Such a fabulous writing to read this morning! Spot on for me as I ponder what I “should” do to prepare for my last decades of life. I’ve been exploring the retirement community options and been shocked at the high costs for all the services they say I will need eventually yet it doesn’t appeal to me now. The marketing efforts are SO apparent and clear that they want my money and they are selling based on fear and predictions they don’t control. Thank you for the reminder of keeping my agency. I will decide when I no longer want to live in my house and then choose what’s next for me. I want to be excited and feeling happy about my next home rather than falling victim to what these marketers think I should do now while I’m healthy and vigorous. I have no reason now to give away my resources and succumb to an environment that can provide care that I don’t need! At 72, I have learned that something that is promoted as the last great deal is never true. It is only a good deal if you need the product. There is always another opportunity. Even though you may pay more by waiting until you need it, you haven’t gambled your money earlier for a circumstance that might not ever happen. Every one’s circumstances are different…I remind myself daily that it is my choice and really appreciate your suggestion to shift my thinking to what I am gaining now in my retirement years rather than what I’ve lost and what society says I should expect to lose. As a single woman with no children, the pressures come from the “twenty something’s” who don’t really have a clue and get commissions for signing me up. Enough already.
Monica. Of all the writers on Substack I identify the most with you & your beliefs. I am my gatekeeper. I’m planning to live each day to the fullest. Some days present challenging circumstances but I have been able to conquer them. Here’s to all of us who have lived long but expect more.
Love the article Monica! I am all about being active in my 70’s doing what I love. A considerably smaller amount of time is spent thinking about contingency plans for when I can’t do as much as I do now. I don’t dwell on declining health or dying, I am more interested in living life to the fullest now!
Another powerhouse of inspiration! SO much food for thought and action.
I am working on my thoughts lately and trying to steer them positively. I am imagining well being into being. Fear is crippling and destructive and slowly but surely it's losing its grip on me.
Another timely diatribe from Monica! I don't know how you do it but once again, this message in particular "(my mind) does not need to be trained to search my body and my life for approaching disaster." seemed particularly poignant as I have, after 20 years of inconsequential mammograms, been "recalled" for further investigation into "an area of concern." What the!? I have dodged that bullet for 20 years, confident in my own health and diligent care thereof. And I know 90% of woman recalled go away with a smug smile on their faces but that 10% seed of doubt has completely challenged me to review my life while I wait for my appointment.
And you know? The funny thing is, even if I were to be diagnosed with the "BIG C"? The only thing I am worrying about is the care of my beloved cats should I need surgery and after-care! I have no blood relatives still alive save a 2nd cousin in New Zealand I only discovered a year ago. No kids, no siblings, just cats and a few good friends who would support me. In the meantime I have been out partying with my girlfriends, supporting my Mother-in-law who suffered a stroke last year, loving those cats to within and inch of their lives and eating and drinking exactly what I pleased!
Keep me on your thoughts on Thursday. I shall be looking out for your next exposè on growing old disgracefully! 😉
Wow! That a/c is pretty powerful. This piece is so spot on Monica. I found myself nodding. Yeah me too. Yes you’re right. I loved reading it as I sit in bed with a 3am ‘can’t sleep’ cuppa.
Great observations! And I have to say, I’ve seen it and, unfortunately, have fallen into the mindset at times. But no more! Life is about creating and possibilities in whatever ways work for me.
Stand at the door to your mind. Be the gatekeeper of what you let in to your consciousness. Great article Monica, I agree with everything. I am 62 and I have never felt better. I do not watch, listen or read anything that is not uplifting. Selling by fear is easy, so everyone is doing it.
Such a fabulous writing to read this morning! Spot on for me as I ponder what I “should” do to prepare for my last decades of life. I’ve been exploring the retirement community options and been shocked at the high costs for all the services they say I will need eventually yet it doesn’t appeal to me now. The marketing efforts are SO apparent and clear that they want my money and they are selling based on fear and predictions they don’t control. Thank you for the reminder of keeping my agency. I will decide when I no longer want to live in my house and then choose what’s next for me. I want to be excited and feeling happy about my next home rather than falling victim to what these marketers think I should do now while I’m healthy and vigorous. I have no reason now to give away my resources and succumb to an environment that can provide care that I don’t need! At 72, I have learned that something that is promoted as the last great deal is never true. It is only a good deal if you need the product. There is always another opportunity. Even though you may pay more by waiting until you need it, you haven’t gambled your money earlier for a circumstance that might not ever happen. Every one’s circumstances are different…I remind myself daily that it is my choice and really appreciate your suggestion to shift my thinking to what I am gaining now in my retirement years rather than what I’ve lost and what society says I should expect to lose. As a single woman with no children, the pressures come from the “twenty something’s” who don’t really have a clue and get commissions for signing me up. Enough already.
Monica. Of all the writers on Substack I identify the most with you & your beliefs. I am my gatekeeper. I’m planning to live each day to the fullest. Some days present challenging circumstances but I have been able to conquer them. Here’s to all of us who have lived long but expect more.
Love the article Monica! I am all about being active in my 70’s doing what I love. A considerably smaller amount of time is spent thinking about contingency plans for when I can’t do as much as I do now. I don’t dwell on declining health or dying, I am more interested in living life to the fullest now!
Boom! Which is self perpetuating!!
You go girl! Life is meant to be lived. ❤️
Another powerhouse of inspiration! SO much food for thought and action.
I am working on my thoughts lately and trying to steer them positively. I am imagining well being into being. Fear is crippling and destructive and slowly but surely it's losing its grip on me.
Another timely diatribe from Monica! I don't know how you do it but once again, this message in particular "(my mind) does not need to be trained to search my body and my life for approaching disaster." seemed particularly poignant as I have, after 20 years of inconsequential mammograms, been "recalled" for further investigation into "an area of concern." What the!? I have dodged that bullet for 20 years, confident in my own health and diligent care thereof. And I know 90% of woman recalled go away with a smug smile on their faces but that 10% seed of doubt has completely challenged me to review my life while I wait for my appointment.
And you know? The funny thing is, even if I were to be diagnosed with the "BIG C"? The only thing I am worrying about is the care of my beloved cats should I need surgery and after-care! I have no blood relatives still alive save a 2nd cousin in New Zealand I only discovered a year ago. No kids, no siblings, just cats and a few good friends who would support me. In the meantime I have been out partying with my girlfriends, supporting my Mother-in-law who suffered a stroke last year, loving those cats to within and inch of their lives and eating and drinking exactly what I pleased!
Keep me on your thoughts on Thursday. I shall be looking out for your next exposè on growing old disgracefully! 😉
You go, Woman! This is what getting old means--fighting off the judges.
Your writing continually impresses me.
Thank you. It’s just me listening the my soul.
Wonderful message! Reverse the tide. Starting NOW!
Thanks
Wow! That a/c is pretty powerful. This piece is so spot on Monica. I found myself nodding. Yeah me too. Yes you’re right. I loved reading it as I sit in bed with a 3am ‘can’t sleep’ cuppa.
Great observations! And I have to say, I’ve seen it and, unfortunately, have fallen into the mindset at times. But no more! Life is about creating and possibilities in whatever ways work for me.
You are, now, the gate keeper!
This post is packed with so much realization and inspiration. Thank you. 👏 Go, Lady, go!
I love this mindset, expressed so well. The possibilities are endless.
Love this - so resonant with me. Thank you for the cheer-leading. "I'm mad as hell and ain't going to take it anymore" - appropriately dates me!
Stand at the door to your mind. Be the gatekeeper of what you let in to your consciousness. Great article Monica, I agree with everything. I am 62 and I have never felt better. I do not watch, listen or read anything that is not uplifting. Selling by fear is easy, so everyone is doing it.
Very wise and thought provoking. Yes! What are we gaining, increasing and creating.