Question 1: Why do you matter?
Every person has incalculable value on planet earth and beyond. That includes myself. Why? I was put on this earth to matter, not just live out my life but make it count for others. Whether my life make all the difference when doing simple housekeeping chores, publishing a book, or speaking in front of a crowd, all are evidence of why I matter. May every encounter, whether with my dirty dishes or some divine destiny, gift some soul with enduring faith, hope, and love.
Question 2: What makes a person beautiful?
Can we agree beauty should never be just skin deep? Yet, it’s nice to have a terrific body and face with skin so smooth and supple. There isn’t a day that goes by I don’t hear or see some fitness trainer or beauty expert challenging us to get our “core” in shape. To make it even more age obvious, most fitness CDs seem to spotlight trainers somewhere in their early 30s or even younger telling us older ones how to shape up. The “age gap” is just too discouraging!
I have an idea for them. Instead of routine stretches, weights, and contortions, how about demonstrating how vacuuming and mopping the kitchen floor build up our “core.” We are stretching by putting blankets back on the top closet shelves. We are lifting weights via water pail and doing knee bends picking up dirty clothes left on the floor. Isn’t that enough?!
And let us not forget. With millions of products out there calling our names, it’s a wonder we are not on the “most beautiful” women’s list! Sadly, we all know beauty and nutritional products don’t always do what they claim, do they? It’s ever more so with us older ladies who see more wrinkles, thinner skin, and droopy, puffy eyes showing up as each day passes. It’s amazing how much makeup is now required to imitate our younger daughters’ youthful complexion. Yet, my daughters are now in their 40s. They are starting to catch up with me! What a terrific bonding experience for mother and daughters, together trying to slow the wrinkles down!
Question 3: What has fear of failure stopped you from doing?
Over the years as my health gradually improved I kept testing out doing something physical. Initially, I was hesitating to try anything for fear of not being able to do even the simplest things. It was a feat of determination to even empty the dishwasher or bend over to get fresh towels to put on the towel racks. On those days I just couldn’t without unbearable pain. I felt so ashamed with my helplessness.
Yet, as I gradually became a little stronger the jubilance was magnificent to be able to finally scrub the bathtub! Now that was a feat during those earlier years. So, you can understand. Although, as I have previously mentioned, housekeeping is not my favorite skill at any level. Today, though, I still feel so gratified when I can actually do most of the housecleaning now without that searing pain. Today, those little aches are considered just momentary inconveniences tempered with a little extra care and gratitude for how far I have come.
Question 4: What have you done in the last year that makes you proud?
During the cooler months last year our backyard garden paths needed some additional mulch laid. And guess who got out the wheelbarrow and pitch fork? With just a little help from my hubby, I shoveled mulch into the wheelbarrow and repaved the paths. I even bordered the paths with rocks!
Question 5: What will you never do?
Beside sky diving and bungy jumping!? I will probably never have a routine housekeeper besides myself and my hubby. While we are both sufficiently strong and healthy, my sweet husband doesn’t see the necessity. I guess I need to ask what circumstances he would consider it a necessity. He probably tends to envision us both less agile and able. What a downer!
So, housekeeping chores really don’t sound too bad right now . . . as we turn on some music and dance to our 50s doo-wop music! Yes, this really dates me! Yet, if or when my daughters end up living near me in my far elder future, I will try to recruit them and definitely keep dancing!
Question 6: What do you wish you had done differently?
Recruited my daughters earlier! But some enticement would be required to see them move back home or at least nearby, let alone volunteer for regular housekeeping duties. Both would also require a miracle to happen with them being so busy with life and work. But I will hold out for double miracles in the years ahead!
Question 7: What do you see when you look into the future?
Along with my double miracles, may I still be writing and weaving while surrounded by my husband and two daughters. May we be enjoying each moment together, even while my daughters “volunteer” to clean my house!