Living Long
October 23rd, 2011 § Leave a Comment
“Lives filled with joy and meaning fuel our health and longevity.”
There were some beautiful days last week. The clear light and bright fall colors enveloped the Upper Valley in a golden glow. Warm temperatures enticed neighbors out into yards and along the streets to stop for a few minutes and chat. I ran into a friend out working in his shirtsleeves and we were soon swapping stories. He was taking a rest from swinging a pick-ax; I was taking a break from sitting at my computer.
My friend and I are both baby-boomers with a lot of living ahead of us so, as often happens when people of a certain age get together, we fell to musing about how to maintain our energy, zest, vitality, and conditioning while still accepting the physical changes that come with middle age. He has been an athlete and outdoorsman all his life. I just want to get into good enough shape to hike into the wilderness without passing out. We both have families where our elders live well into their nineties. Neither of us wants to “settle” into a sedentary old age. We want to live fully, exuberantly and feel good at the same time. We didn’t come to any resolution but as we both went back to work, I remembered the quote at the beginning of this column and contemplated how to make it real and immediate.
What can we draw on to drive us toward health? What is it that brings us joy? Where have we felt our lives to be most meaningful? What do we want to change so that our lives include more moments of deep happiness?
The first question speaks to motivation. The second, third and fourth have to do with inspiration. They ask us to entertain the sacred “why”. Motivation may get us to the gym or out onto the trails, but it won’t sustain our movement toward health and vitality. It’s how we feel when we do that thing that brings us joy!
Whatever change you are looking to make in your life, find the joy. Find the inspiration. Hold on to the meaning.
