Here we are in January: cold. Our snowbird friends are off to Florida escaping our state after the holidays like snow bunnies racing from an owl. We all know that, as true Minnesotans, January is just the price you pay for July. It’s all in the contract.
But it’s a good time to be snuggled up by a fire, looking inward, renegotiating a cluttered mind. Outdoors, a blanket of barren purity gives no reason to resist. It often takes many hours of silence to truly empty all the worry out and find oneself contemplating purpose.
Our elders have the patience and the humility to really be patient and truly listen—even to the young; honoring them with interest. I have discovered that many of our younger people’s and our elders’ views on life are some of the most authentic, albeit in contrast. Both live in the moment.
Life is short. The elders I know are saving time for the important things. Each generation has an opportunity to struggle with doubt, self-pity, anxiety.
This year, forget about the usual resolutions and the superficial promises of vanity at New Year’s. We need real declarations that take into account human nature from the wise eye of an 80-year-old. Resolve to be more authentic.
Nothing in life can take the place of seeking life’s meaning. Every generation has the wherewithal to become the greatest generation.
Margaret Wachholz is the campus marketing director at Woodbury Senior Living. In her column, she shares observations and wisdom about aging and senior living in our community.
