by Mary Frances Hansen
I want to thank all of my readers who have read my articles over the years. My desire is to inspire and motivate people with positive affirmations. I appreciate so many of you who have verbally complimented me or written me notes regarding my articles. It is so important for me to express my gratefulness and appreciation. Researchers are finding individuals who exhibit and express their gratitude are happier, healthier and more energetic. The key to a happy life is gratefulness.
At the age of 77, which was 10 years ago, Debra Saxon founder and owner of Celebration Magazine and Celebration Senior Travel, asked me to write articles for her magazine. I said to Debra, “ I have never written articles before in my life.” Debra calls me MFH and she said, “ MFH you can do it!” I am so grateful and thankful to Debra for believing in me. She gave me the inspiration to step out of my “comfort zone” to be a writer for her wonderful magazine. Celebration Magazine and Celebration Senior Travel is a wealth of information for seniors. Writing articles is a blessing and has given me a purpose and inspires me to set goals for myself. I feel you are never too old to learn or try something different. Great quote by C.S. Lewis (British writer and Scholar. He is noted for his writing on Christianity.) “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
Regardless of what age you are, you must continue to have a purpose in your life and set goals for yourself. I try and set my alarm clock to a “Positive Attitude” each morning and this gives me a purpose to get up out of bed. Why do we need a purpose? Without a sense of purpose we lose our way and become demotivated and depressed. A beautiful quote by Eleanor Roosevelt, “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste the experience to the upmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences.” The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for. One of the greatest tragedies is living a life without a purpose. Without a purpose our life is like a ship without a rudder and life becomes meaningless.
We all have a choice how we are going to start our day when we wake up. You can choose to have a good day or a bad day. If you wake up not feeling so good and you want to stay in bed all day because some of your body parts aren't working like they use to, you must start filling your mind with positive affirmations and make yourself get up out of bed. Quote from the Bible, Psalms 139:13 “ We are fearfully and wonderfully made!” We all have the “Can Do Power” and God's strength..... so use it! We are powerful human beings. I say to myself each day.....“Some days are better and some days are worse, count your blessings and not the curse!” Tell yourself this is the day God has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Each day is a gift from God and we are blessed to wake up. None of us are promised tomorrow....... so enjoy each day as if it were your last!
Seniors are living so much longer because of all the medical advantages, new medications, technology, socialization, change in life styles by being more positive and being more active, lots of exercise and being more aware of a good diet. In fact, some seniors have traded their “rocking chairs” in for a good pair of walking shoes or “pickleball shoes!” If you aren't familiar with pickleball,a it has become a very popular sport among the seniors. Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong using a paddle and plastic ball with holes. It is a game that is appropriate for players of all ages and skill levels. I personally feel …..we are no more than “recycled teenagers!” Remember...Age is only a number and as Mark Twain said., “Age is mind over matter, if you don't mind it doesn't matter!”
A very inspiring quote by Maya Angelou, “If you don't like something change it. If you can't change it, then change your attitude!” Attitude is Everything!!! Attitude is a choice and not an option. Change your thinking to a positive attitude of gratefulness counting your blessings and it will change your life. When you are grateful you will be more optimistic and it will make your life more meaningful giving you a purpose. Negative thinking people get negative results! We become what we think. Fill your mind each day with positive affirmations counting your blessings. Be grateful for each day because it gives each of us a chance to love to the fullest leaving nothing undone. One day you are going to hug your last hug, kiss your last kiss, and hear someone's voice for the last time. You never know when the last time will be so live each day to the fullest. Life is a gift from God and none of us are promised tomorrow!!!
Stay Strong, Stay Safe and Keep the Faith!!
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