Feeling untethered

@jofree For whatever it's worth, I just had my driver's license renewed. Thanks to the magic of cataract surgery I do not need glasses to drive and I was also allowed to drive at night. I don't like to drive at night, but I am able to. If I am still here, I will be 96 when this license expires.

@jofree
Hi,
I enjoyed your kind comment to Marilyn! I was also interested in your license coming up for renewal. I'm 79 and my license came up for renewal last week. I worried about it for several months and kept praying! I passed the eye test and got my license! What I wanted to pass onto you is that in Washington State where I live I had the opportunity to pay more and not have to renew my license for 8 years! You might want to look into that and see if it's offered where you live. Prayer also always helps!
I wish you the best.
PML

@pml
Thanks pml,
I will use this information when I present for the renewal and yes, prayer is a daily practice for my wife and I. She is 75 and we still ride our bikes, weather permitting about three or four times per week.
In Florida, where we reside, is a country setting with abundant dirt roads and horse, cattle and peanut farms scattered everywhere. Population under 2,100 folks and about 30 miles in any direction are services; hospitals, groceries, and the usual myriad resources that most foks don't really need.
I'll be confident when I go for the renewal, thanks to your writing. Keep on going.
Jofree

Hello MsMarilyn.
I too enjoy your writings. And please do not stop them.
I feel I am tethered to YOU. 💕
3 years ago I lost my husband at the young age of 78!
I am the same age. We were married 53 years.
At that point in my life, my death was brought forward in my mind. I had a hard time finding any kind of purpose to my life.
You see my whole life I lived in negativity due to depression. Was diagnosed at age 50 after my dad died. This was my first experience in life with the death of someone I loved. After which the depression was better with meds, but truly never felt a happy, positive person.
It’s been a learning experience after the loss of my husband. But it has turned around in my head since the day I found MAYOconnect.
I have learned so much just reading all the stories and advice of others who have suffered the loss of a loved one. I have become so much more in-tuned to my brain and learning how to be happy and alone. I feel finally like I have a purpose in my life. I am finding my way again. I have a friend in Jesus, who is my constant companion. We talk all day! Everyday! We sometimes include my husband in our conversations. This alone keeps me going on living in peace and with a purpose. I am happy and see the sunshine and beauty in this world.
It took a while but I now know that I can go on living a life in happiness and loving myself.
It was said, I believe on this site, that only God knows the date of my death! So now I don’t seem to obsess about dying. Just feel a sense of being tethered to God!

Wow, where did all that come from? I feel so light and free. And happy. Thank you all for helping me find that finally! Keep it coming please.
Kathymj

Yes, in my 85th year I'm feeling untethered!
I am planning on doing something to counteract that in this new year, 2026.
I am going to be active every day, doing more chores around the house and yard (and with gusto!).
I plan on starting the "China Study" diet . I've ordered the book on it. Author is T. Colin Campbell, published in 2016, to have more whole foods with lots of antioxidants daily.
I will learn a bit more about mindfulness and relaxation techniques too and incorporate those here and there amongst my activities.
Anyone else with more suggestions?

Posting again today, as I've read all the other responses. I feel my untethered (great word as to how I feel) is due to my age, but the several losses I am experiencing. Hearing loss vision loss, maybe mobility loss in the next few years (still hiking now). When a person knows that reasonably, just due to one's age, you only have a few years left, and there will inevitably be more losses (eg. drivers license), and one will have to adapt in some way...I think that is where the feeling of "untethered: comes from.

@greengold I have found that writing in a journal helps me feel grounded. For many years I've kept a 1-line diary--just one sentence a day. I also keep a notebook handy for more traditional journal writing, sketching, making lists, poems, and anything else I want to share--with myself. I like how you added--with gusto!

Excellent suggestion..and one lubmne a day us manageable. Thank you!!

Greengold

Hahaha. Looks like I didn't manage the one line very well. That s/b "one line"

Greengold

Common synonyms for "untethered" include loose, free, unbound, unconfined, unleashed, and unrestrained. For me, this state of being sounds pretty good! You sound like you are living a good life, compared to others your age, and you are savoring the moments. Yes, death is "out there" for everyone, no matter their age. As for me, I understand that and accept it as a natural part of life.