What does the word exercise mean to you?
Life, death, or the pursuit of happiness?
I am sure you do not equate mental and physical exercise in the same vein. Do You? Well, today is a new day to get on the right track to staying fit on both levels.
Your mind must continue to be as active along with your physical body. I read and write just as much as I do physical exercise.
My goal is too live to be 100. People ask me why. Some of these individuals who ask are boring, inactive on a daily basis and waiting to die, while others are waiting to retired and don’t know what they will do with their time. Most of my friends and associates are in their late forties and fifties. I know a few who have fears of retiring because their life has not been productive. Many are teachers, and some work in the financial district. They focused on work and home. Many made their families and husband their reason to live. Even the stay- at-home moms never envision beyond the children or husband leaving or becoming incapacitated.
Activities that stimulate your mind in or outside the home are needed to keep your mind alert, such as reading or challenging conversations.
Continue to be mentally and physically active.
Here is the reason why I want to live to be 100. I have a full plate of tasks that I want to complete
which include: Make a series from my second book; write my biography; travel doing book signing; and lecture about aging. At my age of 75 — which flew by — being very active since I arrived in San Francisco in 1974, after receiving many awards that showed me where my time was often spent. During this time, I was teaching, lecturing, writing, and raising my son and daughter as a single parent since leaving my husband in New York. I continued college, which also began in September 1974, and my activism.
As a youngster I never recall not being physically or mentally active.
Here are some suggestions that always have deadlines.
Activities and things you can look forward to, which will make you want to stay on the planet and have fun.
The plants. I keep rooting stems from other plants that I get from friends. I can’t wait for them to grow. I have many plants in my house. Then I enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature in my apartment.
Friends. I have friends in England, New York, Cleveland, Mexico, Wisconsin and Oakland, to name a few. Because of my schedule, I set a date to call them and new information is always exchanged. Even though I retired, I stay in the loop about teaching information while substituting.
Walking/shopping. If you are outgoing — as I am — talk to strangers. I have learned a lot of information about cultures, recipes, bargains, politics and more living skills.
A Book. Some people call it a journal. I call it my information book, in which I write every day. There is a “To Do” list and a beginning of the monthly column which is in draft stages, along with my stories, dates and other interest in my life.
Are you prepared for your vintage years? Don’t waste time; it moves.
Mary “Midgett” is the author of “New York Flavor with a San Francisco beat.” The San Francisco resident is available to do presentations and seminars on social and family negotiations, and also on parent, self-esteem, social and intimate relationships.
For more information, visit www.marymidgett.net/, or email her at Midgettscorner@aol.com.
