A Pearl of Great Price

This week I read an article about how to age gracefully. The author stated that aging is a privilege. Wow! That statement stopped me in my tracks. To age is not a right! It is, indeed, a privilege to be enjoyed to the full.

It’s all too easy for me to think of aging as a process of gradual decline, and on a physical level, this cannot be argued. Yet, it’s also true that each additional day is a gift to be lovingly received, a pearl without price, to be treasured and lived with beautiful intention. As I have reflected on this the past few days, I decided to do a few things to lock in this new and lovely perspective.

1) I made a little sign to put on my bedside table that says “Aging is a privilege”, so I can see it each day when I awaken. I take a few deep breaths and let this truth sink in, even before I pick up my smartphone!

2) Taking my journal in hand, I have been thinking about the day ahead, and asking myself how I want to live my day-what intentions I want to set- then writing them down.

3) Then I list some activities I want to do, aiming to really slow down and enjoy these simple pleasure as they occur. For instance, I have been trying to really treasure that I get to sit with a good book and a cup of steaming coffee in hand, for yet another day!

4) After that I write myself a little blessing that begins with the words “May I…..”

5) The next morning I reread my journal entry from the day before, to remind myself what my intentions were, then set some new ones for that day.

I have been enjoying this practice so much, I wanted to share it with you!

Hoping your Advent season is going well so far, enhanced by the first snowfalls of winter. Not long now until the days begin to get longer- 16 more days to go!