Aging: Turn Your Stumbling Blocks into Stepping Stones

It’s strange how, when you least expect it, your life is redirected because of a chance meeting. As a mental health professional, I do many groups, seminars, workshops and presentations that put me in touch with many people. This particular time, was different, however, because it actually changed my life.

Several years ago, I spoke to a group of women on Managing Life’s Transitions and a well-groomed, attractive woman came up to me after my presentation. She, too, is a lecturer, but she speaks on nutrition and health. She said she just returned from a lecture tour around Europe. She has a master’s degree in Nutritional Science and was back in school for another master’s in Psychology. I found her to be extremely interesting and was very impressed with her vibrant personality and inspiring message. It seems that 45 years ago she stopped smoking and put on about 30 pounds. With determination and drive, she said she lost the weight and has kept it off all these years. I asked her how she did it. “It wasn’t that hard”, she said. “I was tired of being unhealthy, with high blood pressure and arthritis. I could barely keep up with my children. I decided to change my lifestyle and my attitude and made a personal commitment to be true to myself, no matter what.” She said, “Sure, there were hard times, disappointing times, but I pushed through them, knowing that on the other side, there was my new life – one based on health, hope and resiliency.” She insisted I guess her age. With her gray hair and delicately wrinkled complexion, I guessed 68-72. She was actually 91. I was very impressed!

I learned a lot from our chance meeting that day. This dynamic woman possessed certain qualities that enabled her to age gracefully, without the “battle “most of us experience. What was it that allowed her to be so resilient during her most trying and difficult times? I had to explore further what it was that made her stand out and be so impressive. I started by exploring what she meant by “resiliency”.

Apparently, this woman picked up skills over her lifetime that gave her a strong determination and commitment to work through whatever crisis she faced. She took the stumbling blocks out of her way and turned them to her advantage, by staying motivated, in control and positive. You, too, can transcend your personal obstacles and incorporate her teachings into your life. In other words, you can continue to age with grace and dignity and have a wonderful attitude about your life.