I realise past sixty there are certain ground rules you need to follow. At least I do. First and foremost stop multi-tasking because in doing so you are invariably going to burn down the curry on the stove. I did this morning. As a reminder for the future and also as a self inflicted punishment, I decided to eat that charred and hideously tangled concoct of potato and sponge gourd. It was not that bad to taste though the point was definitely made home.
Secondly, don’t squeeze too many things in your to do list of the day because by the end nothing will get done except constantly worrying about finishing so many things in such a short time. And of course that devilishly tempting movie on Netflix is inevitably going to bewitch digressing you from the path of Right Deed.
Thirdly do that cycling in air religiously as that is what is going to keep your bones and joints moving, howsoever, boring and tiresome that may be. Yes, to be fit you need to exercise.
Fourthly, break down the most tedious job into teeny-weeny morsels so that you can at least move a tiny step forward than forever procrastinating.
Fifthly, don’t try to show off your Tarzan-ic skills. Those days are gone. Better accept it than land up in bed with a thousand aches and pains. Don’t tire your mind and body. If any chore seems overwhelming sleep over it. Find a simpler and easier way of doing it rather than climbing the mountain on the steeper side.
Sixthly, though it may not sound that lucrative, do try to follow a routine. It’s important. This is a point in life where one has the tendency to slip into lethargy and apathy. A precursor to vegetating. Therefore a strict abidance to a preset timetable can keep you on toe, give that required zest to life and the purpose to get up and going in the morning.
Forgetfulness is a known evil. It is a sneaky thing. You will never know when you have given in to it. So start journaling. Or perhaps include writing a daily post on your day to day activity. That walk, that reading, those forms to be filled up in the bank, the groceries… Note down and like a checklist tick them off one by one when done. Once you revisit those pages later a sense of achievement will sweep through.
As some physical exercise is a must so is mental alacrity. Crosswords and Sudoku are proven indulgences to ward off dementia. So is puzzle solving, finding hidden words as in Wordle, Waffle, Squaredle or Strands. All available online.
Engagement in creative activities also keeps the mind young and vibrant. There are hordes of them. Just pick the one which suits you best. Gardening, painting, pottery, sculpting…
I guess learning new things also keeps you agile and in spirit. Something which you have long craved for but never found time. Now is the time to go for it.
Past your prime you should have more leisure than worry. However, life does have a way of creeping in. Deal with it in the way that your comfort does not get compromised.
I write this post as more of a referral to myself. So that whenever I blunder I come back to this page and rehash my memory.
As I wizen up more in time I will add to the list… perhaps a fresher post….a new referral may be.
Thank you, Geeta, for the amusing post!
Joanna
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Thanks Joanna but it’s true 😄
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Good luck in your struggles, Geeta!
Joanna
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Fine self-advice
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Thank you Derrrick
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Geeta Ji, 🙏
Reading your post felt like witnessing a beautiful compilation of life-philosophy, expressed through such simple yet profound words.
Your reflections remind us that, at this stage of life, the greatest practices are simplicity, discipline, and self-acceptance.
Each ‘rule’ you have written carries a deep essence
whether it is about giving up multitasking, breaking down difficult tasks into smaller steps, or realizing the importance of routine and journaling.
All of it resonates with the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, guiding us towards a balanced and harmonious life.
Your post is not just a gentle reminder to yourself, but also a living inspiration for all of us.
Grateful to you for sharing this treasure of life’s wisdom in such an intimate manner.
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Loved your sense of humor and depth of meaning even when describing the daily chores. Please take care of yourself
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Thank you so much. Your presence on my post always thrills me.
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What you have compiled is so true of us all and something which all of us do and will do at some point in our lives.
Whether we choose to do it out of self care and concern for our mental health and well being or we’ve had a serious wake up call. Hopefully the first, like a self constructed M.O.T. One must take care of oneself, and do what suits you.
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I guess one should incorporate the routine on a self realisation basis and not as a wake up call or medical advice. By the way what is M.O.T?
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Sorry, M.O.T. refers to ministry of transport. It’s a check that is done on vehicles to make sure they are up n running, all safety checks done, meeting legal requirements to be driven on roads.
So sometimes we refer to our own health and well being, as having an M.O.T. . . . . .a full check up.
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That’s fun and nice. Thank you 👍
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I really like your list – made with humor and also very serious and helpful content.
And number 6 stood out to me – a loose routine or schedule really does help in many ways
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Glad that the post resonates with you
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;0)
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Agree with you. I’m learning these now the hard way.
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I am in the same boat 😞
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I think that lady’s weights look too heavy for her, though! I started reluctantly with 2 pounds, and now manage 5, doing ten reps in a two exercise circuit every morning. I feel more motivated afterwards, and it takes less than ten minutes. It took me a long time to accept that I would become one of the women who lifted weights, but I am still myself, just a little more fit. Thanks for the humorous post- we can all relate!
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I relate, Geeta! At 71, I’m all this and more.
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Wow! Mary that’s a grand age. I wish you a very happy, healthy and long life ahead.
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