Finding time to get everything done is always a challenge. And it’s a challenge that can be heightened as we adjust, each of us, to our own aging processes.
How do you adjust to aging? Is it an issue that you grapple with?
Aging in Oklahoma
Here’s a timely question that we recently received from Martha J. in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma:
Dear Paula,
I’m working to accept the fact that I am slower to accomplish my everyday tasks than I used to be. I also try to be creative in experimenting with new ways to get the work done as quickly as is now feasible.
The only time I get depressed is when my adult children comment on my diminished capacity. I realize they are joking, but it still hurts, and I often feel angry and depressed after they leave. What do you suggest?
Sincerely,
Martha J.
And here’s my response…
Dear Martha,
Thanks for your question. You’re dealing with a very common problem.
The fact that it’s common means that there’s a lot of shared wisdom about how to cope. And that’s not to diminish the fact that the challenges we each face in this area have their own very individual flavors, as well.
The key is to shift your own focus away from what others express and back to how you experience your current situation. That is where all of your power lies.
Feelings are key…
Ask yourself how you feel about how you are managing. Are there things you’d like to be able to do more quickly? Maybe you can address that. Are there ways that your new pace feels comfortable and even enjoyable to you? When you are grounded in your own feelings and experience, the comments that others make will feel less like criticisms or ‘pronouncements’ and more like what they are: comments.
Work to take your ego out of the equation and focus on the humor. Recognize the teasing for what it is. If you are comfortable doing it, give it right back!
On the other hand, if you are not comfortable with the banter, deflect any barb in their comments with a smile and a truthful response.
You might also choose to share honestly about changes you have noticed in yourself. Sometimes others’ humor is a cover for their own uneasiness; so an honest conversation might be a relief for everyone.
The more fully you accept your reality, the less you will feel knocked off course if someone teases you. You can starve self-pity by validating to yourself all that you accomplish, despite the changes or setbacks you face.
It is important to see the glass half full. After all, aging is the best alternative!
Warmest regards,
Paula
More help for you…
Ready to learn more about the Heart-Based Path as you explore your own changes and evolution? Here’s one way that you can transform and deepen your relationship to time in the Heart-Based Way …
I invite you to explore Secrets of Heart-Based Time Management – my chapter in the book I co-authored – Stepping Stones to Success! In it I share my proven system for exploring and harnessing the power of your mind, your body and your spirit to help you deepen your experience of time and of your life.
As you work with the ideas I offer, you’ll explore your patterns, clarify your values, identify and prioritize your goals … and create your path for achieving them. You can give yourself the gift of this wonderful resource today, and get started on your journey toward success, Stepping Stone by Stepping Stone …just click this link to get the details!
Let’s explore time together …
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