Seasons change. Summer starts now! After what has seemed to be an exceptionally long and tiresome Winter and a Spring full of rain-soaked days, Summer is finally here, or, technically will be here June 21!
Even beyond that, together we have weathered very uncertain times these past two years, from living through the extended pandemic to watching the war in Ukraine, to managing the increased costs of living here in the United States. It is all enough to make us unsteady and uncertain.
As a result of changing times and changing social habits, many vibrant active seniors became inactive and sluggish. Active senior communities report seeing less of their residents, neighbors, and clients, while long-serving volunteers have begged off community projects. Everywhere, centers are struggling to bring people back.
Thankfully, the changing of the seasons gives us moments to reflect.
Have we just become accustomed to staying home? Or, has inactivity brought on more physical distress? Are we where we want to be and satisfied with who we are? What are we willing to do to make the changes we need to move forward? How are other people staying focused and happy?
If we want to make life beautiful and keep life beautiful, we need to make it part of who we are every day. How are others making life beautiful?
Every person has to answer those questions individually. For myself, I like to keep busy, going out and being involved in community activities, while reading, and researching everything I can. I try to encourage others to do the same.
COVID found our family just before the vaccines rolled out. So, our journey through was not as easy as some, but we made it. It made me count my blessings as never previously! Feeling warmth in my husband’s hands is a blessing that I continue to count every day. So, I urge him, let’s get out and have fun! Let’s walk, let’s use canoe, let’s ride bike, let’s explore! Let’s make life beautiful!
What makes life beautiful for you?
I have a friend who was unmarried most of his life. When he finally found love, he boasted for all to see, and he has never stopped. Whenever he takes his wife out to eat, and its quite often, he posts photographs entitled “breakfast with my bride.” Even after many years of marriage, he continues to post photos of his lovely wife every time they go out. I smile every time I see his posts. I am so happy to see the love and devotion they share.
I have another friend who calls me every holiday. There have been times that I did not take his call, but I have learned to always stop what I am doing and enjoy those moments. Whatever the occasion, whether New Year’s Day, Saint Patrick’s Day, Ground Hog Day, you name it, he calls. I finally realized what an unselfish gift he was giving. I commented to him that I noticed and appreciated it. That is when I learned that he calls the police department, the fire department, the food pantry, his friends, and neighbors, whomever he knows needs a pick-me-up. It is his thing. He does what he can to bring cheer to others. It is his act of love, and I feel blessed to be in the number of those he wants to call.
I have another friend who just calls and points out when she notices the good thing you do! It is a great feeling to make some one’s day a little more beautiful. You do not have to do a lot to make the world a better place.
Random acts of kindness such as these do not go out of style. God knows our world needs more of them. They make our lives more beautiful. They encourage us to enjoy our days whatever life state we find ourselves.
Barb Nadeau is the community relations manager for the Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois, representing five counties. Barb has worked many years as a professional television and radio host, as well as a print and social media journalist, and as a volunteer coordination professional, networking amongst non-profit social service agencies throughout Illinois. She is a freelance writer and an elected alderman in the City of Plano. Contact Barb at bvnadeau@gmail.com.