This time of year is often the start of a new chapter — kids heading into a new grade, young adults heading off to college. Last year, my new chapter was my son Troy heading to the University of Illinois as a freshman. This year, we are moving my Mom into assisted living. I find each to be bittersweet.
We pour our hearts and souls into our children preparing them to launch — then when they do, we come home to realize a long chapter of our life has closed. Even though I thought I’d prepared myself, I was much more emotional than I anticipated — grieving the loss of my little boy while looking through those tears to happily anticipate the evolution of our relationship as he steps into manhood.
And now Mom: it’s a relief to know a caring community will be around her 24/7, and sweet that she’ll have more opportunity to make friends. And it’s a grieving too — the woman who poured out her heart to prepare me to launch, who cared for me through separation and divorce, now needs so much care from others. It’s only fitting that we care for those who cared for us.
Which brings me to the lighthearted call to action this post was meant to be: now that the kids are back to school, it’s time for YOU to take your back to school. Aging is inevitable — but to quote one of my wonderful students, “Senior stoop is NOT inevitable!” It only takes a bit of guidance, intentionality, and consistency to maintain — or even gain — flexibility, balance, and strength.
Let me help you age STRONG. Here’s how.