Senior to Senior: Resilience

Resilience, cool word, but what does it mean? To most of you it means that you have learned from past mistakes, and that you are still here. Learning is the key to resilience; recognizing that that what you have learned in the past is the reason that “you are still here.” What exactly did you learn this past year? Probably more than you bargained for, as you’ve struggled to think of yourselves in a collective sense. Is your glass half empty or half full? Do you see yourself as expendable or as a contributing member of society? Make your years count for something. Prove that you still have the ability to function normally when times are tough. It hasn’t been easy. Social distancing, wearing a mask, avoiding favorite sports arenas, and not being able to indulge in favorite pastimes, has taken its toll on everyone. But if you are resilient you can still serve as the leader of your pack. Follow the rules and teach by example, just as you’ve always done. Step up to serve as cooks, bottle washers, babysitters, tutors, and mentors. Keep your family safe and together. After all, there is a reason why you are still here. What have you learned: • In the interest of communication, you have accepted and learned how to use modern technology. • You have learned to downsize because you need extra space. With extra time on your hands, you’ve found ways to turn your house into a restaurant, a gym, a school room, a studio, and an office. • You’ve learned that by staying home you can get by on your social security check. You saved money by not traveling, eating out, going to concerts or sporting events, or buying new clothing. • Political upheaval has made you rethink the direction that you want your country to go. You have time now to plan on what you can do to make a difference. • You have learned to appreciate and strengthen all of your relationships. Only people who have weathered “other storms” can truly understand the importance of being involved in something” bigger than themselves.”