“Wrinkles mean you laughed, grey hair means you cared, and scars mean you lived” – author unknown

My mother had some wonderful friends when I was growing up—many of which she retained throughout her lifetime. One had the same name as my mom, and her husband as my dad. Mrs. C was always a force to be reckoned with—a glowing presence with great humor and exceptionally kind. My mother always said she was the funniest person she had ever met. Mom died five years ago, and Mrs. C lives on. In her 90s, she is still in her own home and as funny as ever.

Recently, her daughter, who lives in the same town as I do, asked that I pick something up from her mother on my way home from a friend’s birthday. I gladly agreed and always look forward to seeing this lady. We arrived around 11, and there she was, answering the door, well dressed, with lipstick and a smile. We had a quick chat, at which time I said how great she looked, to which she responded with, “Thank you, but nothing works anymore.” Her eyes were failing, her balance was off, and she no longer had the energy she once had. What a bang-on statement: “Nothing works anymore.”

Over the past five years, I have noticed how common the little aches and pains have become. Even though I walk, stretch, and try to eat right, my body is letting me know that it is getting older and that this train goes in one direction and makes no stops. How is it that I can injure myself while sleeping? I have, on more than one occasion, awoken with a sprained digit and can understand this happening back in my drinking days but find it a little bit of an insult when there was no pre-merriment as a cause.

Recently, I started to incorporate Qigong into my fitness regime.

“Qigong, is a system of coordinated body-posture and movement, breathing, and meditation said to be useful for the purposes of health, spirituality, and martial arts training. With roots in Chinese medicine, philosophy, and martial arts, qigong is traditionally viewed by the Chinese and throughout Asia as a practice to cultivate and balance the mythical life-force qi.” – Wikipedia

I found a beginner, 12-minute routine on the YouTube channel QiYoga with Luchin. She walks you through the meaning of the movements, and even I, who is not known for my coordination, can follow along.

Retirement will see me respectfully acknowledge the body that has brought me to this point and hopefully elongate its abilities with subtle movements and mythical wisdom.