Radiates optimism and playfulness.

As I write this, I am rapidly approaching my seventieth birthday. I find myself filled with memories of my mother and grandmothers as this milestone draws near. They are my guides and inspiration on my journey of aging. My mother taught water aerobics as a YMCA volunteer into her seventies and made snow angels in her eighties. My maternal grandmother memorized poetry and other readings that she delivered in retirement homes when she was in her nineties. My paternal grandmother fulfilled a longtime dream at sixty by opening a flower shop, which she ran until she retired at eighty-five. 

From watching my mother and grandmothers as they became old, I learned about resilience as I saw them adapt and keep on going in the face of physical limitations. I learned about finding joy in small things, such as hummingbirds, clouds, and sunflowers. I learned about having genuine gratitude for all you have, not dwelling on what you have lost. I learned that being of service to others means that you can always have a sense of purpose. I learned that no matter your numerical age, it is possible to retain a childlike wonder and playfulness. Every day I try to put what I learned from them into practice. As I do, I can feel this trio of beloved women cheering me on.