The vitality, or energy, that once was an integral part of my nature is no longer a sure thing. What happened? Energy is defined as the capacity or power to work, or the ability to be physically and mentally active. Once a type A personality, my energy level is way different now at 80 years of age than it was at 60. Is yours?
Alas! My energy
now comes in spurts. Short bursts really. At first I was bothered by this new
aging challenge. All right. I felt annoyed. Also angry and frustrated. There
have been days when I have been known to scream. (In the closet where no one
can hear me). And cry. (I do not have to run to the closet. I can cry anywhere
as long as I’m alone).
You see, back
in my A type of personality day, I accomplished quite a bit in a twenty-four
hour period. Accomplishments fed my energy, vitality. Now, not without a nap.
I’m afraid I’ve reached that stage in life when any accomplishment is iffy.
Even on the energetic days.
Studies suggest
that those of us having difficulty adjusting to our age and capabilities must
acknowledge that we are in a different stage of life. Instead of bemoaning our
loss of vitality, we should do what we can to increase our energy. (According
to the doctors I’ve spoken with, that would be through exercise of our bodies
and minds.) Argh! Apparently by the age of seventy most of us have lost muscle
mass which results in a loss of strength and an increase in fatigue. Problems
such as joint damage and lack of socialization are aging challenges that often
lead to inertia. Not a good thing.
I wake up in
the morning, happy and relieved to do so, believe me! And I know almost
immediately if it will be a day of vitality or not. Inertia can happen on a
gray day, a rainy day, or most any day at all.
After a bit of
a learning curve I have learned to roll with the lethargy. Reading a good book
always whiffs away the disappointment. And there are days when I just shrug my
shoulders and add to my to-do list for the following day. (Yes, I still make a
to-do list. Have I mentioned being an A type personality in a former life?)
When I feel no energy at all, I make reservations for dinner.
Hallelujah if
it’s a vitality day! On days when the energy is pumping, the achievements
multiply like dust bunnies beneath the bed. I make up for lost time and give
thanks for the energy I’m feeling—even if it’s not available on a daily basis. This
is me adjusting to a new stage of life.
If you’re
missing the vitality that used to bubble through your veins, take a minute.
Just breathe. And be glad you can! Count those things you are grateful for
having...not what you’ve lost. We will live to sparkle another day!
