This weekend my Grandmother celebrated her ninetieth birthday. I spent some time reflecting this weekend, about what it would be like to live over the course of ninety years.
She was around for the “dirty thirties” to witness a depression even valium couldn’t help. She made it through raising a son, and a daughter during the introduction of the “Devil’s music” Rock N’ Roll- Not to mention that hip thrusting Elvis character, or those cheeky, surfing Beach Boys... She even lived through the era of spandex and leg warmers when the fashion-disasters of the 80’s were popular the first time.
Fast-forward to the year 2010, and she continues to adapt to her ever-changing environment. I am proud to say that my ninety-year old Grandma has a computer in her bedroom– and uses e-mail! Granted, I’ve received more than one frantic email over the years with the subject “hOW dO I tURN oFF cAPS lOCK?!” and various other emergencies, but all in all, I’d say she gets a gold medal for adaptability.
As important as it is to stay current with the changing times, I believe another contributing factor to her fantastic health at age ninety is her ability to stay balanced. Even when her body feels tired, or she just doesn’t feel like it, Grandma forces herself to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle. She goes to Church every Sunday, volunteers at her Church Thrift shop every Tuesday, she meets with a “walking group” every other Wednesday, she has her hair done on Thursdays, and has a cleaner assist her with some household chores on Fridays. I’d say that’s a pretty balanced schedule for a woman pushing 100.
Reflecting on my grandma’s ability to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle for ninety years has prompted me to re-evaluate my own choices towards finding balance in my life. Since returning from Asia, I’ve noticed I’ve been having some troubles finding balance in Victoria. I’ve always been one to go-big, or go-home, which means I tend to throw 110% of myself into anything I do– especially my work. Given there are only 24 hours in the day, I’ve been finding that 12-15 of them CANNOT be dedicated to work, if I’m going to have time for any fun in my life– Particularly on weekends!
For me, a balance lifestyle includes:
1. Eating balanced meals
2. Exercising regularly
3. Producing work I am proud of
4. Enjoying time with my friends and family
Even writing that list down, I’ve realized that there are at least 2 items I’ve been neglecting recently... NOT. COOL.
But, over the years, I’ve learned the important thing is to be aware of such shortfalls so that I can make changes going forward. Obviously, I can’t change the fact I haven’t been to the gym for the past two weeks... but I can make changes moving forward, like promising myself I will hit the gym at least once over the weekend, and 3 times during the week next week. Or, planning ahead to have healthy meals I can prepare quickly and easily after a long day at work.
So... to wrap things up... I already know I’ve got strong, healthy genes that will likely carry my body to 100 if I play my cards right. That being said, being healthy of body, and healthy of mind do not always go hand in hand. I’ve learned from my Grandma that adaptability and balance are two key ingredients to maintaining a healthy, happy mindset. Although I’m sure balance is something I will continue to struggle to achieve throughout my life, I will never give up.
She was around for the “dirty thirties” to witness a depression even valium couldn’t help. She made it through raising a son, and a daughter during the introduction of the “Devil’s music” Rock N’ Roll- Not to mention that hip thrusting Elvis character, or those cheeky, surfing Beach Boys... She even lived through the era of spandex and leg warmers when the fashion-disasters of the 80’s were popular the first time.
Fast-forward to the year 2010, and she continues to adapt to her ever-changing environment. I am proud to say that my ninety-year old Grandma has a computer in her bedroom– and uses e-mail! Granted, I’ve received more than one frantic email over the years with the subject “hOW dO I tURN oFF cAPS lOCK?!” and various other emergencies, but all in all, I’d say she gets a gold medal for adaptability.
As important as it is to stay current with the changing times, I believe another contributing factor to her fantastic health at age ninety is her ability to stay balanced. Even when her body feels tired, or she just doesn’t feel like it, Grandma forces herself to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle. She goes to Church every Sunday, volunteers at her Church Thrift shop every Tuesday, she meets with a “walking group” every other Wednesday, she has her hair done on Thursdays, and has a cleaner assist her with some household chores on Fridays. I’d say that’s a pretty balanced schedule for a woman pushing 100.
Reflecting on my grandma’s ability to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle for ninety years has prompted me to re-evaluate my own choices towards finding balance in my life. Since returning from Asia, I’ve noticed I’ve been having some troubles finding balance in Victoria. I’ve always been one to go-big, or go-home, which means I tend to throw 110% of myself into anything I do– especially my work. Given there are only 24 hours in the day, I’ve been finding that 12-15 of them CANNOT be dedicated to work, if I’m going to have time for any fun in my life– Particularly on weekends!
For me, a balance lifestyle includes:
1. Eating balanced meals
2. Exercising regularly
3. Producing work I am proud of
4. Enjoying time with my friends and family
Even writing that list down, I’ve realized that there are at least 2 items I’ve been neglecting recently... NOT. COOL.
But, over the years, I’ve learned the important thing is to be aware of such shortfalls so that I can make changes going forward. Obviously, I can’t change the fact I haven’t been to the gym for the past two weeks... but I can make changes moving forward, like promising myself I will hit the gym at least once over the weekend, and 3 times during the week next week. Or, planning ahead to have healthy meals I can prepare quickly and easily after a long day at work.
So... to wrap things up... I already know I’ve got strong, healthy genes that will likely carry my body to 100 if I play my cards right. That being said, being healthy of body, and healthy of mind do not always go hand in hand. I’ve learned from my Grandma that adaptability and balance are two key ingredients to maintaining a healthy, happy mindset. Although I’m sure balance is something I will continue to struggle to achieve throughout my life, I will never give up.