Happy Sunday! 🌺
Lately I’ve been dipping in and out of a book called Joyspan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life's Second Half by Dr. Kerry Burnight PhD. If you’re nowhere near life’s second half, bear with me, there’s still a lot here that you can benefit from. If you are, like me, you may find that taking a good look at how you see and live your life, can be the difference between simply going through life, and truly living your life.
Since retiring from my radio job, I’ve had a lot of time to think about what I want this next period of my life to look like. I’ve been reevaluating the activities, values, and priorities in my life and seeing if they still hold true for me now. I’ve also been having some great conversations with people, both younger and older, about this process. And the one thing that seems to ring true for all of us, is that we would like to do things a little differently in the way we live our lives. What that “different” looks like will be unique to you and your life. Only you know what that will mean for you, but I encourage you to take some time to think about it.
In Joyspan, Dr. Burnight confirms this thought. “A good and joyful second half of life is an inside job. Just as the physical self is made up of cells, the inner self is made up of thoughts. As we grow older, we can’t hide behind a fresh face or body. The inner self takes center stage, and it can be glorious.” Whether you are in or approaching the second half, or you’re far from it, now is the best time to work on it. We can’t change how we’ve lived so far, but we can choose to be more intentional about the way we live it from this moment on.
I know that everyone doesn’t have the luxury and privilege of not working that I have right now. But I do hope that even in the busyness of life, you find at least a couple things you can adopt to make sure you are not just moving through your life, but enjoying and truly living your life.
These days, for me it looks like…
Getting a full night of sleep
Going swimming a few times a week
Slowing down and focusing on reading a book or magazine
Making plans, big and small
Showing up for family and friends
Being open to new people and experiences
Addressing the inner issues that have been holding me back
Allowing myself to dream big
Singing BTS at the top of my lungs in my car like I’m on stage with them
As you can see, most of these cost nothing except time and a little energy. But the payoff has been immeasurable. I encourage you to take some time this week to come up with your own list, or at least one thing that you can adopt to help you truly enjoy the life you have.
In the words of the incredible Kim Namjoon of BTS, “If you hate your life, maybe your life with hate you too. But if you love your life, your life with love you back too.” No matter how hard life is right now, you’re here. Love your life and allow it to love you back.
Positively yours,
Pebbles 💜
Positively Good
💃 Study says salsa dancing helped with depression and anxiety!
🏎️ This kitten couldn’t walk, so the vet made him a custom wheelchair out of hot wheels!
🫂 A tense traffic accident turned into a kind and compassionate moment for two drivers.
☀️ If you need a good laugh, and message, my friend Big Mack is Preaching Positivity.
Positively Living
Meet Mimi, a self-described “63 Year Old Pro-Age Midlife Enthusiast.” Love it!
Positively Bookish
The top book is the one I was referring to earlier. The others caught my attention as I was working on the newsletter in the library. Felt like a sign that I should share them. 😊
