Hallo little bloggies. I trust all is well with you and yours.
For some time now, I have been following a blog called Advanced Style, which features the most wonderful photos of, how shall I put this, older but still very elegant ladies. Ladies with a lot of style. Ladies who should give inspiration to us all. The blog was started with the intention of showing a positive and uplifting side to getting older.
I was taken with the words in the latest post - words said by Artist, Ilona Royce Smithkin.
These are the words spoken by Ilona, and how she copes with the pain that she has to deal with. I feel we can all learn something from what she had to say.
"Everyday something unexpected happens to our bodies. I fight everyday to get up and out of bed. When I feel a pain somewhere I tell my body, "I'm so nice to you, what do you want from me?" And I tell myself a little story or joke and remind myself of the times when I was in worse pain, and how lucky I am today, and the pain begins to go away.
I tell myself that this isn't the first time, or the last time that I will feel pain and begin to occupy my mind with other things. You must get involved in things outside of the pain, things that give you interest. All these things are a part of life. We all feel pain and unpleasantness.
As long as I can seduce myself to enjoy all kinds of things, like in the morning enjoying the first cup of coffee, or piece of chocolate the pain begins to diminish. I give myself nice things to look forward to, throughout the day. The moment you give in and let yourself get dragged down by misery you are closer to death."
So often these days, the elderly (and I must admit that I don't really like that word) are dismissed as being of no importance. People see them as they are now, and forget about the people they were. This is just so sad, because they really still have so much to give.
My prayers go out to all those who live with pain on a daily basis, and for those who are not feeling quite so bright at the moment.
Take care and I'll see you again soon. Hugs from
17 comments:
Hello My only sweet little British friend from across the big Sea :)I'm going to visit this blog right now.Thank You for sending Us all on over to visit Her.
Hallo, dear Thisisme! This is a very special post. Its theme is universal. We are all getting older every day and need to adopt coping strategies to deal with the inevitable aches, pains, illnesses and loss.
I believe in thinking like a kid, approaching every day with the same energy, enthusiasm and curiosity that a kid would have. It's fun to walk fast when it would be easier to walk slow. It builds confidence to get yourself to exercise 30 minutes per day when it would be so much easier to sit in front of the tellie snacking. These are choices we make. I choose youth because it is more fun than old age.
I live by these principles:
* Take care of your body and it will take care of you.
* The harder you are on yourself (in terms of discipline) the easier life tends to be on you.
* Play is more important than work. All work seems like play if you're doing it right.
When I look at a very old person I always try to see the young person that is still inside them. On my blog I try to bring out that inner child because it does us good to engage in play time.
Speaking of women of a certain age, it's that time again, dear Thisisme. I invite you to swing over to my blog tomorrow for another chapter ripped from the diary of Margaret Brown Schneider, The Oldest Living Dell Rat, a lady who has survived more than 101 years by maintaining a sense of humor and not dwelling too long on the disappointments, tragedies and losses she has suffered.
Good night to you in fair Devon, dear friend Thisisme!
A perfect post for a rainy damp day here in Daytona Beach. My legs have been aching since I woke up this morning! Very uplifting! Thank you! Hugs my awesome friend XX
How right she is. It is shame in this country in particular that we have little regard for our older people. Now that I, at age 51, have grey hair I feel I have become invisible to many.
HI there - This was a very uplifting post - you are right about how the elderly are perceived. We must remember that they were once young too, and probably productive members of society - and they still are.
I've enjoyed this blog for a while now, and I'm so glad you've spotlighted it. What wise, powerful words from her~
Great insight to get us going today. Thanks for sharing. Hope you have a GREAT WEEK and BLESSED WEEKEND!!!!
I'm going over to have a look now. I worked in a rest home and some of my ladies were very elegant and there were a lot of interesting stories as well.
blessings,
Diana
Well stated. It's a young world. I can remember how the older generation was respected when I was young. Everything goes in cycles.
I know how true this rings for you and so many of us in blog land. They are wise words indeed dear one. Everyday we need to begin anew and bring eagerness to our well worn hearts and mind.
Much Love and I'll try to get over to check out this blog...it is very intriguing!
Hope you are doing well and much love from me to you!
Great words of advice. Think young, act young, stay young.
Dear Diane, this post touched my heart deeply. I think these words apply to every single one of us, from children to adults. My daughter is having a very emotional time feeling torn between her two families, and tears are flowing regularly. I think I will borrow some of this quote to help her get past the pain.
Dearest Diane,
Until seeing my late mother suffering from the pain of cancer, I hadn't thought about that kind of enormous pain both physical and mentally.
Beautiful and very touching quote, my friend!!!
Sending you lots of love and hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*
Good morning, Diane. The sun is shining here and the temperature is moderate, actually pretty mild for October. I have not yet visited the new blog you shared, but after reading what you posted today, I will for sure make a point of checking it out. My hair is almost completely silver now. I make a point of wearing lots of colour and jazzy clothes. My motto is, we are only as old as we let ourselves feel. Thankfully, I do not suffer any pain these days. For the most part, my age-related issues come and go and at the moment, they are all gone. Yippee!!!!
Good post I will be visiting the blog u mention. We were all young once and most will grow old is one of my favourite sayings :)
Well, Thisisme, you've done it again. Your post is so right about pain and our bodies, disciplining ourselves to sweeten up the ante, and make ourselves feel better. Yes, I love the idea of that first cup of coffee, and that piece of chocolate. Well, I'm almost there-I do have the coffee right off.
And, I'm so grateful that I can still bounce around, and do some physical things. I am getting tired of working, but I don't want to give up those paychecks just yet. I know it's time for me to look for that day.
Great post, Thisisme...and, I hope it finds you feeling well. See you later. ♥
I LOVE this. I must print it out and save it. This woman has great advice. I know she is right. Thanks for sharing.
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