WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JANUARY 2023
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1 Sit in silence for three minutes... it's harder than you think. Does silently working in the garden count? Done! I sat silently for 7 minutes and prayed.
2 List 5 things using each of your senses. Right now? I can see my Christmas decorations, I can hear Christmas songs, I can taste my coffee, I can smell my coffee, and I can feel a comfortable temperature in the room.
3 Let go of at least 5 items in your house. I'm not in a downsizing or reducing mode so I've taken some lunch things to work, I will take an item to be mailed and another to be given to the people at work.
4 What was your favorite Christmas gift? (this year or ever). I can't tell you what my favourite Christmas gift this year is yet. It's a secret.
5 Move for at least 30 minutes today. Absolutely. It's a very rare day that I don't.
6 Share a goal you achieved last year. We completed the longest bicycle ride since my husband's accident and the fastest.
7 Slow down and savor one meal today. Mmmm ... pizza!
8 Who was your favorite teacher. My father. But I've had quite a few good teachers, in addition to him, over the years.
9 Create something today. I finished creating my first work-related project plan today.
10 What is your favorite lyric from a song. Difficult one given that I like so much music. But let's go with: "A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices"
11 Send a card/note to someone today. Do emails count?
12 What are you looking forward to in 2023? Can't tell you that! It's a secret ... same secret as my favourite Christmas gift.
13 Tell a random person they look "good" today. It's a bit late in the day to read this and didn't meet too many random people today ... or people in general. But I smiled at some horses and told Rhody he's gorgeous.
14 Tell us three amazing things that happened recently (you decide what "recently" means...lol)
One is a secret ... I should be able to tell you by the end of the month.
My skin cancer surgery went better than expected and all my margins are clear.
I've been able to hold my granddaughter.
15 Call or text someone you haven't talked to in at least a week. Well, I did email a couple people yesterday.
16 What made you smile today. Do you mean like evil laughter?? Or a happy smile?
Happy would be big fresh strawberries from our plants and my colouring book. I'm colouring little rainbows right now.
17 Take a photo of something you're grateful for
Our garden
18 What material comforts are you most thankful for? You can make your list as long as you like...
House
Bed
Comfy PJs
My Chair
Food
19 Write a positive review for a company for goods or services you've received recently.
I have been going to my optometrist and optical shop for several years now. I went there again today and again I was very happy with with their service.
20 Write down five things you like about yourself
In no particular order ...
My hair
My eyes
My legs
My hands
My brain
21 Pay it forward in some way .... ummm ... well, I smiled and thanked a number of people today.
22 What do you most desire in your life right now? That's my own personal, unpublicised desire.
23 Go an entire day without complaining. Today wasn't the day for that. Got together with some friends from my former workplace. I haven't seen them in a couple months so we caught up. Is it complaining if I update friends with the way the insurance company has been treating us?
24 What about you makes you special? Tenacity and determination
25 Spend time with a loved one. Every evening!
26 When was the last time you felt pure joy? I don't know if I've ever felt pure joy. What is pure joy?
I struggle with feeling anything more than content. First, the medication I have been on for the past 5 years doesn't let me. Second, I fear it ... I feel like if I feel if I feel really happy/excited about something, something really bad is going to happen.
I made the mistake of feeling happy about my husband's promotion to General Manager ... 6 months later he had a workplace accident which resulted in a permanent severe brain injury.
I try not to make that mistake anymore.
27 Hold the door for a stranger... or a friend. Well I did help get our bicycles back inside today.
Most doors here have fly strips that we walk through.28 What fear have you overcome?
29 Engage in a random act of kindness of your own choice
30 When was the last time you laughed so hard you almost peed?
31 Now try to "meditate" (sit in silence) for ten minutes...
Machka in Oz
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margaretturk wrote: »M For me pure joy is found in the small moments of life talking with a salesclerk about day to day things and finding that spark where we both leave with a laugh or a smile. Taking a nap with DrewB where she falls asleep on top of me. Working with a student when they have a break through moment. Singing and letting the joy of the music transcend through me. Working on a piece of art and getting into the zone where I let the paint and brush speak for me so that it touches my soul. These are examples where I find joy.
Joy for me is finding my golden nuggets that connects me to my spirit. It will be different for each of us. For some of us it is the smile of our grandchild... the cuddles with our pets...our loved or ourselves making a breakthrough with an illness...working through a difficult situation and not giving up... Waking up and witnessing a beautiful sunset...Visiting a luscious garden...Being a witness as a young women describes surviving severe Covid and learning to work with God in her life instead of asking why me and making the changes she needs to make to make her life work the best she can by this story what a joy to be touched by her story.
Many years ago as part of an assignment we were to come up with a definition of what art is to you.
My response is Art is creating by touching a soul. When I view or create a work of art and it touches my soul I become one with the art. Joy for me is similar. When something touches me at that level that I feel the love that is joy and I become one with it.
Margaret
I suppose I felt something like that holding my granddaughter.
Oxytocin was released then.
"Research shows that when a grandparent holds a grandchild for the first time they are flooded with oxytocin, the “love hormone,” just as a new mother is when nursing."
https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/psychoanalysis-unplugged/201906/three-secrets-being-the-best-grandparent
M in Oz3 -
Machka - Bravo! 100 km is a wonderful achievement for you both and a sign of the dedication you have put in to your husband's recovery.
Michael Pollan was on Desert Island Discs today while we were doing our exercises. BBC4 on Sounds. He's the guy who coined the phrase, "Eat food, not too much, mainly plants." Very much into the social bond of sharing a table. Vegetable gardening enthusiast.
Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx2 -
Whidislander wrote: »Whidislander wrote: »cityjaneLondon wrote: »Have you ever found that when you have a problem, or something on your mind, all kinds of things pop up to help you? Today I have been helped by posts on Instagram, by podcasts, which seem exactly tailored to my current anxiety. I am so grateful.
Love Heather UK xxxxxxxx
With my tablet, I can mention to my middle sister about the importance of keeping her skin and hair clean in private chat in Facebook messenger, and my Facebook feed is filled with products that help with that. Its pretty creepy! So you phone and computer listens and makes note of what you say or click "like".
Rebecca
Whidbey
Wa
There are ways to reduce the link between what you type into your computer (in emails, google, FB, on this forum, etc.) and what appears in your ads etc.
It's all algorithms based on your input and settings.
M in Oz
I do have Alexa on, and that most likely is the culprit. I do like saying, " Alexa spell ___", and she does. That mere listening option pretty much does it.
Rebecca
Whidbey
Wa
Yep.
I have thoughts about Alexa I'll keep to myself. Let's just say it would be highly unlikely Alexa or similar would be in my house.
M in Oz5 -
Good Friday!
Karen Such maturity in discussion. Also for more peace. My ex and I were also young. We both knew we shouldn't have been marrying, but it was security in an ever changing world. Luckily, after trying for 13 yrs we divorced mutually. Our girls said they had never seen us happier. We are still amicable. We never miss important events in our girls lives. It was freeing. He did marry the woman he had an affair with and is still with her. I pray your son finds some peace in the discussion. BTW- my girls were10 and 12 at the time.
Sue Congratulations on the weight loss and appointment!
Rebecca- Great job expanding your friends with local ones!
Annie Dreams keep us going!
Pip Looks wonderful!
Machka Congratulations on the distance ride! That is wonderful! I am so excited for you both.
My evening was wonderful! We chatted about life and mutual friends. We spoke of weight and body image. OMG, my GF has awesome clothes and closet and shoes! We put together a couple of outfits for her to choose from for an upcoming wedding and some as alternates for just going to dinner or the store. Her head is on straight about food and dieting. She said she can't "diet" but knows she needs to make better choices. I gave her two tasks. One was to join MFP. The other was to move her business attire to another closet. She buys great quality and timeless clothes, but at this stage of her life, suit jackets have no place. She said she struggles deciding what to wear, but she has a great eye. I explained by moving the items out that don't fit her current place in life she will make it easier to see other possibilities. She said that made sense. I do know where to go if I need a little black dress;) I tried on one that she wore to a class reunion several years ago. It was fabulous! She said that I am the size she was. I reiterated that I am not as tiny as I used to be either but we have to dress where we are now in a way that makes us feel like we did then. It really was such a great evening.
I have class today. Ugh. Just remembered I have to take a test for class I went to 2 weeks ago. Will hopefully do that this weekend.
I have watched little to no Barrett Jackson with DH this week. I promised I would watch with him tonight and "Super Saturday" which are when the awesome cars go through. I do miss the catalogs they use to produce.
Congratulations to the "losers"! You inspire us all!
Hugs because we all need them!
Keep making the best choice you can at the time!
TTFN,
Kylia in Ohio5 -
Hey,
I just rejoined MFP. I'm in my early 50's so I thought I'd stop by and say hi!9 -
Beth-good luck with the dog! We had a large German shepherd who was very challenging-he never was properly trained.
Sue-congrats on 13 pounds-that is terrific!
Margaret-found your thoughts to be a wonderful way to start my day.
Pipyour camping set up is something else! I might be able to camp with such a set up.
Karen-thanks for sharing that self-reflection. I don't consider that a whine-shows tremendous willingness to continue to grow. Good luck with your son-but remember-you can't change him anymore than you could your ex.
Machka-had to convert the km to miles-very impressive!
Rebecca-you come across so outgoing I wouldn't think it would be difficult for you-good job widening your circle-I need to focus on that.
Annie-keep exercising away!
Kylia-good job helping friend. I have been struggling with that issue with quit smoking gain (4 lbs of it gone!). I am packing some stuff out of closet to start moving sort. I also figure I don't need it in my face and taking up space-but will put in bins to access. Much of the stuff is work clothes which hopefully I don't need later this year.
Working from home today so will go change out of nightgown and into sweat pants. Doing spreadsheet and salary projects for next few year for union negotiations. Hard to make people see if you aren't a profit organization funds are limited.
Take care all,
Ginny in Ohio4 -
Machka 100 km Yay! You are so impressive!
Annie in Delaware1 -
Machka, 100 k is impressive.
Karen, there is a huge difference between self reflection and complaining.
Jake had a good follow-up visit about his defibrillator yesterday and had the house to myself for over three hours. It was a great day.
Barbie in NW WA7 -
Rebecca excellent job making friends! I wish I could do that. Seems like I only leave the house for groceries and horseback riding on most weeks.
Before Covid, I was a member of a coffee group but they disbanded. I joined a casual hiking group on meetup but their hikes are always full when they post. I joined a group of ladies who lunch, but they disbanded due to an alcoholic. I tried a knitting group and a writing group too. I guess it's time to look around and join some more. Maybe a caregivers group.
Annie in Delaware
4 -
In the Washington Post today, a new study found that subjects who did four to six of the actions in this list were most likely to slow dementia,
Physical exercise: Doing at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week.
Diet: Eating appropriate daily amounts of at least seven of 12 food items (fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, dairy products, salt, oil, eggs, cereals, legumes, nuts and tea).
Alcohol: Never drink or drink occasionally.
Smoking: Never smoke, or being a former smoker.
Cognitive activity: Exercising the brain at least twice a week (by reading and playing cards or mah-jongg, for example).
Social contact: Engaging with others at least twice a week (by attending community meetings or visiting friends or relatives, for example).
I think most of us are doing most of those things, because of something so many of us feel is true... that what we're doing here is not a diet; it's an overall life change that incorporates diet along with many other action choices. The study found these factors slow the onset of dementia, even if the study subject had the gene APOE, which has been correlated with Alzheimers.
Lots of optimism there for all of us.
Love,
Lisa in AR
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Morning ladies
Over with Mr Miles
He is snoozing ,
I spoke with my friend Carolyn who is down in Florida with her son,found out her son's daughter,her granddaughter passed away unexpectedly at 30 yrs old with 2 young kids.They will be flying up this weekend for services.. both of them and the rest of the family are in shock..she wasn't sick and came out of the blue.. so sad.
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Lisa ~ I love my wine in the evening but I do play a lot of word games on the computer. LOL Hope that helps slow the onset of dementia.
Karen ~ Thanks for your thoughts on your ex! My DH and I have gone through 54 years of ups and downs. So many times I have wandered why I didn't end it the first time he left because we had such poor communication skills. We both came from dysfunctional families that left their marks on us.
Kylia ~ You are giving wonderful advice to your friend. She is blessed to have your help.
Michele ~ I caught the lizard in a jar and put him outside. DH said he would probably freeze to death because it is so cold outside. There's no telling what creatures are in our packed basement where I am actually afraid to wander around.
Rebecca ~ Good job on the shopping.
I have felt so lazy this week and have not done much at all around the house. At 74 yrs old, I think I am just tired of the never ending housework.
Happy Friday and Good Wishes to All!
Carol in GA5 -
Thank you Lisa that is uplifting for me. I think I do it all, which may balance my other risk factors: family history and head injury.
Annie in Delaware1 -
Machka, 100 k is impressive.
My brain is still in miles, 62.14 miles is an awesome ride. Congrats
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MargaretI really enjoyed the sharing you did on what gives you joy and pleasure. I find it in everyday things…. My walks, nature really simple things.
Betsy in Alaska5 -
I have felt so lazy this week and have not done much at all around the house. At 74 yrs old, I think I am just tired of the never ending housework.
Happy Friday and Good Wishes to All!
Carol in GA
Barbie in NW WA
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Gratitude list
Word of the year: APPRECIATE—- Today I appreciate my husband’s cooking.25 Spend time with a loved one—My DH (do it every day!)
1 Sit in silence for three minutes... it's harder than you think—DONE
2 List 5 things using each of your senses——DONE
3 Let go of at least 5 items in your house—tossed Christmas card I had collected
4 What was your favorite Christmas gift? (this year or ever)—This year was jewelry from my ‘adopted’ granddaughter.
5 Move for at least 30 minutes today—-Done plus #1 again!
6 Share a goal you achieved last year—-Bringing my car to the car wash one or more times a month!
7 Slow down and savor one meal today—-Breakfast-savored the texture of my OUI yogurt versus the granola I added.
8 Who was your favorite teacher—My French teacher in High School. Sister Jeannette
9 Create something today—-I will work on my crochet - making a granny square afghan out of left over yarn.
10 What is your favorite lyric from a song—Against the wind, We were running against the wind. We were young and strong, we were running against the wind.
11 Send a card/note to someone today—Done! Note to DH and card for Uncle’s birthday.
12 What are you looking forward to in 2023? Losing weight and better financial status.
13 Tell a random person they look "good" today—Done!
14 Tell us three amazing things that happened recently (you decide what "recently" means...lol) 1. I got to go to TN to attend my daughter’s wedding last year, My brother from AZ came to visit us in NM, I experienced my first 5.4 earthquake in NM this past December.
15 Call or text someone you haven't talked to in at least a week—Called my mom, and texted my 3 kids.
16 What made you smile today—-The beautiful scenery on my morning wetlands walk.
17 Take a photo of something you're grateful for—17 Take a photo of something you're grateful for—! Picture in spoiler
On my morning walk. You can see Captain Mountain in the background (where Billy the Kid had his hideout)
18 What material comforts are you most thankful for? You can make your list as long as you like...heat, air conditioning, water, sewer, a roof over my head, a car, internet, electronics, clothes, shoes, medicines, food, means of cooking, refrigerator, use of a freezer, use of a washer/dryer, books, writing utensils, everything I use every day!
19 Write a positive review for a company for goods or services you've received recently—Done!
20 Write down five things you like about yourself. I’m tenacious, my hair color, my love of learning, my ability to mediate, my technology abilities.
21 Pay it forward in some way—to be accomplished
22 What do you most desire in your life right now?—Being debt free.
23 Go an entire day without complaining—-This is going to tough!
24 What about you makes you special? My patience
26 When was the last time you felt pure joy? When my babies were born.
27 Hold the door for a stranger... or a friend - This is something I do often
28 What fear have you overcome?
29 Engage in a random act of kindness of your own choice
30 When was the last time you laughed so hard you almost peed?
31 Now try to "meditate" (sit in silence) for ten minutes...
RVRita
1 -
Karen-That was beautifully written and helpful to me too. Thanks for sharing.
Lizards-They eat ants and other insects! I love them and we actually shoo the neighborhood cats away when they try to catch them.
Annie-Great job on the exercise. I think joining a caregivers group can be beneficial. Who knows what great information they have to share.
Pip-Looks like a great campsite. We talk about camping, but it's too cold for us to tent camp right now.
Kylia-Great advice to your friend. I think I'll be taking some of that.
Machka-Excellent distance. Sounds like a fun day.
Heather-Fun fact-Michael Pollan is Michael J. Fox's (Back to the Future fame) brother in law. :-). I didn't put it together until I read MJF's most recent book. He is a great inspiration. He appears to embrace life.
I am still working on the weight loss. Just cannot seem to make it happen. I keep trying. Exercising more each day. Trying to get more quality workouts in. Eating more protein. Trying to eat right (though I think I'll go on the "food is too expensive to eat" food plan. It's not just eggs).
I have an account on Goodreads, but rarely visit it. I was actually thinking of getting more active for book recommendations. I go through books fairly quickly.
And my whine for the day.I also have a weird eye issue. This bump keeps growing on my eyelid. Supposedly a Chalazion. I was told to use a warm compress every day, but I have been doing that for a month and it's not working. It'll get a bit smaller, then expand again and it affects my vision, significantly. Nothing really works and now it's actually painful. So, working is a problem. Driving also is a bit of a problem and I have 3 hours of that ahead of me today. Just another issue to deal with.
Time to exercise. Looking forward to seeing my friend, but not to the traffic I undoubtedly will encounter. Need to burn off some calories before I sit for so long.
Have a great weekend, All!
Tina in CA8 -
Tina sorry to hear about your eye problem. Hope it settles down soon.
I did the two mile aerobic walk video for the third time this week! Yay! My knee feels a little tight though. I need a break before my afternoon errands. I'm running late today but that just means my allotted calories last longer.
Lunchtime! Yay!
Annie in Delaware2
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