Tricks I Learned from an Old Dog

When I wake up in the morning and start moving my creaky joints, I am reminded that I have truly entered the segment of life known as middle age.  We’ve all heard the saying, “You can’t teach old dog new tricks.”   Well, if we are wise humans, an old dog can teach us a trick or two.  Here is what time at our beach home in Oregon with my white faced retriever mix Vela has taught me this year…

Enjoy a nap when you can.  
You never know when you may have the opportunity to close your eyes.  Napping in a beautiful location such as under the arms of a lovely tree, on the sand sheltered by a beach umbrella, or even atop a fluffy growth of green grass (with or without a blanket beneath you) is always preferred.  Never pass up the chance to recharge your batteries with a well-deserved rest.  

Vela is a professional napper at her advanced age.  I’d like to become a much more proficient napper, it’s my new goal.  If not a nap for me, then a bit of quiet time and frequent thankful thoughts are on the schedule for this coming year.

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Before life gets you down, do what best clears you head.   
What works for you?  Calling a good friend for a chat?   A walk or run?  A yoga class?   A long hot bath with a glass of wine?  How about a good book?  Whatever works for you, do it often; don’t wait until you are ready to pull your hair out.   Dancing is one of my favourite ways to empty my head and put a big smile on my face.

I wrote a blog about this a couple of years ago that discussed nursing and how some of us relieve stress or "clear our heads."
Here is a link:  http://ajnoffthecharts.com/2009/08/07/trauma-nurse-finds-stress-relief-as-dj-what-do-you-do/ 

Feel free to comment here about your strategies or goals.  What works for you?  I am sure we'd all be happy to learn from each other.  

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Enjoy time with your friends and family when ever you can.    
Throughout life, people become a part of our story whether they play an ongoing role, or star in a short segment.  Relationships must be nurtured to remain healthy and continue to grow.   

Currently I spend most of my time a long way from many of my favourite people, including my husband!  Technology has certainly made long distance relationships easier to manage but nothing beats a nice face to face and a big hug from a great friend or beloved family member.  

Now in her older years, Vela has learned to let a younger person lead the way, at least some of the time.  This is something we are working on as our children have a lot to teach us;  our grandchildren as well.  Vela is happiest when she is near people she loves.  I’ve found that the older I get, this is ever more important to me as well.  

While visiting this USA this year on annual leave, we had the opportunity to spend precious time with family and friends.  We've experienced some recent losses in our family.   Being an expat has some amazing advantages but being so far during times of birth, death, and other life events is one of real challenges.   We truly appreciate our loved ones that took time to visit us while we were in Oregon as well as those who hosted us at their homes.  We are always open to visitors where ever we may land!  

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Tasty treats are a pleasure that should not be missed- but are best if they are earned. 
Lately I have been very focused on becoming as healthy as possible.  This has included eating quality fresh food, minimising alcohol, and exercising regularly.  I have not made anything off limits to myself but have basically taken the stance that all things are good in moderation.  

Vela always enjoys her treats just as we all should!  

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Pause to enjoy any spectacular sunset. 
Living in the moment allows you to see and experience things that others may miss.  Slow down and watch the sun set or rise once in a while.  You can also “stop and smell the flowers” –literally, if that is something you enjoy.   Savor life, it passes quickly and there are so many lovely things we miss by speeding through.

 Just like Vela, when I look out over the ocean in all its glory and might, no matter what beach I may be standing on, in whatever part of the world, it reminds me to be thankful for everything I have... my family (pets land in this box), friends, and especially my health.  

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Never stop exploring.   
When hiking in the woods near our home at the Oregon Coast, Vela always finds something to sniff and actively interacts with what is around her.   She isn’t as speedy as she used to be, but then neither are we!  

Vela’s spirit of adventure is inspiring.  Both Corey and I relish adventure.  Corey is currently in India helping to set up a skydiving dropzone while we wait out the monsoons in Thailand.  I should be joining him before Christmas.  We aren't quite sure what's in store for us but if you watch this space you will be as up to date as we are.  

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Last but not least--  Smile.  
Everyone is more attractive when they are smiling.  Never pass up a chance to smile at a child, they usually smile back and they have years to discover that life sometimes makes smiling difficult.  
Here is a haiku I wrote that you may like: 

The smile of a child 
reminds us of all things sweet.
Pause, smile back, give thanks.    

As I was reviewing our pictures from this fabulous trip to the USA I noticed that Vela is always smiling!  
Going through life with a grin makes everything a lot more fun!  

Vela smiles more than she barks and that is the balance I try to maintain.   

Cheers!  
Stay tuned for more adventures from Papa Mac and Spicy Grandma Mac!

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