Ageing is out of your control. But how to be happier as you age is up to you.
Will you be a moaner as you age?
Do you focus on all the niggles, the litany of complaints, the tough, the sad and the ugly, or do you focus on what you have, the funny things about ageing, and the good things about the present moment?
5 Tips to help you be Happier as you Age
- All we really need in life is air, water, shelter and food – if you have those things, relax – be happy!
- Practice an attitude of gratitude everyday.
- Shop consciously.
- Wake up early and go for a daily walk.
- Make sure you have music in your days.
Finding More Happiness
I try to go for an hour’s walk everyday. Today, I concentrated on just how fortunate I am, and I realised that by how focusing on what I have, and the here and now, it really does make me happier.
With a bounce in my stride, and a gratitude mantra on my lips, I thought of all the good things:
I’m healthy.
I’m reasonably fit.
I enjoy walking, riding my bicycle and swimming, and despite the fact that aches and pains are creeping in almost daily, I can still be out there doing things.
You might also like : 15 Simple Ways to Stay Happy, Energetic and Motivated
Happiness Walk
Walking around a beautiful lake, I focused on the moment, and the serenity of a gorgeous summer morning.
Instead of pacing, head down, I looked up and around and gave thanks to the Universe for this day.
I saw four kangaroos grazing peacefully on the grassy clearing under the peppy trees. One small female had a joey peeping out from her pouch.
Nearby were two purple swamp hens, their sapphire blue and purple colouring caught like vivid jewels in the sunlight that was shafting through the tall trees.
Not far away a Kookaburra cackled and laughed. I like to think he was having a joke with me.
On the ground two black and white magpies chortled and scratched around. I gave thanks that this time of year is well past the odious magpie swooping season, so I said “Good morning to you Sir and Lady,” and saluted, as once we’d been instructed as children to ward off bad luck.
In the trees a flock of ibis were beginning to awaken and get ready for flight, and on the lake a brood of ducks swam peaceably here and there.
At the beach the surf was strong and the sky a cerulean blue.
Of course it goes without saying that the sky was blue – this is Western Australia! But my thanks went out to the fact that at 7am it wasn’t too hot, there were no mosquitos and no friendly flies.
What a beautiful day in South West Australia. How very fortunate I am.
I hope wherever in the world you are today, it’s also lovely.
My heart and thoughts and prayers though went out to those people who are affected by the terrible, devastating bush fires, and all the wildlife, fauna and flora that has been decimated and destroyed.
Like I said. I’m grateful for my day. For it’s simplicity, for my health, and for the clement weather where I live.
How to be Happier as you Age
I can’t stop ageing, but I can control how I react to it.
And I realise that happy people focus on what they have, while unhappy people focus on what’s missing.
Today I did something that was not only serendipitous and made me happy because of it’s simplicity, but which also I know my future self will thank me for.
Do something today that YOUR future self will thank YOU for!
Happiness Pins for today
Outfit Inspo for the Day
Nothing makes me happier than a pretty dress that’s easy to wear!
A midi dress with a wrap/tie waist is flattering for nearly all body shapes.
Add loose cap sleeves and a deep V neck for a slimming line and team it with modern sneakers for a preppy look that will defy your age and make you feel and look younger.
The sneakers are from my fave shoe brand Frankie4 Footwear, and the dress is a Noni B. You can buy a very similar style online Here :
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post about How to be Happier as you Age, and really hope that you’ll add your own happiness tips in the comments.
What to Pack for Bali
I loved reading about your Happiness Walk Jo. It really is about finding the beauty and the divine in the everyday isn’t it. It was so humbling to hear the number of people who lost their homes in the fires still expressing grateful that they survived, or that their horse or pet was saved. I sometimes have a dig at myself though, thinking of the words sung by Joe Walsh in ‘Life’s been good to me so far’ – ‘I can’t complain but sometimes I still do’!
Thank you Jo. Yes we do have to stop and stare sometimes don’t we. Loved the Joe Walsh words you shared 🙂
Thanks Jo, lovely post and you’re an inspiration to us all.
Thank you Nina, you are so kind 🙂 x
Hi Jo, we’re very blessed to live where we do. Often on my morning walk I pause and say a thankyou for all the peace, beauty, safety, and loveliness of where I live. To be able to breathe fresh air, be fire-free, surrounded by nature and yet still be in civilization – we have so much and appreciating it never ceases to bring me joy. I’m glad you found a happy time too. xx
Aren’t we just Leanne! It’s a very special corner of the world. I think our daily mantras are important, and it is necessary to be grateful for the blessings you mention – because so many people in the world do not have these things.