William Penn Life, 2016 (51. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2016-07-01 / 7. szám
Aging Well with Cathy Graham The worthy life FROM THE OUTSIDE looking in, we all look like we are alive. We walk, we talk, we eat; we take care of our families and pet the dog. But, are we really living? Quality of life is purely perceptional. Rarely do we really know what is going on in another person's mind, but sometimes, the signs are flashing and the sirens are blaring. Consider a person whose days are literally a highspeed chase, running from one thing to another until exhaustion strikes and slumber takes over. They're on the go, day in and day out, with no rest in between. Wow! That's living, right? I say its hiding. A worthy life means there is enough fullness in the day to make it meaningful with precious time set aside to savor the nectar and reflect. Having thinking time—the breath in each day when we spread our toes, smile and sigh—that is living with intent. Richness is in the laugh we share, the gaze we hold looking out the kitchen window, or the gentle squeeze we give another's hand. It's that one instant when, all things considered, you can honestly be at peace knowing you have lived another day, and it was ripe and delicious. We all find ourselves in situations that call for tears and questions and have days you may want to sweep under the rug. But don't. Find the good, see the light, and when all else fails, be the light. Life needs no cover. It is best when it is open for the taking and quiet enough to hold, with your finger resting on your favorite page. (Cathy Graham is director of the Graceful Aging Wellness Center at Bethlen Communities in Ligonier, Pa.) The road ahead by Anne Marie Schmidt On May 27, 2016,1 entered a new phase of my life: retirement. After 42 years of public service employment, working for a human services agency in Troy, Ohio, as the Deputy Director of Programs, I decided to end my career and venture into the unfamiliar world of “what do I do now.” While riding in the car, I created a list of over 30 things I needed to do but had put on hold. This list didn’t even include any of the “fun” things I was anticipating. At work, I always prided myself on being efficient and organized, but during my first week at home, I was anything but organized. My whole schedule was out of sync, from sleeping to eating to exercising. I was haphazardly completing tasks from my list. Then a week later - BAM! - I had a birthday and turned 65. On came Medicare, AARP, Silver Sneakers and all that goes along with the golden years. Although I was enjoying my freedom, I felt a little lost. One activity that kept me grounded was the contact with family and friends through messages, cards, pictures, phone calls and meetings. My connections with William Penn Association and our local Dayton Hungarian community were additional lifelines. Planning and participating in summer events has kept me busy and fulfilled. My WPA family extended into my former workplace, where I introduced many of my co-workers to Hungarian culture. Through the years, they supported our branch’s cabbage roll sales, raffles and Christmas party. They bought insurance policies for their children and grandchildren, enjoyed Hungarian pastries and listened with interest about my travels to Hungary. They diligently helped cover my workload when I made numerous trips to Pittsburgh for WPA. As a parting gift, I thought it appropriate to present each of my co-workers with a WPA Hungarian cookbook with a personal message to each of them inscribed inside each book. I hope that when they see, hear or taste anything Hungarian, they will smile and think of me and my passion for this great organization and culture. I look forward to this new adventure and greet each day feeling blessed that I have been rewarded with a strong faith, good health and family and friends who are caring and supportive, so I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for their loyalty and friendship. Köszönöm szépen! D ns mm WILLIAM PENN LIFE 0 July 2016 0 3
