Dear John,

As I sit here by the window preparing to write this blog, the sun, hidden behind clouds all morning, decides to pay a visit. Bands of light hit the keyboard and cast shadows of my fingers on the screen before me. How many words have these hands written over the years, I wonder? Who would I be without the benefit of their hard work?

I have a secret that’s helping me age well. Throughout the years, I’ve kept a daily journal to celebrate my good fortune, to better understand what has me puzzled and confused, to comfort myself through painful experiences, and to uncover fresh wisdom when my mind keeps serving the same old unhelpful thoughts. I rely on this practice to center me and it’s proven trustworthy every time.

Lately, I’ve talked about initiating a new conversation about aging well because I’ve had a front-row seat as to why this is important. We’re spending billions of dollars on extending life but not enough on the quality of that life. Turns out that the evolution of medical technology without the evolution of consciousness is a problem. Too often, people in their 80s and 90s live anxious, medical-centered lives. They feel lonely and disconnected from themselves and others, frustrated and frightened by a loss of control, and afraid to think about death, let alone talk about it. Who wants to extend that?

It’s becoming evident that we need to focus more on our inner lives to enjoy our wisdom years with confidence and ease. This means healing the past, learning to deal with anxiety, getting comfortable with receiving help, connecting with others in nourishing ways, and being willing to have tough conversations that build bridges instead of walls.

A daily practice – doing something alone that teaches you to be with your thoughts and feelings without distractions, is a great place to start. Whether you take a daily walk, keep a journal, meditate, or sit quietly in nature, this practice will teach you how to regulate your nervous system. And trust me, the ability to calm yourself during uncomfortable experiences will be a godsend later in life.

As I age, I hope to be a blessing to the people I love. I want to be a grateful elder surrounded by friends and family who enjoy my company and can turn to me for wisdom and support. I want to be comfortable in my own skin, skilled at calming anxiety, and able to make wise choices about my health when faced with the limitations of an overburdened medical system. That’s why I keep a daily practice in place.

If you don't have a daily practice, commit to doing something this week. Please don’t wait. Building a reliable habit takes time, and the older we get, the harder it is to get started, let alone keep it in place. Let’s build a strong foundation for aging well – one day at a time.

Love,
Cheryl

P.S. – Check out the audiobook/workshop called Self Care for the Wisdom Years available through Audible. You can learn more here.

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