by Chef Joe Marosla Eidem
Ok, the “Passion” of aging; who has a passion to get old?
At 25 my thought of an “old” person was anyone over 30! Then when I was in my early 40's, I thought once you are 50 you might as well give it up or get a wheelchair. Well before I knew it I was 50, then 55, and now 60! What happen and when did it happen?
At first I would never admit I was old enough to take advantage of “Senior” discounts. I would never look behind menus for the 55 and over section. My AARP membership came and for the first 3 or 4 requests to join I just threw away the offers. Finally, I have accepted my fate, yes I am old, yes I am enjoying it for the most part, and yes I have found a new passion, the Passion of Aging.
I have accepted the fact I have not taken care of my body like I should of. I have accepted the fact that I will always fight my weight. I have accepted the fact I need to make time for more doctors appointments. I have accepted the fact I do walk slower than I did before. I am also trying to accept the fact that I need to live on a lower income. The last thing I have to accept is I did not plan well for retirement.
So let me define the Passion of Aging, as I have decided to turn my aging into a passion. Passion is important. Without passion it is very hard to be motivated. You need passion to drive you through the road blocks every time you are learning something new. With passion it is no longer work, it becomes a joy. And your passion and joy will motivate you. So I have decided to age with a passion and stay motivated.
You need passion for what you do to give you the strength to tough out the hard days. The secret to success with our family, our lovers, our friends, our coworkers, and neighbors is communicating with passion. Passion is not just a philosophy or program, and it most certainly is not a soap opera. Passion is the focus of energy you bring to everything you do. So if you age with passion you bring energy into the aging process.
Having passion is important to having a good life, and being happy. Passion is a very important element in our life. If you are passionate about your job, you will enjoy an amazing career. Your Passion will impact your staff, and your customers.
Passion comes through whatever your medium of communication. Passion can spark catalytic change because it has the unique ability to generate energy, even when you are not present. When you are so in love with something the energy just sparks off of you when you walk in a room, are at work or play, you energize everyone around you, that is passion.
I find it interesting that we value material things more as we get older We value vintage wine, classic cars, ancient works of art, even old coins. But we at times do not value the experience and knowledge of elders who's decades of life experience we have yet to learn. So as I find the passion of aging, I plan to share what I have learned these last 60 years with those younger. I will also learn from those older.
A true passion that burns within your soul is one that can never be put out. So as I find the passion of aging, I find that no matter what your age is, no matter how hard it is to get out of bed in the morning, if you think positive you can do anything. I also have found that laughter attracts joy; it releases negativity and leads to miraculous cures. Do not listen to society, the message that we are too old. Negative messages do not serve you. Beliefs about aging are in the mind, so release those thoughts. Focus on health and eternal youth. The more you use the power of passion within you the more power you will have.
If I get up every morning and start my day in a great good mood I will attract everyone I meet in a good mood. Great things will happen to me. If I smile at someone they will smile back.
I confided to my youngest son, Chris that I am doing lots of speaking engagements, but seldom get paid. In his response I learned I am getting paid, more than just money. Chris said, “Dad, fond memories, and enlightened hearts of everyone you encounter are your payment. I know you can't deposit that in the ATM, but you can in your heart and mind.”
I also know for a fact that life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a wellpreserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting, “WOW... What a ride!” Enjoy your ride and your passion.