Shocked by aging process

@lukekee
Have you thought about renting an RV for a few days and taking one or two dogs with you? I havent been on a "back to nature" getaway in a while, but rented a cabin in a state park in my town, on the lake, with a wrap around porch. It was the only handicapped cabin, for me and my service dog, had a ramp instead of steps. They allowed me to wire a gate on the fenced-in porch so my dog could walk freely. It was amazing, we loved no TV, phone, internet, quiet and peaceful. A canoe or row boat would lazily pass by, BBQ vegan stuff on the grill, and enjoyed the wildlife with seeds I put out. It revived both of us, and worth every penny and moment to rejuvinate from typical society stress. We all should treat ourselves to self care at least once a year.

@dbamos1945
You just might be like my blood type, B+, opposed to, be negative!
I am a hopeless optimist, and proud of it. People have told me over the years, "Everytime I see you, you are smiling". I always say to myself, why am I the only one? I was diagnoised, amongst a mile long list of illnesses, with bi-polar. Yet, I'm all manic, not really knowing what being depressed is. Sad for loss, frustrated, contemplative, yes, depressed? Nope. I have one of those minds that does not have an off-switch.
Which means...
resolutions arrive before a depression sets in.

A blessing and a curse one might say. I say,
"a count my lucky stars moment." The key to the mint...are you ready for it? Be as productive as you can each day. Yes, it could be simple domesticated chores, self help, helping others, but always try to throw in there something that you KNOW is the reason why you are REALLY here. Trust me, its not the trivial things most people think. People, you are an extra ordinary entity.
Now show the world who you are, because we are NOT defined by our illnesses!

I understand completely. They don't give you an Aging 101 class. I try not to even go out anymore. I am very self conscious
Hugs to you

@galere Oh my, that is so sad. What exactly is keeping you at home?

My quite young (mid-50's) next door neighbor has recent-onset spastic disorder that makes him appear to be always staggering all the time. He had to retire from coaching/refereeing, but does not let it stop him. He could have chosen to hide in the house, but instead now he gets around with braces, a walker, or canes and is driving a school bus to be around kids. Another friend has chronic, disfiguring lymphedema in her legs - so she wears longer pants, not shorts, does story-telling, volunteers, and swims in our community pool.
These are two of my "quiet heroes."

My wrinkles, crooked hands, chronic bruises, not-so-trim-and-firm body, and other signs of aging don't seem like much compared to that. So I just keep doing what I can.

Smile though your heart is aching (metoprolol succinate) . Smile even though it's breaking (Eliquis). Smile through your tears and sorrow (furosimide). Smile and then maybe tomorrow (Prozac)....

Smile though your heart is aching (metoprolol succinate) . Smile even though it's breaking (Eliquis). Smile through your tears and sorrow (furosimide). Smile and then maybe tomorrow (Prozac)....