in reply to @edsutton I just finished a great book, The Life of Meaning, that was written by Jungian Analyst, James Hollis, and I found it very insightful in terms of "aging." You know, preparing ourselves for the "final phase" of our lives. I also have a postcard adjacent to my bed that says, "Grateful," reminding me every morning when I wake up that "I got another day, many did not...." It works. The older I get, having just turned 63, I have finally realized that while my circle of friends has changed, it is more about quality, not quantity. And while I am not a religious person, I have joined an Episcopal church to meet kind people. A recent "blessing of the pets" planted a seed in my brain, and now I am giving thought to giving a greyhound a "forever" home. They are rescued from a racing track in Florida. I never thought I could get another dog, but I miss the companionship that only a dog can give. Thank you