Day 188 - I Am

 I AM

Prompt - I Am : Write a motivational poem or journal entry about positive traits that make you who you are.

I am getting old, my body is starting to show some signs of the long term inevitable failure that awaits us all.  And I am more content with life that I ever was when I was younger.

That's down to many factors.  many are circumstantial, and may change over time.  But several are mental, or emotional, and part of me in a way that suggests they will survive to the end of my days.  I do not fear getting older, and am determined to make the best of it.

Perhpas that's the factor to come to the top of my list - optimism, mixed with a realistic acceptance that it is perfectly possible to have 'enough', and not always want for more.  It's know that there have been so many good times in the past few years, and even something like the impact of covid on our lives will not prevent there from being many good times in the future.  Also the fact that, despite the major changes it enforced upon my, and our, lives, I have continued to enjoy life through lockdowns and social distancing, often finding new ways to enjoy myself, and fresh challenges to undertake.  Yet also being happy to be easy on myself.  If the challenges aren't completed within a certain time  that doesn't make me a failure.  Nor does failing to complete something.  If I got enjoyment from the efforts I did mange to put in then that;'s reward in itself.  The most important thing is to enjoy the moment you are in.

I think I've taught myself to be content.  To accept that life goes through different phases, and at the start of each one it's helpful to metaphorically sit down and make myself work out what the new phase may look like, and how I use it to make the best of my life and what's in it.  Because otherwise what's the point?

Of course that's dependent on a few things continuing to go well, primarily good health.  So I'm pleased with myself for doing what I can to keep my body in a decent shape so I can maximise the chances to enjoy the years ahead.  The gout a few years ago turned out to be a positive benefit.  It's stopped me from drinking much alcohol, and increased my already quite high water intake.  Add in a diet that's mostly fruit and veg, with plenty of roughage, a an absence of caffeine or other drugs, and I am giving myself an advantage for a good old age.

And that's what life is about now.  Enjoying the present, trying to ensure I can do more of it in the future.  I don't care how long I live, but I do want to be physically and mentally able enough to make the most of the years I've got.  The latest research suggests that muscle tone is more important than aerobic fitness in ensuring a good old age, so I try to put in my press ups and stomach crunches each day, walk a good distance and do some weights when I can.

For my mental health I keep up my voluntary work, which stretches my brain and gives me the satisfaction of helping others.  I deploy empathy and analytical abilities a lot in that role.  Every day I write, not just in my diary, but in a way that tries to be creative.  And I keep up my culture vulture status, always reading, consuming music and film and TV and theatre and comedy.  With a return to the shared experience variants of all those coming back soon.  I support my rugby team, win or lose.  That too comes back soon as a live event.

Finally, most importantly, I allow myself to be loved, and love in return.  By my wife, by our cat.

Old age is not to be feared, but welcomed.  You have to do it right though.