I'm approaching 81 years of age at the end of this month. I've talked with my daughters (both in mid-50s) about where important papers are, my wishes, how I'm signed up (and prepaid) with the Neptune Society, and sent them the info they will need when my time comes. They express appreciation that some decisions have already been made and everything doesn't/won't fall to them. I feel good that I'm taking some of the worry and burden away.
annis this is a gift. I was interviewed today by a couple of podcasters who support late blooming financial independence seekers. They asked me whether, if i died today, how would i feel. Well, i said, i'd be dead so I wouldn't feel, but my regret would be that i hadn't gotten rid of more of my stuff and someone would have to deal with it. I am naturally shedding what doesn't fit, and every day, less fits. and i have most of my documentation done, and a burial plot that doesn't require a casket so that will be easy. I think this such an important part of coming of aging. to clean up messes on all levels and die in peace
If your test run of a zoom conversation and reflection hour is open to the public, please add me to the list! I've been following you for a bit, reading your blog posts and listening to your podcast. Thank you for all of your offerings, Vicki!
Yes! Navigating aging is quite the adventure! Of a different sort for sure. Community, trust and love. Sounds like you are doing well❤️ I am also in the flow of all that I give my love and attention to. We are blessed
Many similar thoughts going through my mind at times as well. Though I don't have the community you have, and so wish I did. If I hadn't left Maine, on the NH border, a few years ago (where I grew up), or if I had stayed in Vermont rather than moving to Maine in the late 1990s (but my sister needed me, my father had to move to a nursing home), I would have had community in either of those two places. Here it's my sons and their families and that's it. And, unlike some of my friends in Vermont, my kids have not put in veggie gardens (well, one did but it got away from them and they gave up), and the idea of me being "dependent" on them doesn't sit well with me. Being in community with friends feels better. I could move back to Vermont or to Maine and the community would be there. My friends are still there, and we keep in touch, and I still have 2 grandsons in Vermont.
Still, it's interesting to me, as I get older and the situation in the world is more and more tenuous, my anxiety over it is way less than it was, say 10 years ago. Even looking at the aftermath of a possibly disastrous election this fall . . . I'm thinking . . . whatever happens is obviously what is needed for things to shift and turn around. I'm holding out for the energy and power of Love (Raging Love as well), no matter how dark it looks. And when I do fall into that black pit, as I do sometimes, as I expect we all do sometimes, I come out quicker than when I was younger. I realize now, this moment, this breath is where it's at. If "all is well" in this moment, then . . . all is well. And if it's not, then we will face it and make whatever choices we need to. Being in community, like yours, offers comfort and a sense of stability. As you said, Trust is the operative word in all of this. And Trust the Love.
I'm approaching 81 years of age at the end of this month. I've talked with my daughters (both in mid-50s) about where important papers are, my wishes, how I'm signed up (and prepaid) with the Neptune Society, and sent them the info they will need when my time comes. They express appreciation that some decisions have already been made and everything doesn't/won't fall to them. I feel good that I'm taking some of the worry and burden away.
annis this is a gift. I was interviewed today by a couple of podcasters who support late blooming financial independence seekers. They asked me whether, if i died today, how would i feel. Well, i said, i'd be dead so I wouldn't feel, but my regret would be that i hadn't gotten rid of more of my stuff and someone would have to deal with it. I am naturally shedding what doesn't fit, and every day, less fits. and i have most of my documentation done, and a burial plot that doesn't require a casket so that will be easy. I think this such an important part of coming of aging. to clean up messes on all levels and die in peace
I loved Jean Shepherd, but had to wait for his thoughts to show up in books. I laughed so hard at his writings.
If your test run of a zoom conversation and reflection hour is open to the public, please add me to the list! I've been following you for a bit, reading your blog posts and listening to your podcast. Thank you for all of your offerings, Vicki!
I’m here on Substack too! Sharing my version of the exploration of Stories of a lifetime, NOW AND THEN, Navigating aging 😘
Yes! Navigating aging is quite the adventure! Of a different sort for sure. Community, trust and love. Sounds like you are doing well❤️ I am also in the flow of all that I give my love and attention to. We are blessed
Many similar thoughts going through my mind at times as well. Though I don't have the community you have, and so wish I did. If I hadn't left Maine, on the NH border, a few years ago (where I grew up), or if I had stayed in Vermont rather than moving to Maine in the late 1990s (but my sister needed me, my father had to move to a nursing home), I would have had community in either of those two places. Here it's my sons and their families and that's it. And, unlike some of my friends in Vermont, my kids have not put in veggie gardens (well, one did but it got away from them and they gave up), and the idea of me being "dependent" on them doesn't sit well with me. Being in community with friends feels better. I could move back to Vermont or to Maine and the community would be there. My friends are still there, and we keep in touch, and I still have 2 grandsons in Vermont.
Still, it's interesting to me, as I get older and the situation in the world is more and more tenuous, my anxiety over it is way less than it was, say 10 years ago. Even looking at the aftermath of a possibly disastrous election this fall . . . I'm thinking . . . whatever happens is obviously what is needed for things to shift and turn around. I'm holding out for the energy and power of Love (Raging Love as well), no matter how dark it looks. And when I do fall into that black pit, as I do sometimes, as I expect we all do sometimes, I come out quicker than when I was younger. I realize now, this moment, this breath is where it's at. If "all is well" in this moment, then . . . all is well. And if it's not, then we will face it and make whatever choices we need to. Being in community, like yours, offers comfort and a sense of stability. As you said, Trust is the operative word in all of this. And Trust the Love.
I think you are asking the right questions.