KITTING AROUND
BLOG 385–AS YOU AGE
Keep getting better than yesterday!
This Video will give you more insight into me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr8QFnD1yGc
This Blog is Best Read on a Laptop, Rather than Your Phone.
By KIT SUMMERS — World-Class Juggler to World-Class Comeback
Once upon a life, I made gravity nervous—
Headlining at Ballys, tossing clubs with a grin.
Seven of them. A world record—
Because physics loves a good insult. 😄
Then came the truck—the coma.
Thirty-seven silent days offstage.
And here I am now—not juggling clubs.
But throwing purpose, grit, and joy.
Balancing healing, catching courage.
Tossing hope sky-high. 🤹♂️
The mission grew bigger than applause.
Now I lift humans. I write to stay connected.
I write because it’s how I breathe.
If these words help you, too?
That’s magic catching air. 🎉
What’s next on Kit’s journey through life?
Back to juggling? Back to life?
Stay with Kit and find out.
Life can get better.
Life will get better! ✨
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My new address here is >> kitsummers.com
Kit Summers kitsummers@gmail.com
The Legacy at Highwoods Preserve https://www.legacypreservetampa.com/
18600 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy, #217 Stop by for a visit when you can.
Tampa, FL 33647 A love letter would be dandy.
Call me >> 610-400-3233
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PART 1) THE BEGINNINGS
DAILY–IT’S A NEW DAY, IT’S A NEW LIFE
DON’T LIVE IN THE FUTURE OR THE PAST —
MAKE THE MOST OF THE MOMENT YOU’RE HOLDING RIGHT NOW!
Aging is not simply a story of loss. It is a story of change, adaptation, opportunity, and ways of growth. While certain physical abilities naturally decline over time, wisdom, perspective, emotional resilience, and even happiness often increase, and it’s up to each of us. Growing older invites us to develop new strengths, deepen our understanding of ourselves and others, and discover fresh ways to find meaning and purpose.
HOW OLD ARE YOU?
The choices we make throughout our lives—how we move, learn, connect, and care for ourselves—continue to influence not only how long we live, but how well we live. Every stage of life offers opportunities for growth, contribution, and fulfillment. The goal is not merely to add years to our lives, but to add more life to our years.
READ THE WORDS IN THE BLOG SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY. 
As you’ve seen, the number of words for my blog has been increasing each week.
This week, I plan to write in a tighter way–JUST THE FACTS, MAME.
I just got these words from Larry:
“Enjoy your new home!
Your philosophical writings are truly amazing!!!
My best to you! –Larry Zeiger
Let me know what you think of this blog, Larry.
Everyone else writes to me, too.
I also put this blog out on Facebook.
Today I checked, and this showed up >>
76 views, 2 reactions
Good to see that many are reading my blog.
If you are reading this through Facebook,
Send me an email, and I will put you on the
notification list about the blog >>
kitsummers@gmail.com
The secret to good writing is to get your message across with the fewest words possible — like right there, the word ‘possible’ was unnecessary; I decided to use it anyway. I hope you find that in this blog. So, no more writing about meals (sorry if you’re hungry.) I will only write words that will benefit you.
Every week, I try to create the very best blog I can—something that makes you laugh a little harder, think a little deeper, and step back into life carrying a little more hope than you had before. A spark of joy. A touch of wisdom. A reminder that life, despite all evidence to the contrary on some days, is still overflowing with possibilities.
SAY GOODBYE TO WORDS
I’ve also discovered one of the great secrets of good writing: REMOVE WORDS! Write a sentence. Then remove a few words. Then remove a few more. Keep trimming until every remaining word has a job to do. Ironically, the more words I delete, the more I have to say. Perhaps that’s true of life as well—sometimes, by letting go of what doesn’t matter, we finally discover what really does matter.
Every day, I tell myself, “You’ve got to get out there and do some running.” I make this declaration with great confidence and determination, usually while sitting comfortably in a chair. I am already halfway through the workout, looking fit, energetic, and inspiring others simply by my example. Yet, my asthma argues.
RUNNING?
Then something unexpected happens. I discovered that there are important things to do first. I should check my email. I should organize a drawer. The weather is not quite right. There is always the chance that I need a little more preparation before beginning my glorious return to running.
Do you disappoint yourself the same way? Or is this simply one of the great traditions of being human—knowing exactly what we should do, fully intending to do it, and then becoming remarkably creative in finding reasons to start tomorrow? The good news is that tomorrow arrives every single day, which means I continue to have plenty of opportunities to become the runner I keep promising myself I will be.
THE RULES
There are three simple rules in life >>
- If you do not go after what you want, you’ll never have it.
- If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.
- If you do not step forward, then you will always be in the same place.
Follow these rules, and you will have a better life.
WALMART
Today, three other residents and I were taken on a very important expedition to Walmart. Naturally, I focused only on the essentials: some chocolate candy, four cartons of ice cream (because priorities matter), and a large bottle of wine. You know, the basic survival supplies.
I have always believed in being prepared for emergencies, and frankly, I can’t imagine an emergency that wouldn’t be improved by chocolate, ice cream, and wine. As I wheeled my cart toward the checkout, I couldn’t help but smile. In fact, if you look closely, you can still see that smile on my face. 😊
You could wish for a million dollars.
OR
You could wish to live beyond age 100.
What’s more essential?
Think about your life and what’s truly important.
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PART 2) THINGS THAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK
Kit’s Daily Delights — Inspiration, Freshly Served
>>>>>July 4
I guess the words, “Happy Fourth of July”, would be appropriate.
But I tried to celebrate July 3, and no one cared.
Well, I hope you made it a great day for yourself.
Being a weekend, things are very slow.
In fact, slower than at my old home at NeuroRestorative.
No complaints about the food, though.
As often happens, I’ve already written most of next week’s blog—and it’s only 6:53 on Saturday morning. Once I begin writing, I become completely absorbed. What starts as a simple idea quickly turns into a passion project, and before I know it, the words have carried me away.
THIS BLOG IS FOR YOU
But through it all, I’m thinking of you. Every story, every laugh, every lesson, and every reflection is written with the hope that it might add something positive to your life. Perhaps a little encouragement. A new perspective. A reason to smile. I sincerely hope it’s working.
So please, let me know. If these words have ever made you laugh, think, hope, or see life a little differently, I’d love to hear from you. Knowing that something I’ve written has touched another person’s life is one of the greatest rewards I can imagine.
BREAKFAST
For this special Fourth of July, they served a breakfast worthy of celebration: a fruit plate, bacon, and pancakes at the Hurricane Lounge. As has become something of a tradition, I found myself seated at a table with all the ladies. I don’t know exactly how this keeps happening, but I have decided not to question success when it arrives.
The conversation was delightful, the company was charming, and I did my best to represent the male population with dignity and grace. Of course, I also had to focus on the important business at hand: deciding how much syrup constitutes patriotism. I may have leaned toward “very patriotic.”
Between the good food, the laughter, and my continued popularity among the ladies of Hurricane Lounge, Independence Day is off to an excellent start. George Washington would almost certainly approve.
LUNCH
A simple cheeseburger and fries—that was my choice. Over the years, I’ve learned that restaurants often believe “serving size” is merely a creative suggestion.
Whether it’s a meal or a drink, they often serve enough to feed a small village. These days, I usually ask for half an order. They smile, nod in agreement… and then bring me the full-sized portion anyway. My problem isn’t the generosity—it’s the waste. I hate seeing perfectly good food go to waste.
People often believe they are doing you a favor by giving you more. More food. Bigger portions. Extra servings. But sometimes, especially when control over the decision is taken away, it doesn’t feel like a favor at all.
I eat what I can, and I appreciate the generosity behind the gesture. Yet I hate seeing good food left behind simply because someone decided that bigger automatically means better. To me, waste is never a sign of abundance—it’s a missed opportunity for thoughtfulness. Sometimes, the greatest kindness isn’t giving someone more. It’s giving them exactly what they need.
Somewhere along the way, I learned that satisfaction rarely comes from having more than you need. Besides, if I ate every oversized meal placed in front of me, I’d soon need a wheelbarrow instead of a walker—and I’m trying to postpone that particular milestone for at least another 40 years.
I get bored watching TV, so I often lie down early, which I did tonight.
>>>>>July 5
This morning, I ate a banana. For most of my life, that simple act has been followed by another ritual: tossing the peel into a compost pile. After all, banana peels make some of the finest compost nature has to offer. It always felt good knowing that even my snack leftovers were helping something else grow.
But today, I faced a small personal tragedy. I don’t have a garden here yet, no compost pile waiting patiently for my contribution. So, with a slight sense of guilt—and perhaps an apology whispered under my breath—I had to throw that perfectly good banana peel into the trash. I suppose this only confirms what I’ve suspected all along: no matter where I live, sooner or later, I’m going to end up creating a garden.
CLOUDS
I thought I had moved to sunny Florida. Looking out the window this morning, however, has caused me to question the accuracy of the state’s advertising campaign. Instead of endless sunshine, I’m staring at a sky that appears to have entered a long-term relationship with clouds.
In fact, the forecast suggests that the entire week will be cloudy. Yikes! I didn’t move to Florida for “Fifty Shades of Grey.” On the bright side—and apparently I have to imagine the bright side this week—at least I won’t have to worry about getting sunburned while looking out the window.
Strange. I had some time to use up, so I wanted to watch a movie. I looked through Amazon Video and decided on Die Hard. When I selected it, the computer told me I had already watched it. That surprised me. As I sat there watching, I realized something even stranger: I had absolutely no memory of ever seeing the movie.
I’ve been told many times that my memory isn’t what it once was, and after everything I’ve been through, I understand that. Still, this felt different. It wasn’t that I had forgotten a few scenes or couldn’t remember how the movie ended. I had no recollection of it at all. It was as if I were watching it for the very first time.
Then again, there may be a small advantage hidden in all of this. Most people only get to experience a great movie once. Apparently, I may have been allowed to enjoy Die Hard twice. If that’s the case, there are worse things in life than getting a second chance to be surprised by Bruce Willis.
I wrote earlier that I would not write about meals.
Had to. Couldn’t help it.
What they serve here is just too good.
I just got back from lunch, and today’s offering was Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. It was delicately prepared, delightfully seasoned, and absolutely delicious. I have once again to put in a good word for the chefs here—they consistently do an outstanding job. It’s a pleasure to sit down to a meal that has clearly been prepared with both skill and care. Compliments to the kitchen for another excellent lunch!
GREAT PASTA!
After the excellent pasta, I decided to treat myself to a bowl of chocolate chip mint ice cream. The flavor was wonderful—rich, refreshing, and exactly what I had hoped for. Unfortunately, as has happened before, they filled the bowl right to the brim.
About half that amount would have been perfect. I’ve written about this before: people often believe that bigger automatically means better. It doesn’t. More food doesn’t necessarily create a better experience—it often just creates more waste. Sometimes, less really is more.
ICE CREAM, TOO
In fact, when portions become too large, enjoyment often decreases while waste increases. Give me a modest serving that I can fully appreciate over a mountain of ice cream that leaves me feeling like I’ve accepted a dare.
So, I spent the afternoon watching Die Hard. What a good movie! Have you seen it? The strange thing is, I’m not sure if I’ve watched it before. Amazon insisted that I had, but I had absolutely no memory of it. I did enjoy watching this flick.
THE MOVIE
At times, I found it difficult to keep track of all the bad guys, but that may say more about my memory than it does about the movie. Either way, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sometimes, even if you’ve seen a movie before—or perhaps especially if you don’t remember seeing it—it can feel brand new all over again.
While watching the movie, I completely lost track of time. I was convinced the day was moving toward evening, so I glanced at the clock expecting to see something like 5:00 or 6:00. Instead, it was only 2:33 in the afternoon. Apparently, I had been given a bonus portion of the day.
EXTRA TIME?
That left me with an interesting question: what do you do when you suddenly discover you have a couple of extra hours to use up? I could write, go for a walk, exercise, watch another movie, or simply sit and think. It’s funny how we spend so much of our lives wishing for more time, and then, when we unexpectedly get it, we’re not quite sure what to do with it.
DINNER
Dinner tonight was homemade marinara sauce over manicotti and cooked vegetables — it was absolutely delicious. I continue to be impressed by the quality of the meals here. Time after time, the chefs create dishes that are flavorful, thoughtfully prepared, and genuinely enjoyable. I have to give them credit—every meal seems to arrive with an extra ingredient that can’t be found in any recipe: care.
>>>>>July 6
There are still clouds hanging around this morning. Honestly, I was beginning to suspect that I had accidentally moved to Seattle instead of Florida. Then, at long last, I noticed the sun making a brief appearance, as if it had overslept and was reluctantly reporting for duty.
It made me think about how often life works that way. We spend so much time staring at the clouds—the disappointments, the setbacks, the uncertainties—that we forget the sun is still there, patiently waiting for its moment to break through. The clouds may block our view for a while, but they never erase the light itself.
That could be one of life’s quietest lessons: difficult seasons can make us believe that hope has disappeared, when in reality, it has been hidden from sight. And then, often when we least expect it, the clouds part, the light returns, and we wonder how we ever doubted that it was there all along.
That could be true of happiness, hope, and even our best days. They don’t disappear—they just hide behind the weather for a while. And sometimes, all it takes is a small patch of blue sky to remind us that brighter moments are still on their way.
LUNCH
I wrote earlier that I wouldn’t say much more about the meals, but I know you’re probably getting hungry just reading this. The truth is, I can’t help myself. Every single meal has been so consistently delicious that it almost demands mention. When something is this good, keeping quiet about it feels almost like withholding valuable public information. 😄
I was running a bit late today, but lunch was every bit as good as usual. I ordered the pork sandwich, and it was absolutely scrumptious. When I was asked if I wanted French fries, I hesitated. Around here, “a serving of fries” can sometimes resemble a small mountain range. So, trying to exercise a bit of restraint, I asked for just four fries. To my surprise and delight, I received exactly four fries! I may have discovered a revolutionary new dining strategy.
After all, when the food is this consistently delicious, keeping quiet about it seems not only unfair but even slightly unethical. 😄 At some point, remaining silent begins to feel less like modesty and more like withholding valuable information from the public. I consider it my civic duty to report these culinary successes whenever they occur—which, fortunately for my taste buds, appears to be quite often.
To finish the meal, I enjoyed a delicious slice of pecan pie, which was the perfect ending to an excellent lunch. As always, the meal was prepared beautifully. I also want to commend Troy Harris and Lauren Christian for taking such good care of me as they brought my food.
Along with the talented chefs in the kitchen and the dedicated staff working behind the scenes, everyone plays an important role in making every meal here something truly special. Their teamwork, attention to detail, and genuine care shine through in every dish, creating an experience that is consistently enjoyable and deeply appreciated.
Their hard work, attention to detail, and genuine kindness shine through in everything they do. It’s easy to see that they take pride in creating not just delicious food, but a welcoming experience that makes each meal something to look forward to. They are truly an exceptional team, and I am grateful for all they do.
The offerings were chicken and/or mashed potatoes and gravy. I asked for just a little of each; I got exactly that. One small chicken leg (poor chicken) and just a spoonful of potatoes. I asked for it, I got it. It was just the right amount for me.
I’m just very happy that Jasmine and April found this place for me to live.
>>>>>July 7
As the sun eases its way above the horizon, I’m greeted by a clear blue sky. After several cloudy mornings, it’s a welcome sight—and it feels as though the day is smiling before it has even properly begun.
There’s something wonderfully hopeful about a morning like this. A blue sky seems to whisper, “Go ahead… today’s full of possibilities.” It’s going to be a terrific day, and I intend to do my best to prove the sky right.
This morning, I didn’t hear a single bird out there. Apparently, even the birds decided to sleep in. As for me, I was up by 4:00 a.m.—which, for me, counts as sleeping in a little! The early morning has become one of my favorite times of day. The world is quiet, distractions are few, and my thoughts seem to arrive a little more clearly.
BIRDS?
What time did you awaken today? Were you up before the birds, or did they beat you to it? Either way, I hope your day is off to a wonderful start and brings you plenty of reasons to smile before the sun has even finished stretching. Yes, there is more to life than just humans.
For bald eagles, there isn’t a precise “alarm clock” time. They generally wake around dawn, much like many other daytime animals. As the first light appears, they begin preening their feathers, stretching, calling to one another, and then taking flight to hunt. In summer, they may be active before 6:00 a.m., while in winter, they often wait until the sun has brightened the landscape a bit.
SLEEP
And yes—they absolutely do sleep. They usually perch high in a large tree, often near water. When asleep, they tuck their head backward under the feathers of one shoulder, balancing effortlessly on their powerful talons. It’s quite a peaceful sight, though most people never get to see it because they’re tucked away in quiet places.
Now for the ants!
Ants don’t sleep the way we do. Instead, they take many tiny naps throughout the day and night. A worker ant may take hundreds of brief naps every 24 hours, each lasting about a minute. Added together, they get around 4 to 5 hours of rest per day.
MAKE WAY FOR THE QUEEN
The queen ant, however, enjoys much longer naps and can accumulate 9 or more hours of rest in a day. So if you’ve never seen an ant asleep, don’t worry—you’d almost need a magnifying glass and perfect timing! But have you seen your aunt sleep?
It’s amusing to think about it:
An eagle settles in for the night like a dignified king.
A human goes to sleep with a smile (hopefully.)
An ant says, “I’ll nap for 57 seconds… now back to work!”
An aunt says, “Let me sleep the whole night!
Nature never seems to stop finding creative ways to do things.
Even sleep comes in countless varieties.
ANIMALS
All mammals sleep.
PLANTS
While plants don’t sleep as humans do, they have an internal circadian rhythm that runs on a 24-hour cycle. At night, they stop photosynthesizing and enter a resting state to redirect energy into growth, repair, and the breakdown of glucose into usable energy.
BIRDS
Yes, birds sleep, but in remarkable ways. Many can sleep with one eye open and half their brain awake, while special tendons in their legs automatically lock their feet onto branches, keeping them from falling.
BUGS
Yes, bugs sleep, though it looks different from how humans do. Because insects don’t have eyelids, they don’t close their eyes. Instead, they enter a deep, sleep-like state of metabolic rest called torpor.
FISH
Fish sleep–But not in the same way land mammals do. Instead of closing their eyes (as they lack eyelids) and falling unconscious, they enter a low-energy state characterized by reduced activity, slower metabolism, and decreased responsiveness to their surroundings.
How about you?
Tired yet?
What a wonderful surprise! My daughter, Jasmine, called me while she was driving to work just to see how I was doing. That simple phone call brightened my day. She has such a kind and caring heart, and I never take that for granted. Thank you, Sweety. You are truly a blessing.
THANKS, JASMINE
With a new place to live comes a new doctor. Ready? See if you can pronounce this one: Dr. Nektarios Demetriou. Go ahead—I dare you! 😄 Thankfully, he spoke excellent English, seemed knowledgeable, and struck me (but he didn’t strike me) as a genuinely nice guy. I think I’m in good hands with my new doctor.
WHAT’S UP, DOC?
To get there, I rode in Legacy’s new bus. It seats about ten people, with plenty of room in the back for wheelchairs and walkers. As it turned out, I had the whole bus to myself, with Shakeia behind the wheel. It was a smooth, comfortable ride from start to finish.
The best part? Shakeia told me she reads my blog. That brought a big smile to my face. Knowing these words are reaching people I meet along the way makes writing them even more meaningful. Thanks for getting me there safely, Shakeia—and thanks for reading!
When I got back, they were already cleaning up the dining room. Even so, they made me a delectable hamburger with all the fixings. It felt a little strange being the only one left eating in the room, but there I was—king of the dining hall, at least for a few minutes. See Kit’s smile 😄.
I treated myself to a little wine this evening. Since I haven’t had any alcohol in quite a while, my tolerance apparently packed its bags and moved away. One glass in, and I was already feeling wonderfully relaxed.
If sleep doesn’t come tonight, it certainly won’t be because I didn’t give it every opportunity. I’m expecting to drift off with a smile—and if one glass can do all that, it’s probably best I don’t start thinking I’m a wine connoisseur.
>> >>>July 8
By evening, I’ve usually had my fill of television, so I often put the remote aside, climb into bed, and spend some time reading instead. Since I tend to turn in a little earlier these days, it’s not unusual for me to wake up around 3:00 a.m.
SLEEP?
The quiet predawn hours have become an unexpected gift in my daily routine. The world is still, the distractions are few, and there is a peacefulness that’s hard to find at any other time of day. These early hours have become the perfect time to think, write, reflect, or simply sit in silence before the rest of the world awakens.
I’ve come to appreciate these moments. While many people are still dreaming, I get to enjoy the calm that comes just before sunrise—a reminder that every new day begins not with noise, but with quiet possibility.
WALK THIS WAY . . .
Living on the third floor, three or more times a day I go to the elevator (about 220 meters) to go to the first floor, the dining area. I often walk the halls by myself, and I work in perfection in steps. Holding my head up high and maintaining a relaxed, smooth gate.
Lunch was tasty, no need to go into detail.
START NOW!
Even if you’ve never experienced a brain injury or another life-altering tragedy, start today building the life you’ve always dreamed of. Don’t wait until you’re hit by a truck, land in jail, or face some other devastating wake-up call before making the changes that can lead to a happier, healthier, and more meaningful life. The best time to begin is now, my friend. Your future is being shaped by the choices you make today.
>>>>>July 9
Currently, I am rewriting my books, Accident and Your Amazing Brain. I’ve gotten through Your Amazing Brain; next comes Accident. I’m reading through “Your Amazing Brain”, and I see the changes I made greatly improve the book. Looks to be an astonishing book.
I went to the eye doc for some spectacles.
I ordered them to order some.
I didn’t see anything of interest for lunch, so I didn’t.
I’m not hungry, so there you go.
Boy, that’s a lot of “I” s.
(And a fun time is had by all)
Today I spent much of the day re-editing my books, Accident and Your Amazing Brain. With each pass, they become a little stronger, a little clearer, and a little closer to the books I want readers to experience. It is satisfying to see them steadily improving.
For dinner, they served a pizza-and-spaghetti meal. There were three different dining locations in the building offering the same food. I chose the closest one simply because it was the most convenient. The meal was edible, but not particularly good. Then again, I suppose I shouldn’t expect gourmet cuisine in an assisted living facility.
I returned to my room fairly quickly. There wasn’t much happening in the dining room, and nothing was really waiting for me there. Back in my room, I could get back to what matters most to me—writing, thinking, and continuing to build something meaningful.
>>>>>July 10
At 5:30 this morning, I decided to stay in bed a little longer. That plan lasted only until I heard a knock at my door. A nurse had entered my abode, ready to draw some blood. I warned her that I’m usually a difficult stick and that most people end up using the back of my hand.
WHAT A WAY TO AWAKEN!
After making sure she wasn’t a vampire, I let her get to work. To my surprise, she quickly slipped the needle in the back of my hand, then collected the sample, and was finished before I knew it. I remained comfortably tucked under the blanket, wearing nothing but my underwear, and within moments, she was gone.
Now I was awake for the day.
It was time for a shower, so I headed straight in. I shower twice a week, and it always feels wonderful to be clean. I don’t work out nearly as much as I did in my younger days, so I don’t feel the need for a daily shower. Twice a week suits me just fine.
SHOWER TIME
Now it is 6:46 a.m., and I can see the sun just beginning to peek above the horizon outside my window. The sky is a brilliant, cloudless blue, and the first golden rays of morning are slowly washing over the landscape. Everything seems calm and peaceful, as if the day is quietly inviting the world to wake up.
It looks like it’s going to be a beautiful day. A new morning always brings fresh possibilities, another chance to learn, to grow, and to enjoy whatever adventures may come. As I watch the sunrise, I can’t help but feel grateful for another day and curious about what it might bring.
FRIDAY AGAIN?
Wow—it just dawned on me that it’s already Friday again. Somehow, another week has flown by, which means it’s time to send another blog out into the world. So, here comes the newest installment, fresh from my keyboard to yours. So, thank you for joining me once again. Let’s see where today’s journey takes us.
One thing I enjoy about writing these blogs is making each one a little different from the last. I never want you to know exactly what to expect. Some weeks I tell stories, some weeks I share lessons I’ve learned, and other times I simply invite you to look at life from a new perspective. My hope is that every Friday brings a new adventure, a fresh idea, or perhaps just a reason to smile.
Time certainly has a way of keeping us on our toes. It seems like I just finished writing last week’s post, and now another Friday has arrived. The days may pass quickly, but each new week brings another opportunity to learn something new, grow a little stronger, and move one step closer to becoming the person we were meant to be.
SHALL WE?
I hope that, as we continue this journey together, these weekly thoughts encourage you to pause for a few moments, reflect on your own life, and discover fresh ideas that help you move forward with greater purpose, joy, and determination.
I hope these words bring you encouragement, fresh ideas, or a new way of looking at life. I know they do that for me. Every time I sit down to write, I find myself reflecting, learning, and becoming just a little better in the process. Writing these blogs isn’t simply about sharing my thoughts—it’s one of the ways I continue to grow.
DO IT NOW!
If something I write helps brighten your day, inspires you to take one more positive step, or reminds you that your best days may still be ahead, then every minute spent writing has been worthwhile.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Every week, as I sit down to write, I never know exactly where the path will lead—and that’s part of the adventure. Life has a way of surprising us, teaching us, and opening doors we never expected. Let’s see where today’s adventure takes us.
TRYING TO HELP
I truly appreciate you taking the time to read my words. My hope is that something here encourages you, makes you smile, gives you a new perspective, or reminds you that you are capable of more than you realize.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. If something resonates with you, if one of these ideas helps you, or if you’d like to say hello, please reach out. Hearing from readers is one of the greatest rewards of writing, and your comments inspire me to keep sharing.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, KEEP GROWING,
AND KEEP MOVING BEYOND YOUR POTENTIAL. 
You are your own greatest project—the most
important work you will ever undertake.
Whatever happens, never give up on yourself.
If you stumble, restart.
If life knocks you off course, reset.
If distractions pull you away from your goals,
refocus as many times as you need.
You can begin again as many times as necessary. Every fresh start is another opportunity to learn, grow, improve, and move one step closer to becoming the person you are truly capable of becoming. Never let a setback convince you that your story is over. Each new beginning is another chance to build a stronger, wiser, and more fulfilling life.
CHANGE YOUR LIFE!
Perhaps make every Friday your Reset Day?
At the end of each week, pause for a few quiet moments and honestly examine your life. Ask yourself, What can I change this coming week to make my life even more magnificent?
And, how can I help others so that that helps me?
Are there habits that are no longer serving you? Is there something you should stop doing, start doing, or do a little better? Even the smallest improvements, repeated week after week, can lead to extraordinary results over time. Examination time.
Don’t wait for New Year’s Day or some distant “perfect” moment to reinvent yourself. Give yourself permission to start every Friday again.
Reset your priorities.
Refocus your mind.
Renew your commitment.
Reconnect with your purpose.
Become the very best person you are capable of becoming.
Then, do it all again next week.
ONCE A WEEK, EXAMINE YOUR LIFE
Set aside time once each week to take care of the most important project you will ever have—you.
Review your goals.
Celebrate your progress.
Learn from your mistakes without living in them.
Replace old habits that no longer serve you with new ones that move you forward.
Ask yourself:
How can I make my life better? For myself and others.
What one change would make next week better than this one?
Step into the coming week with renewed energy, a clearer direction, and greater purpose.
Life is not transformed by one dramatic decision.
It is transformed by the small, intentional choices we make over and over again.
So make every Friday your personal reset day.
Your future isn’t built once a year.
It’s built once a week.
A magnificent life isn’t built in a single day.
It’s built one thoughtful reset at a time.
Today there was an outing, but I decided not to go. The group headed to a local restaurant, while I chose to stay here and work on my projects instead.
LUNCH?
I’ll admit, part of my decision was financial. Any meal out would have come out of my own pocket, and since I don’t eat much anyway, it didn’t seem worth the expense. They feed me well here, so I was perfectly content to stay put.
So here I sit, typing away, watching the day unfold from my room. While others are out enjoying lunch together, I’m enjoying something different—the quiet satisfaction of creating, thinking, and moving another step forward.
Sometimes the best journey isn’t the one that takes you across town. Sometimes it’s the one that takes you deeper into your own thoughts, ideas, dreams, and possibilities. Today, my destination wasn’t a restaurant—it was a better idea, a clearer vision, and another step toward the life I continue to build.
Today, while others headed out for lunch, I stayed behind. Partly because I’m watching my spending, but mostly because I wanted the quiet. I’m not even hungry. The meals here are more than enough, and I would rather nourish my mind than simply fill my stomach.
There are times when the greatest adventures happen without ever leaving your chair. A peaceful hour spent thinking, writing, planning, or dreaming can take you farther than any short trip across town. Some of life’s most meaningful discoveries are made in silence, when you finally have the time to listen to your own thoughts.
JUNK CALLS?
A phone call came in, and I was pretty sure from the start that it was a junk call. The caller launched right into the usual script: “So, how are you doing today?”
I replied, “I could tell you… But it would probably take a few hours.”
There was a brief pause.
Click.
Apparently, he wasn’t looking for the extended director’s cut of my life story.
As you might know, I don’t like the words “How are you?” To me, they’re one of the greatest time-wasters in the English language. Most people don’t really expect an honest answer anyway—they’re already halfway down the hallway before you can say, “I’ve got a slight ache in my left knee.”
THINK!
So when someone asks me, “How are you?” I simply reply, “Yes, I am.” And that’s it.
That usually earns me a puzzled look, a laugh, or a brief system reboot while they try to figure out what just happened. It saves time, keeps life interesting, and reminds people to ask better questions.
It may take time and effort, but always think first.
People need to think BEFORE they speak.
Far too many words are tossed into the world.
So often without a moment of thought.
Once they’re spoken, they can’t be taken back.
A few seconds of thinking can prevent hours, days, or even years of regret.
So pause. Think. Then speak. I hope you do. Think about that for a while.
==========================
BLOG 385–AS YOU AGE–DECADE BY DECADE
Aging well is not about erasing the years; it’s about collecting them. It means trading the fleeting stamina of youth for the unshakable agility of spirit. Every gray hair and wrinkle is a testament to the life you’ve lived, the battles you’ve won, and the joy you’ve shared. I have no gray hair or wrinkles, so I’m ahead of the game.
Today you are alive!
Your heart is beating.
Fill your years with life.
Memories waiting to be made.
There are people to encourage.
Lessons to learn, adventures to pursue.
Don’t spend your days merely counting the years.
The goal is not simply to live a long time. The goal is to live well, love deeply, laugh often, and leave the world a little better because you were here. When the end finally comes, may it find you not wishing you had lived, but grateful that you did.
WHAT WE HAVE TO LOOK FORWARD TO.
As you read these words, picture yourself and your own life.
This may bring back memories.
Is this your life? >>
Age One===========
Gu Gu, Ga Ga
Mama, Dada (or “Hey dude.”)
What else do babies say?
Teenage Years========
The teen years are an extraordinary time of rapid physical growth, expanding possibilities, and remarkable brain development. You’re discovering who you are while balancing a fierce desire for independence with an equally strong need to belong. It’s exciting, confusing, exhilarating, and occasionally dramatic—all before lunch.
Your emotional brain develops faster than the part responsible for judgment and long-term planning, which helps explain why life can feel like an emotional roller coaster. One moment you’re on top of the world; the next, it feels as though the world is against you.
The good news? That’s a perfectly normal part of growing up. Every challenge you face, every mistake you make, and every success you celebrate is helping build the wisdom, resilience, and character that will shape the remarkable adult you’re becoming. One day, you’ll look back and realize those very experiences were preparing you for a life far greater than you could have imagined.
20s================
The Era of Exploration and Risk-Taking. Focus: Self-discovery, career building, and figuring out adult life.Physical state: Peak physical capacity, high energy, and rapid recovery times. Life changes: Establishing independence, forming long-term relationships, and learning from mistakes.
Many people spend their lives trying not to think about death. They treat it as an unwelcome visitor, something to be ignored until it can no longer be avoided. Yet there is a strange freedom that comes from acknowledging it. When we stop pretending that our time is unlimited, we begin to see life more clearly.
Recognizing our mortality can also help us sort out what truly matters. Many of the things that consume our attention today will seem insignificant years from now. Petty arguments, grudges, and endless worries often lose their power when viewed through the lens of a limited lifetime. We begin to ask better questions:
Am I spending my time wisely?
Am I becoming the person I want to be?
Am I making a difference in others’ lives?
The awareness of death is not a call to despair. It is a call to action. It is a reminder to stop waiting for the perfect moment. Start the project. Write the book. Learn the language. Take the walk. Make the phone call. Tell someone you love them. The perfect time rarely arrives, but right now is available.
I LOVE YOU!
My own life has taught me this lesson repeatedly. I have come far closer to death than I ever expected. I spent more than a month in a coma after being struck by a truck. Then I was hit by a truck the second time. Many people assumed my best days were behind me.
Yet some of the most meaningful chapters of my life happened afterward. I wrote books, built businesses, traveled the world, met wonderful people, and discovered new reasons to be grateful. The lesson was simple: as long as you are alive, your story is not finished.
One day, each of us will take our final breath. We do not know when that day will come. That uncertainty is not a flaw in life—it is part of what makes life beautiful. We are given this moment, this hour, this day. What we do with it is up to us. So yes, one day you will die.
30s===============
Your 30s: The Building Years
The 30s are often a decade of building—building a career, relationships, a family, financial security, and a clearer sense of who you are. The uncertainty of youth begins to fade, replaced by a growing confidence born of experience, mistakes, and hard-earned lessons.
Physically, most people remain strong, energetic, and highly capable throughout their 30s, but subtle changes often begin to emerge. Recovery from late nights, strenuous workouts, and everyday stress may take longer than it once did.
Energy remains abundant, yet the body begins to offer gentle reminders that it benefits more from rest, consistency, and care than it did in earlier years. Metabolism gradually slows, making exercise, sleep, and nutrition more important than ever. For many, this is the decade when maintaining health becomes a conscious choice rather than something taken for granted.
Mentally, the 30s often bring increased focus and emotional maturity. Decision-making improves. Confidence grows. You become less concerned with impressing others and more interested in creating a life that genuinely reflects your values and goals.
At the same time, this decade can bring enormous pressure. Careers demand more. Relationships deepen. Children may enter the picture. Aging parents may require greater attention. Many people find themselves balancing multiple responsibilities while still pursuing their own dreams and ambitions.
Yet there is tremendous opportunity in these years. The lessons learned in your 20s begin to pay meaningful dividends. You discover that success is not simply about achieving more—it is about becoming more: more patient, more resilient, more compassionate, and more intentional. Experience gradually replaces uncertainty, and with it comes a deeper sense of confidence.
You also begin to understand that true growth does not come from avoiding challenges, but from learning how to rise through them. The setbacks, disappointments, and victories of earlier years become valuable teachers. With each experience, you gain greater perspective, stronger character, and a growing belief that you can handle whatever life places in your path.
The greatest gift of your 30s is clarity. You begin to realize that life is not a race against others, but a journey toward becoming the person you were always meant to be. While questions about the future still remain, you now possess something even more valuable: the confidence, wisdom, and inner strength to face whatever comes next.
40s===============
Your 40s can be among the most rewarding years of your life. You have enough experience to understand yourself better, enough wisdom to recognize what truly matters, and—hopefully—enough confidence to stop worrying so much about what everyone else thinks.
Physically, subtle changes become more noticeable. Muscle mass gradually begins to decline, metabolism slows, and recovering from exercise, injuries, or a night of poor sleep may take longer than it once did. Vision often changes, especially for close-up reading, and many people discover that they can no longer eat whatever they want without consequences. The body begins to send gentle reminders that maintenance is no longer optional.
For women, hormonal changes may begin as perimenopause approaches. For men, testosterone levels often decline gradually. Energy levels can fluctuate, and maintaining cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and healthy sleep habits becomes increasingly important.
Mentally, however, the 40s often bring a remarkable advantage: perspective. You begin to understand that not every problem deserves your energy, nor does every opinion deserve your attention. Confidence increasingly comes from experience rather than from proving yourself to others.
Emotionally, many people find greater stability and resilience. Life has likely delivered both victories and disappointments by now, and those experiences often create deeper empathy, patience, and wisdom. You may find yourself caring less about appearances and more about authenticity.
These years can also be demanding. Many people find themselves in the “sandwich generation,” balancing careers while supporting both growing children and aging parents. Responsibilities increase, but so does the understanding that time itself has become one of life’s most valuable resources.
Yet there is a gift hidden within the challenges of your 40s: clarity. You begin to see more clearly who you are, what matters most, and what dreams are still worth pursuing. You stop trying to live everyone else’s life and begin building your own with greater intention.
And perhaps the most wonderful realization of all? You discover that growing older is not about losing your youth—it’s about finally finding yourself. The years don’t simply take things away; they give things back: wisdom, perspective, resilience, gratitude, and a much better understanding of what truly matters.
Somewhere along the journey, you stop trying so hard to become the person you thought you were supposed to be and begin enjoying the person you actually are. And, if you’re lucky, you also gain the freedom to stop worrying about what everyone else thinks—which may be one of the greatest anti-aging treatments ever discovered.
Growing older isn’t about fading away. It’s about growing into yourself, laughing a little more, worrying a little less, and finally realizing that the best version of you was never behind you—it was quietly waiting ahead all along.
50s===============
For many people, the 50s became the decade of balancing everything at once. Often called the “Sandwich Generation,” this stage of life may involve caring for aging parents while still supporting growing children. Financial priorities shift toward preserving wealth, planning for retirement, and investing not just in lifespan, but in healthspan—the number of years we remain healthy, active, and independent.
Physically, aging becomes more visible—and more real. For women, menopause brings significant hormonal changes as estrogen levels decline, affecting bone density, heart health, and sometimes libido. Men experience hormonal shifts during andropause. Maintaining cardiovascular health, muscle strength, flexibility, and mobility becomes increasingly important.
You may notice that balance feels less steady as the inner ear changes. Reflexes slow, reaction times lengthen, and sleep often becomes lighter or shifts earlier. Taste and smell may fade somewhat, affecting appetite. Skin bruises more easily, years of sun exposure become more apparent, hearing may change, gums may recede, and teeth can become more sensitive.
Muscle mass and strength gradually decline, and metabolism slows. Everyday activities—lifting heavy objects, climbing stairs, or recovering after physical exertion—may require more effort than they once did. These changes can feel unsettling at first, but they are a normal part of the aging process.
You may also notice occasional memory lapses—a name forgotten momentarily or a word sitting frustratingly just out of reach. Fortunately, this is often a normal aspect of aging. The brain remains remarkably capable; it is simply processing information differently than it did decades earlier.
At the same time, major life transitions often arrive. Children may leave home, creating the “empty nest.” Retirement shifts from a distant concept to a real timeline requiring thoughtful planning. Questions of purpose, meaning, and how to spend the years ahead become increasingly important.
ALONGSIDE THESE PHYSICAL CHANGES,
SOMETHING REMARKABLE OFTEN EMERGES.
Stress frequently decreases. Emotional resilience deepens. Confidence grows. Perspective widens. Many people report feeling more comfortable in their own skin than at any other point in their lives. You begin to see more clearly what truly matters—and what never really did.
The encouraging news is that the body continues to respond extraordinarily well to care and attention. Exercise strengthens the heart, preserves muscle, supports balance, and protects brain health. Healthy habits still matter—a great deal. A body that is challenged, used, and cared for continues to adapt.
Your 50s are not simply a decade of aging. They can become a decade of wisdom, resilience, renewed purpose, and the growing realization that some of life’s greatest strengths arrive not in youth, but in experience.
60s===============
I’m currently 67, myself.
Life in Your 60s–Growing Older, Growing Wiser.
Mobility, memory, and independence often take center stage.
You may notice that balance isn’t quite what it once was.
Changes in the inner ear affect stability.
Reflexes slow, reaction times lengthen, and sleep often becomes lighter and more fragmented. Bedtime, which once seemed like a suggestion rather than a requirement, may begin arriving much earlier than we ever would have imagined—or preferred—when we were younger. Staying up until midnight suddenly feels less like an adventure and more like a strategic error.
Other changes can be subtle but noticeable. Taste and smell may gradually diminish, affecting appetite and enjoyment of food. Skin bruises more easily, teeth may become more sensitive, and maintaining muscle strength, joint flexibility, and cardiovascular health requires more intentional effort than before.
You might also experience occasional memory lapses—a word that sits frustratingly just out of reach, or a trip to the kitchen that ends with the timeless question: “Now, why did I come in here?” Fortunately, this is usually a normal part of aging. The brain remains remarkably capable; it is simply operating differently than it did decades earlier, drawing more on experience, wisdom, and perspective than on speed alone.
Yet an unexpected gift often accompanies this stage of life: greater emotional resilience. Many people report feeling less stress, less anxiety, and a stronger sense of what truly matters. Wisdom deepens. Perspective broadens. The opinions and worries that once seemed so important often lose their grip.
For many, the 60s also bring significant life transitions. Careers may wind down, children have long since grown, and personal identity expands beyond work and responsibility. New opportunities emerge for family, friendships, hobbies, travel, creativity, and personal growth.
While some physical abilities may change, the capacity to learn, love, laugh, create, and contribute remains very much alive. In fact, many people discover that some of life’s greatest joys and deepest insights arrive during this decade.
IN MANY WAYS, YOUR 60S ARE NOT ABOUT GETTING OLDER.
THEY ARE ABOUT GROWING WISER.
70s==============
Often called the “Go-Go” years—a time when many people continue to travel, pursue hobbies, strengthen friendships, and enjoy the freedom that retirement can bring. The focus shifts toward maintaining independence, preserving health, and making the most of each day.
Aging may bring more noticeable physical changes, but many adults who stay active continue to enjoy strong cognitive abilities, emotional well-being, and a rich, fulfilling quality of life. Yes, life can get better as you get older.
During this decade, muscle loss tends to accelerate, affecting strength, balance, and speed. The immune system also becomes less efficient, which can lengthen recovery from illness or injury. Vision may change, digestion often slows, and the body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients gradually declines.
Bone density continues to decrease, increasing the risk of fractures and making even minor falls more serious. Some people also notice a slight loss of height as changes occur in the spine and bones. These physical changes are a natural part of aging and serve as an important reminder of the value of staying active, maintaining a healthy diet, and caring for overall health.
Yet there is another side to the 70s that often receives far less attention—and it may be the most important part of all. While the body may slow, many people discover a deeper sense of gratitude, perspective, and contentment. Life’s priorities become clearer, and the simple moments often become the most meaningful.
Many people experience a deep sense of contentment during these years. There is often less pressure to prove oneself, less concern about what others think, and a greater appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. Wisdom, earned through decades of experience, brings perspective. Relationships become more meaningful. Small moments become more precious.
There is a quiet satisfaction that can emerge in this decade—a feeling not of reaching the end, but of finally understanding what mattered all along. The pace may slow, but for many, the richness of life grows deeper than ever.
80s==============
Your 80s are not a slowdown—they’re a shift in rhythm—the “Slow-Go” Years.
Conserving energy, simplifying daily routines, and finding joy in meaningful moments.
You have much more to add to the world.
Physical State: Reduced stamina, increased risk of falls, and a greater need for assistance with physically demanding tasks. Life Changes: More time with family, reflecting on life’s journey, and adapting the environment for comfort, safety, and independence.
Your 80s aren’t a slowdown—they’re a shift in rhythm. The body moves more gently. Muscles thin, balance wavers, energy comes in waves. Breathing may take more effort. Appetite shrinks, even as nutrition becomes more important.
And still—the body responds. Gentle movement, stretching, and daily activity matter more than ever. Strength can still be built, slowly and steadily. Memory may become selective. Names drift. Details wander. But wisdom sharpens. You see what really matters faster—and release what doesn’t.
Emotionally, life often deepens and becomes more meaningful. Gratitude expands. Small moments—a heartfelt conversation, a beautiful sunrise, a warm cup of tea shared with a friend—take on an extraordinary richness.
You begin to discover that happiness was never found solely in life’s grand achievements, major milestones, or celebrated victories. Instead, you realize that some of life’s greatest joys have been quietly surrounding you all along—hidden in simple conversations, peaceful mornings, meaningful people, shared laughter, warm cups of tea, and moments of gratitude.
YES–HE’S 80!
These ordinary experiences, so easily overlooked in earlier years, had been there all along—quietly and patiently waiting to be noticed, appreciated, and cherished for the extraordinary gifts they had always been.
It turns out that happiness was never hiding on some distant mountaintop after all; it was sitting in a comfortable chair, watching a sunset, sharing a conversation, and wondering where we had misplaced our reading glasses.
Independence evolves. It’s less about doing everything alone and more about staying engaged. Support becomes connection, not weakness. And the bigger truth? Aging isn’t just decline—it’s transformation. You’re not losing life… you’re learning to live it differently.
In your 80s, the body begins to move to a different tempo. Muscles become thinner, balance may feel less certain, and energy often arrives in waves rather than in steady streams. Breathing can require more effort. Appetite may decrease, even as proper nutrition becomes more important than ever.
Yet the remarkable truth is this: the body still responds. Gentle exercise, stretching, walking, and daily movement continue to strengthen muscles, improve balance, and enhance quality of life. Progress may come more slowly, but it still comes.
Memory can become more selective. Names occasionally drift away. Details sometimes wander off on adventures of their own. But something else often grows stronger: wisdom. You become quicker at recognizing what truly matters—and more willing to let go of what never really did.
Emotionally, life often gains a new depth and richness. Gratitude grows. Small moments become extraordinary: a meaningful conversation, a beautiful sunrise, a grandchild’s laugh, or even a warm cup of tea shared with a friend.
Independence also takes on a new meaning. It becomes less about doing everything alone and more about remaining engaged, connected, and purposeful. Accepting support is not a weakness; it is another form of strength.
And perhaps the greatest truth of all is this: aging is not merely a process of decline—it is a process of transformation. You are not losing your life. You are learning, one day at a time, how to live it differently—and, in many ways, more deeply than ever before.
90s=============
The body becomes softer, slower, and more deliberate. Strength and balance require greater care. Energy becomes precious—something to be spent wisely and treasured deeply. Simple tasks may take longer, but unexpectedly, that extra time gives each moment greater meaning.
Health often becomes a daily conversation. Vision and hearing may fade. Memory becomes selective—some details drift away, while others shine with astonishing clarity. The body asks for patience, and in return, it teaches patience better than any teacher ever could.
AND THIS IS WHERE LIFE BECOMES QUIETLY MAGNIFICENT.
Perspective in your 90s can feel like standing atop a mountain after a very long climb. You have seen joy and heartbreak, triumph and loss, beginnings and endings. The small things that once seemed so important finally fall away. What remains becomes beautifully clear: connection, comfort, kindness, and simply being present.
The simplest pleasures take on extraordinary value—a warm room on a cool day, a familiar voice on the telephone, sunlight spilling through a window, a favorite song, or the gentle touch of a hand held with love. Moments are no longer rushed. They are savored.
AND EVEN HERE—
PERHAPS ESPECIALLY HERE—
LIFE STILL RESPONDS TO ENGAGEMENT.
A short walk.
A gentle stretch.
Sitting tall with purpose.
Sharing a story.
Offering a smile.
The body still listens.
The spirit still grows.
The heart still connects.
Connection becomes gold. Conversations, laughter, and shared memories become priceless treasures. And happiness? It doesn’t disappear with age. It simply changes. It becomes quieter. Deeper. Steadier. And perhaps that is the greatest lesson of the 90s: a meaningful life was never measured by speed, strength, or youth—but by love, wisdom, gratitude, and the courage to keep embracing each precious day.
THE BIGGER PICTURE—
AGING ISN’T THE END OF THE STORY—
IT’S THE REFINEMENT OF IT.
Less noise. More meaning.
Less rushing. More noticing.
Less proving. More being.
Every decade still offers something.
And if you keep showing up—moving, connecting, engaging—then life keeps showing up right back.
Recognizing our mortality can also help us sort out what truly matters. Many of the things that consume our attention today will seem insignificant years from now. Petty arguments, grudges, and endless worries often lose their power when viewed through the lens of a limited lifetime. We begin to ask better questions: Am I spending my time wisely? Am I becoming the person I want to be? Am I making a difference in others’ lives?
The awareness of death is not a call to despair. It is a call to action. It is a reminder to stop waiting for the perfect moment. Start the project. Write the book. Learn the language. Take the walk. Make the phone call. Tell someone you love them. The perfect time rarely arrives, but today is available.
My own life has taught me this lesson repeatedly. I have come far closer to death than I ever expected. I spent more than a month in a coma after being struck by a truck. Then, some years later, I was hit by another truck. Many people assumed my best days were behind me.
Yet some of the most meaningful chapters of my life happened afterward. I wrote books, built businesses, traveled the world, met wonderful people, and discovered new reasons to be grateful. The lesson was simple: as long as you are alive, your story is not finished.
One day, each of us will take our final breath. We do not know when that day will come. That uncertainty is not a flaw in life—it is part of what makes life beautiful. We are given this moment, this hour, this day. What we do with it is up to us. So yes, one day you will die.
But today you are alive. Today, your heart is beating. Today, there are people to encourage, lessons to learn, adventures to pursue, and memories waiting to be made. Don’t spend your days merely counting the years. Fill your years with life.
The goal is not simply to live a long time. The goal is to live well, love deeply, laugh often, and leave the world a little better because you were here. When the end finally comes, may it find you not wishing you
… Now that’s a decade with stories carved into its bones.
The body becomes softer, slower, more deliberate. Strength and balance require care. Energy is precious—spent wisely. Simple things take more time, but moments gain value. Health becomes a daily conversation. Vision and hearing may fade. Memory becomes selective—some things drift, others glow brighter than ever. The body asks for patience… and teaches it in return.
And here’s where it turns quietly magnificent…
Perspective feels like standing on a mountaintop. You’ve seen, lived, survived. The small stuff finally falls away. What remains is clear: connection, comfort, kindness, presence.
Simple joys shine—a warm room, a familiar voice, sunlight through a window, a hand to hold. Moments aren’t rushed… they’re savored. And yes—even here—life still responds to engagement.
Gentle movement matters. A short walk. A stretch. Sitting tall with intention. The body may whisper now—but it still listens.
Connection becomes gold. Conversations, laughter, shared memories—they light up the spirit.
And happiness? It doesn’t disappear. It settles in. Quiet. Steady. Real.
The Bigger Picture
Aging isn’t the end of the story—it’s the refinement of it.
Less noise. More meaning.
Less rushing. More noticing.
Less proving. More being.
Every decade still offers something.
And if you keep showing up—moving, connecting, engaging—then life keeps showing up right back.
100+==============
Are you there yet?
Living beyond 100—becoming a centenarian or even a supercentenarian (beyond 100)—is no longer as rare as it once was. While the body naturally slows and physical challenges increase, many people who reach this age maintain a surprising degree of independence, purpose, and life satisfaction. Will you get there?
AS YOU MIGHT KNOW,
I PLAN ON LIVING
BEYOND THE AGE OF 100!
(WILL YOU JOIN ME?)
Mobility often requires extra support, and vision, hearing, or other health issues become more common. Yet many centenarians delay serious illness until the very end of life, a phenomenon known as “compression of morbidity.” Some retain remarkable mental sharpness, demonstrating the brain’s ability to adapt and remain resilient.
Perhaps most striking is their outlook on life. Centenarians are often described as resilient, adaptable, and optimistic. Strong relationships, a sense of purpose, healthy habits, and sometimes a bit of good genetic fortune all play important roles in achieving exceptional longevity.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT AGE?
Living past 100 isn’t just adding candles to the cake—it’s becoming the cake.
Layered with stories, a little worn in places, but rich with meaning.
Memories to cherish.
The body moves differently now. Strength is lighter, balance needs attention, and energy becomes something you spend wisely. Simple actions—standing, walking, getting dressed—can take effort. But the body still responds. Gently. Slowly. Consistently. A little movement still says, “I’m here.”
Health becomes a daily partnership. Vision and hearing may fade, memory may shift, but awareness deepens. You learn your rhythms—when to rest, when to move, when to try again. It’s less about pushing hard and more about moving wisely.
Emotionally, something powerful happens.
The noise fades.
What matters becomes clear.
A warm cup of tea.
A familiar voice.
Sunlight through a window.
A hand to hold.
These aren’t small things—THEY ARE EVERYTHING!
There’s a deep sense of presence. No rush. No need to prove anything. Just being here carries weight. Perspective sharpens. Life feels distilled—simple, but full. And even here, life responds to engagement. A smile matters. A few steps matter. A shared story matters. At 100, you’re still teaching—through presence, through resilience, through the way you continue.
RELAX — SLOW DOWN
It’s slower. Softer. Simpler.
But also deeper. Clearer. More meaningful.
And if you keep showing up, even in small ways…
You’re still very much in the game!
Many people spend their lives trying not to think about death. They treat it as an unwelcome visitor, something to be ignored until it can no longer be avoided. Yet there is a strange freedom that comes from acknowledging death. When we stop pretending that our time is unlimited, we begin to see life more clearly.
Living past 100 isn’t just adding candles to the cake—it’s becoming the cake: layered with stories, a little worn in places, but rich with meaning. The body moves differently now. Strength is lighter, balance requires attention, and energy becomes something you spend wisely. Simple actions—standing, walking, getting dressed—may take more effort.
Frailty is common, yet many centenarians reach this remarkable milestone by avoiding or delaying major chronic diseases. Vision and hearing may fade, memory may shift, and health care often becomes a daily partnership. But the body still responds—gently, slowly, consistently. A little movement still says, “I’m here.”
FREEDOM
Living beyond 100—becoming a centenarian or even a supercentenarian—is no longer as rare as it once was. While the body naturally slows and physical challenges increase, many people who reach this age maintain a surprising degree of independence, purpose, and life satisfaction.
Mobility often requires extra support, and vision, hearing, or other health issues become more common. Yet many centenarians delay serious illness until the very end of life, a phenomenon known as “compression of morbidity.” Some retain remarkable mental sharpness, demonstrating the brain’s ability to adapt and remain resilient.
Perhaps most striking is their outlook on life. Centenarians are often described as resilient, adaptable, and optimistic. Strong relationships, a sense of purpose, healthy habits, and sometimes a bit of good genetic fortune all play important roles in achieving exceptional longevity.
COMFORT
This stage of life is often centered on comfort, quality of life, family, storytelling, and legacy. You learn your rhythms: when to rest, when to move, and when to try again. It’s less about pushing hard and more about moving wisely.
Emotionally, something powerful often happens: the noise fades, and what truly matters becomes crystal clear. A warm cup of tea, a familiar voice, sunlight through a window, a hand to hold—these are no longer small things; they are everything.
THERE IS A DEEP SENSE OF PRESENCE.
NO RUSH. NO NEED TO PROVE ANYTHING.
SIMPLY BEING HERE CARRIES MEANING.
PERSPECTIVE SHARPNESS.
Life feels distilled—simpler, yet somehow fuller. And even at 100 and beyond, life still responds to engagement. A smile matters. A few steps matter. A shared story matters. Centenarians continue to teach—not just with words, but through their resilience, perspective, and willingness to keep showing up.
It’s slower. Softer. Simpler.
But also deeper. Clearer. More meaningful.
And if you keep showing up, even in small ways, you’re still very much in the game.
No, it’s not just adding candles to the cake—it’s becoming the cake.
Layered with stories, a little worn in places, but rich with meaning.
The body moves differently now. Strength is lighter, balance needs attention, and energy becomes something you spend wisely. Simple actions—standing, walking, getting dressed—can take effort. But the body still responds. Gently. Slowly. Consistently. A little movement still says, “I’m here.”
YOUR BODY
Health becomes a daily partnership. Vision and hearing may fade, memory may shift, but awareness deepens. You learn your rhythms—when to rest, when to move, when to try again. It’s less about pushing hard and more about moving wisely.
Emotionally, something powerful happens. The noise fades. What matters becomes clear. A warm cup of tea. A familiar voice. Sunlight through a window. A hand to hold. These aren’t small things—they’re everything.
A deep sense of presence begins to emerge. The urgency that once drove so much of life gradually softens. The need to prove yourself—to anyone, including yourself—quietly fades into the background. Simply being here, fully present and intentional, carries a profound significance all its own.
You discover that worth was never found in constant achievement, but in awareness, gratitude, and the ability to truly experience each moment. Life becomes less about racing toward the next destination and more about appreciating the remarkable privilege of the journey itself.
Perspective sharpens. Life becomes distilled, stripped of much of the noise and distraction that once seemed so important. What remains is remarkably simple, yet infinitely rich: a conversation, a memory, a sunrise, a hand to hold, a moment of laughter. Life may become smaller in some ways, but it also becomes fuller. And in that fullness lies a wisdom that can only be earned by truly living.
THEY ARE THERE FOR YOU
And even here, life responds to engagement.
A smile matters.
A few steps matter.
A shared story matters.
At 100, you’re still teaching—through presence, through resilience, through the way you continue.
It’s slower. Softer. Simpler.
But also deeper. Clearer.
More meaningful.
And if you keep showing up, even in small ways… you’re still very much in the game!
WILL YOU BE THE FIRST TO REACH 200 YEARS OF AGE?
LIFE IS WAITING FOR YOU — CATCH UP!
DO NOT SIT BY THE WINDOW —
STARING AT THE CLOCK? — STAND UP AND LIVE!
LIVE FOR NOW! NOT YESTERDAY! NOT TOMORROW! NOW IS THE TIME!
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PART 4) 🔥 A FEW SPARKS TO SLIP INTO YOUR POCKET
✨ THE MAGIC OF QUOTES ✨
Inspirational quotes are like mental spark plugs. 💥 They jolt the mind awake, shrink giant problems down to size, and give your spirit a running start. One powerful sentence can flip your thinking upside down—turning “I can’t” into “Why not give it a shot?” The right words at the right moment can become a tiny flashlight in a dark hallway. 🔦
But here’s where the real magic happens: repetition turns inspiration into identity. The more you repeat a truth, the more your mind begins to believe it… and eventually, your life begins to reflect it. A quote hanging on a wall is a decoration. A quote lived out through your actions? That becomes a transformation.
Simple truth:
A quote on a page is nice…
A quote you live by? That’s power. ✨
“Beautiful young people are accidents of nature.
But beautiful old people are works of art.” — Eleanor Roosevelt.
“Stop that!
You’re too young to be old.”— Kit Summers.
“Aging is not lost youth, but a new stage.
of opportunity and strength.” — Betty Friedan.
“The best thing about getting older is that.
” You don’t lose all the other ages you’ve been.” — Madeleine L’Engle
“You are never too old to set another goal.
Or to dream a new dream.” — C.S. Lewis
“Wrinkles will only go where the smiles have been.” – Jimmy Buffet.
“Count your age by friends, not years.
Count your life by smiles, not tears.” – John Lennon.
“Age is something that doesn’t matter…
unless you are a cheese!” – Billie Burk.
“Aging is just another word for living.” – Cindy Joseph.
“When we were small children, we all played dress-up.
And everybody had a good time. So why stop?” – Iris Apfel
“We are always the same age inside.” – Gertrude Stein.
“One day, you will look back and see that all.
along you were blooming.” – Morgan Harper Nichols.
“Getting old is like climbing a mountain;
You get a little out of breath.
But the view is much better!” – Ingrid Bergman.
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PART 5—YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>>>>
At times, older adults need help.
This week, find three older people.
Those who need help — help them!
One day you will need help, too.
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PART 6) NEXT WEEK>>>>>BLOG 386–YES, YOU CAN GET BETTER!
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I miss you. Write to me—kitsummers@gmail.com
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🌟 PART 7) FINAL THOUGHTS 🌟
Because the best is always still ahead.
So juggle joy like it’s the air you breathe.
The horizon holds more than you can yet imagine.
Your present moment is not the finish line—it’s your starting block.
Chase sunsets as if they’re secret treasures waiting just for you.
Laugh so loudly that tomorrow leans in to listen.
Write me today—kitsummers@gmail.com
Live as though you’ve only just begun—
🌟BECAUSE YOU TRULY HAVE! 🌟
