Aging Gracefully: Embracing the Unknown: Navigating the Journey of Aging Gracefully with Confidence and Optimism

Lately, I have been thinking about what it means to me to age gracefully. Growing older is an interesting journey. It has its lumps and bumps, but for the most part, it has its glitz and glimmer. By that, I mean, at least for me, each day has more ups than downs. When I awaken in the morning, I feel like I am on the winning end. Yay life! Yay! I get to see the start of a new day with all of its gusto and its glory. Sure, some mornings are a bit more challenging than others, but, even if I have to delay my "rise and shine" routine, at least, I have gotten a good start inasmuch as I opened my eyes. Speaking of eyes, mine have been under the careful scrutiny of several doctors. I've been diagnosed with glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts, in both eyes!!!!!! Yikes! So, needless to say, my vision is a bit tricky at times. However, the great news is, when I wake up in the morning, I can see! So, that in itself is a good start. With all of the procedures, drops, injections and such, I'm believing that my vision will get better in time. For now, I'm grateful to be able to see the great and glorious things life has to offer, even if they are viewed in a somewhat distorted way at times.

Back to aging gracefully. I move through life with a sense of wonderful expectation. There is a poem that I learned a long time ago, called "Crystal Stair." It speaks of a woman whose life has been very challenging. Despite the obstacles, she is determined to keep climbing, believing that it gets better after while. That is in essence my story. Life for me has been blessed, but it has not been a crystal stair. Now that I am in my 70's, and I have put in the work, and I have remained optimistic, and I have done good for others, and most of all, I have held on to faith, I have to believe that my days ahead will be full of greatness. I may have to navigate life a little more slowly, and a great deal more carefully, but, I plan to grow in grace. I'm excited about my future. I believe life gets better. I believe I will "live this life and that more abundantly." Yay life!