THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION PAGE 39 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2022 theconnectionsnj.com Having the philosophy that every time of life is unique and special, I have walked into each new phase with the assumption that I would find my way. Marriage, career, motherhood, empty nesting all presented their challenges and rewards, but I quite blithely assumed there would always be a road map to the future that would present a predictable path. After all, so many of my peers have typically experienced the same challenges and rewards. The baby boomers are a most formidable group, perhaps our sheer numbers alone make it so. We have done things en masse as no other generation has done to my knowledge. My mind is opened, and my eyes are awakened to the reality, however, that entering our senior years follows less of a predictable path, the aging process varies quite drastically from those who are healthy and well enough to enjoy the senior years, to those who are struggling to survive. Using my determination to find the unique and the special has pushed me to redefine this next time of life, this next chapter, as a New Time of Life! I am excited about what is unfolding in front of me. Preparing our treasured Watchung home of 38 years for another family to love and appreciate, wondrous memories of beautiful memories flooding my heart; enhancing my brain power by learning to play golf and work more strategically at word games; returning to group exercising for the socialization and camaraderie, as well as concentrating on balance, flexibility and muscular strength; recognizing that socializing over a meal provides the opportunity to enrich a relationship; joining, and even creating clubs that I would not have had the time previously are all leading to feelings of empowerment, rather than debilitation. As I look around, I sense that being optimistic is a tool I need to keep handy. After all, the aging process is not attractive as the beauty of teens maturing into early adulthood. But there is something extremely attractive about a positive attitude, a genuine interest in others, reaching out to those in need, the confidence that comes from living and growing, and most importantly of all, feeling fulfilled and successful, rather than a feeling of no value. It is easy to compare and predict the future based on others’ experiences, but nothing is written in stone. Perhaps in a different era we would believe that there is some sort of straight line to and through the aging process, but this is not true anymore. Today’s seniors have healthier foods, access to exercise, brain teasers and stimulators, high caliber medical care and the reality that socializing keeps us feeling younger. Many of our generation are traveling, exploring, developing hobbies, taking advanced courses at colleges and universities, mentoring, and challenging ourselves. There is little reason not to use this gift of time to our advantage. As we prepare to close the door to our home, carrying our memories in our hearts buoys me. The second-grade report cards are imprinted in my mind, the prom dresses will be worn by another young beauty, and the artwork collection will move along with us, hung on different walls. Life will change. That will be the constant. I am excited by the future, excited by my dreams, excited by the possibilities. Never has the statement, “not getting older, getting better” felt more timely, and never have I been more thankful for that tool of optimism! Paraphrasing Red, portrayed by Morgan Freeman in the beautiful movie, Shawshank Redemption, “I hope our new life brings us a peaceful happiness, I hope we can further enrich our lives, I hope our family continues to grow and loves to visit often, I hope…” As I look around, I sense that being optimistic is a tool I need to keep handy. After all, the aging process is not attractive as the beauty of teens maturing into early adulthood. Embracing a New Time of Life SLICE OF LIFE By Ellyn Mantell
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