“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. – 1 Cor: 10:23
As I write this article, I am reflecting on the Feast of the Holy Family, when the Gospel focuses on the loss of Jesus, then Mary and Joseph find Him at the temple in Jerusalem.
Doug Hershey, a historian and storyteller shares that no city on earth can compare in value to Jerusalem. While believers revere Jerusalem’s significance as the city where Jesus walked, was crucified and rose from the dead, it was valuable to the Lord long before the time of Jesus. He continues to say that this city has seen such spiritual and physical conflict since the beginning of time.
In the reflection, I was deeply touched by the writer’s words that Jerusalem, can be our symbolical setting as well – that the place of our struggles could also be a place of our growth.
As one moves into their senior years, every year becomes a bonus – getting older can be a source of angst and joy. Despite the many losses we start experiencing, there is also hope and optimism. Physical ailments can be frustrating, painful and inconvenient. I had just been to my doctor, complaining that I could not seem to control my high blood pressure! Like most doctors, another medication could be on offer, but I do not want to add more side effects to my already sensitive body. Then he fired a question. How is my stress level?
I realised that my weakness could be my source of strength, and I started looking at my lifestyle choices. I started to explore resources on wellness for seniors and I found this one which could be of help to many others too. Meg Selig in her blog, shares the following tips: (the article explains each item, so it is worth reading)
- First and foremost, give yourself the gift of self-compassion.
- Look your best.
- Pace yourself.
- Accept that both despair and joy will be part of the aging journey.
- Approach the moment with a wholehearted attitude.
- Reframe your problems as challenges.
- Make time your friend.
- Find a level of exercise that works for you.
- Find replacements for any activities you must curtail or stop.
- Connect with others, even in small ways.
- Find a “purpose project.”
- Treat yourself to a treat or two, or three.
- Appreciate your age and the life that you’ve experienced.
- Find G.O.D. “Gratitude Over Despair.”
Before I went home after my doctor’s appointment, I chose to go to my favourite café – sat with hubby, ate slowly and sipped my cappuccino, not hurrying like a tornado, worrying about the multitude of unfinished tasks. Soon I received a text to attend a meeting. I said “No, I cannot.” and it felt so good to turn it down. (without the guilt!)
When I got home, I watched a Netflix movie Dungeons and Dragons. A minor character advised one of the heroes, that “sometimes your greatest enemy is yourself and that your strength is hidden in your weakness.”
That day, I experienced a Jerusalem moment. It was very liberating!
