It’s disheartening to hear that some believe it’s normal to get senile, sick, incompetent or whatever…just because years are passing. I refuse to commiserate and accept any such folly just because we’re rackin’ up years. Maybe I’m delusional or in for a shock, but this will never be my mindset. 

While I know I might crash for any number of reasons – within and beyond my control – and things might not unfold as I’ve planned…here’s my roadmap for hitting 120 years at at least 80 mph. I’m going to eat a diet of 90% natural foods based on fruits and vegetables & consume moderately in that other 10% of foods & drink. I’ll try not to do anything stupid & look both ways when I cross the street. I will not multitask as everything seems to take me longer when I do & I might hurt myself. I will not text & drive. I will walk far & often daily. I will start conversations friends & strangers who may become new friends. I will laugh. I’ll memorize jokes to start the laugher, find new vocabulary words and try to learn at least one new thing everyday. I will keep working & doing things that stimulate my mind endlessly. I will plant & garden. I will whistle to call the birds & feed them. I will avoid the news, knowing that if I really need to know something, somebody will tell me. I will read biographies about or by anyone I find interesting for any reason. I’ll keep trying to speak with everyone who can tolerate me attempting to recall and use mi Espanol. I’ll “vacation” in my own city while making sure I get away to other places when time allows. I’ll find ways to help others. I’ll keep taking dance classes because they’re fun and improve my coordination & mood. I’ll try to be better in all my relationships. I’ll be so busy…I won’t even notice when I hit 120 years old! 

Aging for me will be always be defined as the collective of experiences and knowledge that helps us learn about ourselves and our likes more deeply so we can proudly embrace who we are —and, encourage others to do the same.

PS: How do ya like my garden? Maybe I need a different hobby! 

 I’m @DianGriesel aka @SilverDisobedience the author of The Silver Disobedience Playbook ✨ I’m a Perception Analyst who shares my Daily Meditations for other Ageless, Passionate & Curious People