleeba. It reinforces the value of a personal project, ‘these small acts for ourselves – taking time to imagine’. She describes the importance of holding that precious place in your life. I offer that you go exploring online or in your community or you bring back to life an interest, a passion packed away in a box. Include a thriving activity as an essential part of your week.