tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post6644417220959778676..comments2024-03-28T15:55:53.792+10:00Comments on down to earth: I am not just a numberUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-24507308349083208332012-11-29T13:35:37.094+10:002012-11-29T13:35:37.094+10:00This is a lovely post rhonda, thanks. As a (relati...This is a lovely post rhonda, thanks. As a (relatively) young person I couldnt agree more with your opening statement. We need to hear more from the older generation about how it feels to grow older, not just see ads about how to pretend you're not (facelift, anti-wrinkle cream, Porsche etc etc). Thanks!Elinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-65035468122089511762012-08-01T03:07:50.513+10:002012-08-01T03:07:50.513+10:00Thanks Rhonda! I'm 47 and sometimes wonder abo...Thanks Rhonda! I'm 47 and sometimes wonder about how 50 is going to feel because 40 did not phase me-glad to here 60's are awesome! As a nurse, I speak with many patients that curse getting old. Having hip pain, knee pain, heart problems,diabetes, and a host of other problems. For most of those patients, its not age that is the cause but poor diet, minimal exercise, and obesity as the cause. So I encourage those younger folks not to be discouraged by aging...if you take good care of yourself, you can enjoy those golden years and look pretty darn good too!nonnabellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03182116855940291470noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-77986664701278156782012-08-01T00:51:41.497+10:002012-08-01T00:51:41.497+10:00I hope you will write more about ageing, Rhonda. ...I hope you will write more about ageing, Rhonda. Beautiful post.Francescahttp://www.fuoriborgo.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-32102022325161235732012-07-31T13:33:36.597+10:002012-07-31T13:33:36.597+10:00A wonderful read. I'm 45 and have no problem ...A wonderful read. I'm 45 and have no problem telling others my age, but I'm feeling the sorrows of the passage of time. I have lost both of my parents this year and have one child who is just 4 years old. Reading your post makes me realize I need to simply embrace the life I'm blessed to have and to stop fretting about the limited time we have on this Earth. I appreciated my parents, loved them dearly and have wonderful memories to sustain me. I feel fortunate that my daughter was able to meet my parents and spend the short time she had with them. Not all children are so lucky. Reading your blog and this particular post makes me so much more comfortable with the process of aging. You have a blessed life and are an inspiration to me. Thanks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-12877236355458396782012-07-30T09:32:46.681+10:002012-07-30T09:32:46.681+10:00Rhonda, your posts never cease to inspire me. I a...Rhonda, your posts never cease to inspire me. I am 34 and am moving to a slower pace. My husband and I have 4 children between us, and my work of 4days a week was absolutely making me unhealthy! Our new (of 3 weeks) location, pace and focus is so so nourishing and I want to thank you for your influence on that... your book and blog really do inspire me a great deal! THANK YOU!<br /><br />Sarahcrestwood cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01246989013093457333noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-30610777997994400062012-07-29T10:31:46.454+10:002012-07-29T10:31:46.454+10:00Beautiful and wise sentiments Rhonda :)Beautiful and wise sentiments Rhonda :)Juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02944800000679130114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-12739141431492562332012-07-29T03:26:31.019+10:002012-07-29T03:26:31.019+10:0050 here and trying to embrace every moment of life...50 here and trying to embrace every moment of life! I am reading Rev. Billy Graham's new book, Nearing Home, and it really speaks to me at this time in my life. Love your blog! Valerie in SC/USAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-10616569441448361922012-07-27T19:09:17.706+10:002012-07-27T19:09:17.706+10:00I am in my early 40s and appreciate reading about ...I am in my early 40s and appreciate reading about your experience of aging, your dwelling on the positives and your attitude. But I think of my 81-year old mother-in law, who has always had a simple life, growing veges, enjoying her garden, helping others, cooking from scratch, knitting ... Her life at 60 was much like yours, until she had a stroke. She worked hard and made a good recovery and has a good quality of life. But now at 81 she finds herself so busy just managing daily life, (downsized) which takes longer as they age, dealing with a husband with mental problems, walking everywhere due to not being able to drive anymore ... It all takes time and she says she is busier than she ever was in her life. Which doesn't seem right! She has always had a similar attitude and energy to you, so it is hard to see her so busy, everything such an effort, and yet to respect their independence by not doing everything for them. Not sure why I am telling you all this, certainly not wanting to depress you(!), except that I hope your life continues as it is now for many many years. I would love to hear about your thoughts about others you know who are older, how they manage simple living.Fionahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03564174820915401323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-78680173967863990762012-07-27T06:20:02.552+10:002012-07-27T06:20:02.552+10:00A timely post i am 50 in a few weeks i dont bother...A timely post i am 50 in a few weeks i dont bother about age or numbers i am who i am. I do feel freer than at any other point in my life, i feel more confident more outgoing i know what i want out of life and God willing i shall achieve it, i only wish i had felt like this 20 years ago! I know i must keep fit mentally and physically to keep going as long as poss, you are such an inspiration both of you.<br />sueThe warm fireplacenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-43790589399968068442012-07-27T02:22:20.472+10:002012-07-27T02:22:20.472+10:00I'm 67 and very much relate to what you are sa...I'm 67 and very much relate to what you are saying! I would like to have the energy I had in the past, but I don't. And it takes longer to bounce back from exceptional events. But I can. I do. And I find life very good and full of blessings. And one of them is this feeling connected to all of life in a more conscious way than I was when younger. I enjoy watching others growing older and/or growing up, and seeing the continuity of life. Perhaps that is part of what helps overcome feeling I had to do everything perfectly. I am a very small but happy part of something immensely bigger than myself. And since I won't be here on earth forever, I do want to concentrate on what is important and cultivate compassion and loving kindness and what good I can do. It's so satisfying to be my age.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-8925699779134023132012-07-27T01:26:56.438+10:002012-07-27T01:26:56.438+10:00Lovely words of wisedom Rhonda. I am in my late 3...Lovely words of wisedom Rhonda. I am in my late 30's and just reached a turning point in my life. After many years of working, I am now a stay at home mum. Its tough adjusting and trying to change your mindset. Thanks you giving me a new perspective on not just been a homemaker but also about aging gracefullySheri - EMBRACE...yourself, life and lovehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03355099427133013889noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-60580216029818096532012-07-26T07:52:33.278+10:002012-07-26T07:52:33.278+10:00I am almost a year older than you and enjoying lif...I am almost a year older than you and enjoying life too at this age. We both have some health problems but we are working to be the best we can be. Our health does not define who we are. We can still do so much for ourselves and others. Stay independent and keep on with our simple sustainable type life style. Keeping open for new ideas and new ways of keeping our little parcel producing even better. We keep learning and try to keep giving and mentoring anyone who we can. People seem to be looking for some peace and comfort from stress in their lives and this lifestyle offers that for sure. While working for yourselves at your own pace you are producing the very foods and things you need to sustain your lives. Learning to barter and reuse and such balances other needs. The calm you feel over time with each skill is an added bonus. We cannot be completely self sustained now a days, but we can do more for ourselves and join with others who feel the same. I know you know all about this plus! We just feel so blessed to have started this journey so long ago and never want to get off of it. It is a journey as there is no end to it. When we decide to take the next step that is our decision and one we love to explore! Yes this age has so many extra benefits!! I agree with your comments on how you view the world now. I can agree. ;-) About not realizing how we have aged till we look in the mirror. We keep in our minds eye the way we looked oh so many years ago... I once mentioned on another blog I cannot see myself in the mirror as this old lady with white hair keeps standing in front of me!!! :-) SarahAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-21099184592865466082012-07-26T04:20:13.114+10:002012-07-26T04:20:13.114+10:00I am loving being a 52 year old, empty nester, Nan...I am loving being a 52 year old, empty nester, Nana. My husband will be 55 tomorrow. We are in good health and med free and are loving the freedom of our kids being grown and living simply. We have become comfortable with ourselves and do not feel that we have to prove anything anymore. I am looking forward to our 60's and my husbands retirement so we have even more freedom and tme to do the things that have become important. Thanks for your thoughts and I agree completely over here in the USA.momma-lanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02975411711120382015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-66060485507717063572012-07-26T03:08:47.837+10:002012-07-26T03:08:47.837+10:00Such beautiful words Rhonda. My parents were much ...Such beautiful words Rhonda. My parents were much like you, and my oldest sister is about your age. They, my parents and my oldest sister, never let their age change who they were. Yes, more time for recovery, but they relished their age and every bit of wisdom and freedom.<br /><br />I am in my forties, still with young children, and can feel myself slowing down too. But I love the person I have become and look forward to getting even better as the years go by. Thank you so much for sharing your insights, I am happy to know that I can enjoy my age, whatever year it is or whatever life might bring me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-56339030332629877712012-07-26T01:52:57.847+10:002012-07-26T01:52:57.847+10:00I'm in my mid-40s and experience some of the s...I'm in my mid-40s and experience some of the same issues. I always tell myself and others 'what do you expect, they don't make things like they used to. the older models are much better made.'<br /><br />I think the key is to know your own limits, and to embrace every single phase as it comes. More times than not it could be worse.<br /><br />Love your blog!!!<br /><br />JlynnAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-8794763752363572562012-07-25T22:38:19.164+10:002012-07-25T22:38:19.164+10:00Hi Rhonda, once again you have written a wonderful...Hi Rhonda, once again you have written a wonderful thought provoking piece. For me, just coming out of another hospital stay, one of many in my future due to advanced breast cancer, it seems so unbelievable that aging is seen as a negative.....I would give anything to live a little longer.<br /><br />When did it become normal to think that a 40 year old should try and look like a 20 year old? and that if you didnt, then you were a failure?? I am all for eating well, everything in moderation, looking after yourself, staying healthy.........but I dont understand for example....... injecting botulism into ourselves?....ITS POISON!<br /><br />I want to be remembered for being loving and funny and thoughtful and kind.......thats more important than my ass fitting into a size 8 (Australian) pair of jeans. I think I have rather got myself off track......sorry. Enjoy life, love lots, laugh even more and everything else will fall into place.<br /><br />hugs<br />TarnieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-40968073607936710602012-07-25T21:56:41.552+10:002012-07-25T21:56:41.552+10:00Amen! I am on the close side of 60 and have just r...Amen! I am on the close side of 60 and have just realized that the number bothered me! Not because I am nearly 60, but because I felt like maybe, just maybe, I had failed to live life as I dreamed. Of course, that is silly because I am on my farm and have all the sundry critters that come with it, plus I have a growing soap business. I think what really made me sad was to think that now I have less life before than behind.... less time to make a difference in the ways I hoped to when I started this little journey. But, we never know who we impact and how, do we? Perhaps we all make a difference, regardless of what we see on any given day. I am reminded of Milton who wrote: "Those who stand and wait also serve." Can it be that success is written in the effort more than the attainment? <br /><br />Thanks for the gentle reminder today that "I am not a number!" but rather "I am an individual finding my path a moment at a time!" Hooray for all of us who march to the different beat!mattyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06749881104429358524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-81218455948968937242012-07-25T16:15:01.788+10:002012-07-25T16:15:01.788+10:00Hello Rhonda,
I really enjoyed reading your post. ...Hello Rhonda,<br />I really enjoyed reading your post. I am 34 years old and am enjoying life much much more than I used to in my twenties. I feel I was quite unhappy in my twenties actually. I cared so much about that outer appearance and about how everyone would judge me,and I was chasing after someone else's dream. But now I have discovered my inner true self and am living according to that and that has opened up a whole new world for me. I recently went through a bad personal problem and during that time I realized that I had indeed changed from that uncertain young girl I used to be to a woman who is strong and able to take care of herself and her family, even in a dire emergency. It made me feel proud of myself. Thank you for the wisdom you give out Rhonda.Dhilmahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03471873352133297274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-24148310172108968242012-07-25T14:52:54.088+10:002012-07-25T14:52:54.088+10:00Beautifully written Rhonda, there MUST be more dis...Beautifully written Rhonda, there MUST be more discussion like this. I've just turned 54 but my physical capacity has declined in the last year following a couple of musculoskeletal conditions and I still get frustrated at that. Otherwise, I cherish grey hairs. I earned every one of them (and there are a lot of them). I keep a diary for reminders and tasks (but then I always have). I'm happy in my skin and to see beauty where I didn't in younger years. Any wisdom I've accumulated with years and experience informs the way I live and deal with others.<br />As the pace of change accelerates in our world, it's harder for older people's life experience to be of relevence to their growing children. In societies that have traditionally venerated their elders, those elders lived very similar lives to their children and their experiences and wisdom had direct daily lessons for their children. That is rarely the situation today. Many of my 'wisdoms' are about self awareness and the satisfaction of having done achieved so many of my dreams already. My children live in a very different world than I did and I have to learn when to hold my tongue (mercifully easier as I mature!). I hope to just be able to lead by example and support by my presence, until they work out their lives for themselves. I didn't listen to the sermonising of my parents either!CassieOznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-41936520682453868432012-07-25T14:41:47.132+10:002012-07-25T14:41:47.132+10:00When I entered the 'change' years, I had a...When I entered the 'change' years, I had a moment of panic. Then just hung up the towel and embraced age. There is freedom in being authentic. Wisdom and grace and gray hair indeed. Why fight with nature?Mrs. Machttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06644129213141875138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-29765263113419913732012-07-25T14:33:30.606+10:002012-07-25T14:33:30.606+10:00Rafael Yglesias once wrote that "The last gif...Rafael Yglesias once wrote that "The last gift a parent can give is the lesson of how to die." I know that sounds all very gothic but I honestly believe that we teach our children about growing old and dying through our example - my mother fears age but I have been able to take a step back and see this so I hope that my children will see me embrassing every season of life. As a person in their thirties I am very glad to hear those older than me talk about their age and what it is like experiencing a different season of life as it is how I am learning not to be afraid.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-61222375952286095872012-07-25T14:15:15.161+10:002012-07-25T14:15:15.161+10:00I'm glad to read this. I just turned 40 and I&...I'm glad to read this. I just turned 40 and I've been having some issues. Swinging back and forth between panic, depression and resignation. Being glum is affecting my energy level so I'm trying to kick my butt out of it :) Reading your posts really makes me smile. Thanks for sharing your insight.MysticalMundanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02471469049852211850noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-51467844872396536532012-07-25T14:03:10.459+10:002012-07-25T14:03:10.459+10:00I'm in my 50's and not accepting it so wel...I'm in my 50's and not accepting it so well yet...Aprilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07281951290036529118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-3762651543388999752012-07-25T13:47:14.019+10:002012-07-25T13:47:14.019+10:00Well i have just turned 48 and my life has changed...Well i have just turned 48 and my life has changed completely, i have a 21 year old a nine year old and the sunshine of my life a bright and happy 1 1/2 year old,I stopped work started to keep chooks started cooking from scratch and have started a vegie patch life is good, but i would not of done any off that without you Rhonda your blog and book has helped me start, your 5min bread is fantastic. Now i will give any thing a go thankyou LindaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-17359539357158971612012-07-25T13:36:33.743+10:002012-07-25T13:36:33.743+10:00From Texas...who knew this was going to be such a ...From Texas...who knew this was going to be such a popular subject!!! I have gleaned soo much information from your blog. I am 48 and a caretaker to my dad, 86, and have little help from 6 siblings..I know sad. Not taking it personally.. their problem, not mine. My last child at home is 18 and fixing to enter our LOCAL college. Whew! My hubby and I have 3 acres, chickens, eggs, ducks, a goose and are so lucky to be able to have eggs, and garden and use our land. I used to own a yarn shop. Closed due to economy. Still teaching knitting. It is my meditation. Thank you for all of your information..oh, yes I am also making bread...and couponing (maybe an american thing) and stockpiling..I do not work OUTSIDE of the home. No time. Thanks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com