October 21, 2013

Forty More Years!

Retirement brings about many changes. Many people retire in their 60’s. I’ve been lucky enough to be able to retire at age 57. Well, I won’t lie; I was a couple of months away from 58. So, 58 it is.  That’s still young enough to have many fruitful and most pleasurable retirement years.  I would like 40 more years, Lord, but I thank you now, for 35 more.

Of course, I realize I have to change quite a few habits to make that 35 year journey.  I see some heads are nodding in agreement. Let’s list some changes that might be helpful to all of us.

·        Keep your health insurance current. You need to go to your doctors’ appointments frequently. Don’t miss any because you’re feeling pretty good this month. I’m not talking about just a primary care doctor either. Get yourself a slew of specialists from every field you think you may need. Cardiologist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, dermatologist, neurologist, rheumatologist, and psychologist, if you think you need the later. Stay on top of all health issues!

·         Make a commitment to exercise routinely. I'm told this helps to relieve stress. Stick to it! If you fall off the wagon, just start back over the next day. Don’t beat yourself up. If you are anything like me, I’m always trying to crawl back on that wagon. I admit; this is the hardest for me. Never have I been athletic. In grade school, “they” would pick me last to play kickball. "They" know… who "they" are. I haven’t forgotten that you guys! If you like dancing, dance! I’m told that walking is best.

·         Stay busy. Think of all those things you wanted to do while you were working. Take some classes, clean your closets or basement out, travel, read, volunteer work, do some garden work.

·         Change your diet. Go Mediterranean!

“The Mediterranean diet is a modern nutritional recommendation inspired by the traditional dietary patterns of Greece, Southern Italy, and Spain . The principal aspects of this diet include proportionally high consumption of olive oil, legumes, unrefined cereals, fruits, and vegetables, moderate to high consumption of fish, moderate consumption of dairy products (mostly as cheese and yogurt), moderate wine consumption, and low consumption of meat and meat products.”

This has been most enjoyable for me. I am cooking so many different vegetables and cooking chicken a million ways. I’ve become “Shelly Crocker”. I’m sharing recipes with friends and family and enjoying cooking again. One problem here, you must cut portions. I’m working on that! I’ll share some recipes with you on the blog!

·         Lastly, which is really not last at all, but the first thing to do every morning? That is…thank God every day! Thank Him for good health, thank Him for the rain, thank Him for the sun, and thank Him for your family, Thank Him. Thank Him. Thank Him for getting you to this stage in your life. This was my morning prayer I sent to family and friends this morning.

Good morning, Lord! I thank you for this crisp morning of forty-seven degrees. I may not have everything I want, but you are faithful to provide everything I need. Thank you for being a faithful God, a forgiving God, and a loving God. I ask that you continue to keep a watchful eye on my family and friends. Love always!