Dear Fellow Agers-

Let’s tell the truth: This is a time of considerable worry for those of us whose life plans depend on Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, retirement savings and programs that help the elderly.
The future looks less predictable and we can’t be sure all our plans for aging well will survive intact.

Since the November election my mood has been “drifting,” and I know I’m not alone.
News of the last days tells me the changes happening aren’t just imaginary.
So when I look forward to aging in place I see many unanswered questions that can dampen my mood, and I don’t have answers to offer beyond “We will see what happens.”

But I do have a response to offer.
Our futures, whatever they become, will consist of the unbroken links of “Now,” stepping forward day-by-day, moment-by-moment.
We have the ability to shape the content and feelings of many of those moments.
We can be intentional and proactive in sustaining and building the joys that nurture our lives.
Doing this empowers us, and we need all the power we can muster!

Here are some of the things I’ve found to make my day as full as possible:
-Talking with my wife about grandkids; looking at grandkid photos together. Learning about the new town where they’re moving soon.
-Playing more music for sheer enjoyment.
-Grooming our dogs; teaching them new tricks; just playing and going for more walks.
-Joining our neighbors for play and visit time in the park.
-Reading articles and discussing them with my wife.
-Watching one historic TV drama each evening and learning about the historic background of the characters.
-Continuing my workshop projects and really enjoying my woodworking tools and skills. Loving beautiful pieces of wood!
-Shopping for really good produce and making simple meals that show them at their best.

O.K., you get the idea.
Today is the life we have.
We can make it the best day we can have, every day.
And this will make us strong.
Let's do this together.
Please share what makes you strong.

With love,
Ed