Mid-life joy practices?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hey DCUM- in this forum, lots of us are surfing a pretty intense season of life (caretaking kids/parents/life partners, being leaders in your profession/running businesses, etc…) plus just navigating this world that seems simultaneously on the cusp of destruction or a new enlightened societal evolution.

With all the above, what do you do for joy and to keep optimism in your life?

Mine: 1) Dance my soul out at a show/party/concert every few months or with my big old school headphones while puttering in the house

2) Grow stuff and not make it precious (lettuce, flowers, right now squash) There is something about planting a seed and seeing that “pop” and peek of a little green tendril that gives me a seratonin hit.

3) Talk to strangers- compliment people in a coffee shop on their glasses/sneakers/etc…, while waiting in line at grocery store, ask about the last movie/tv show they saw and what they thought- seeing people get animated and smile makes me happy. People are way more friendly than we sometimes give each other the time for in the DMV.

4) Take a Power Nap with my favorite pet or pillow (if one of our cats is not into a nap)- 10 minutes and I have a whole new mindset. The world seems much brighter after a nap.

Thanks for sharing your practices and wish everyone a bit of a joy today-

The poster who took self to Beyonce—I also talk to strangers and always greet customer service people w a smile and ask how they are. Just came from Nordstrom and the customer service person was so kind and helpful that I wrote her a wonderful Yelp review. She was so tickled. I told her she deserved it.

I was in a terrible funk several months ago. Am trying to take care of myself, and appreciate life. I prayed for community and it’s happening. A friend is in town and asked me to breakfast in the morning. I’m grateful and open these days.

PS. I work for myself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Today:

Had a friend over for a morning visit. Didn’t have eggs. Ate roasted chicken and fruit salad. The visit was 90 mins and so wonderful.

Then has a 90 min full body massage. First one since June. Wow did I need that.

Followed by a visit to the apothecary for supplements and made a nice salad for dinner.

Took myself to see Beyonce in concert over the weekend. A selfie date. Met an 80 year old woman who was also there alone. I’m 62. She had recently seen Santana and other performances.

I want to meet that 80 YO woman. She sounds like someone I’d like to be. For that matter, I’d like to meet you, PP!

Thank you! Trust me I tried to get the 80 year old who had driven down from NYC to see this show to exchange numbers so we could stay in touch! She didn’t respond. Maybe she thought my interest odd. Who knows? I wish her well. She said she drives back and forth often and that she used to live here. When her sister didn’t want to deal with crowds she took herself!

[Anonymous]

I also love my garden of two raised beds. I generally like yard work/gardening though the mosquitoes are currently making it unenjoyable!
I've taken up a martial art that I am thoroughly enjoying!

Those are the main ones right now.

[Anonymous]

This is such a great thread! Please keep the posts coming....

Some of my recent "joy practices" at 62, in no particular order:

--have recently taken up strength-training (I hate exercise, but this makes me feel so good after the workouts and all week)

--learned to make my favorite Starbucks summer drink at home (Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso) https://www.thekitchn.com/starbucks-iced-shaken-espresso-recipe-review-23564480

--have begun fostering dogs with terminal diagnoses (yes, it's sad when they die but so rewarding to spoil them each and every day before they die)

--have been hanging some laundry like sheets and towels outside on sunny days (love the fresh scent!)

[Anonymous]

I escape into Star Trek. The franchise has been around so long that there is lots to choose from on Paramount +.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Today:

Had a friend over for a morning visit. Didn’t have eggs. Ate roasted chicken and fruit salad. The visit was 90 mins and so wonderful.

Then has a 90 min full body massage. First one since June. Wow did I need that.

Followed by a visit to the apothecary for supplements and made a nice salad for dinner.

Took myself to see Beyonce in concert over the weekend. A selfie date. Met an 80 year old woman who was also there alone. I’m 62. She had recently seen Santana and other performances.

I want to meet that 80 YO woman. She sounds like someone I’d like to be. For that matter, I’d like to meet you, PP!

Thank you! Trust me I tried to get the 80 year old who had driven down from NYC to see this show to exchange numbers so we could stay in touch! She didn’t respond. Maybe she thought my interest odd. Who knows? I wish her well. She said she drives back and forth often and that she used to live here. When her sister didn’t want to deal with crowds she took herself!

That is really awesome. Thanks for your posts - you’ve brought a smile to my face. I hope you enjoyed Beyonce!

[Anonymous]

I have so many new hobbies that bring me joy;

I pull weeds! It’s heavenly and so relaxing. Love repotting and rehabbing houseplants and generally playing in the dirt and tending to my outdoor plants.

I crochet baby blankets with thrift store yarns.

I sunbathe or get at least 15 minutes of sunshine w/o sunblock. Good for serotonin levels/mood boosting/Vit D.

I make handcrafted cards to donate to charity. Utter bliss.

I go plogging-collect litter while jogging or walking. So satisfying.

I do yoga on the weekends.

Just got a seated 10 minute massage at my manicure salon. New add on and I almost fell asleep.