In, “It Has Nothing To Do With Age” I gave seven prescriptions for creating a better lifestyle by adjusting one’s attitude and behavior. I stated in prescription # 3 “enrich your life by making friends, sharing interests, learning about others by becoming part of a new group.” The importance of this prescription cannot be overstated.
For me, discovering the sport of ride and tie allowed me to become part of a new group. The people in this group were both runners and equestrians. This common interest facilitated many new friendships for me. In fact, I credited moving from the Bay Area to the foothills to a few of these people in the sport even though I was first introduced to the foothills by a horse event called NATRC (competitive trail riding). Then again, through ride and tie I was introduced to the foothills area by people who lived there. In fact my first introductions to ride and tie were partner’s Alpha and Jeff. So of course, I’m going to blame Alpha for my relocating to the Cool area.
Being in this area since 1999, I met a number of people/ friends involved in either or both equestrian and running activities. Now I’m in my seventh decade of life and am fortunate to have friends, in the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th decade who also share my passion. My life has certainly been enriched. Further, I’m fortunate to be around people younger than me. I remembered my mother saying that she liked being around young people and I now know and fully understand what she meant by that.
Erik H. Erikson theorized from a psychosocial framework regarding the development of man that included mastery of crises, that confront us all, at various developmental stages. In his stage # 5 “identity versus role confusion” he addressed the importance and ability of making quality friendships. I agree.
Recently, in the January 19-20, 2013 edition of the Wall Street Journal, a study regarding happiness was found. In this particular study, a survey of 5,025 Canadians were chosen from a pool of Internet users. The researchers focused on “subjective well-being” and they found that the biggest gains in “happiness” resulted from: 1. Increasing the number of real world friends from fewer than 10 to 10 to 20. 2. Real-life friends were a lot more important to people who were single, divorced, separated, or widowed compared with married or cohabiting couples.
If you are happy then you have a good chance of being healthy as well. So take my advice-prescription n # 3 and begin your journey to happiness and well-being.
On Monday’s trail run, Chris and I ran the 5 mile loop. Alpha was given a choice in a challenge. He could choose to run the 6 mile loop and see if he could catch us or not. Of course we were waiting for him at the end of the trail. One of the first things he wanted to know was how long were we waiting. The second thing he wanted to know was how hard or fast that I ran. I told him that I wasn’t pushing at all. For Tuesday‘s run, the three of us ran together. Of course we were still laughing about Monday.
Take my advice, keep moving and run for your life with friends.
1 comments:
Hi Frank,,
Our mom said always the same thing. She was never going to live in an old age place with only old people. She loved being around young people and I also completely understand as I feel the same way. I could never just live with older people, it is great to be able to be with all ages as there is something to learn from them all. We get to both teach life lessons and continue to learn when we don't limit our circle of friends. As well it makes us think we can still do anything and set an example for younger ones to follow. This is my goal, to show all women that anything is possible at any age. You don't have to be young to continue to have life goals. Keep moving yes indeed, my dad always said if you can't move then you die and I couldn't agree more. Even when he
had difficulty walking he would exercise his hands, arms, whatever body parts he could. When the pain became too much to move yes, he chose to die peacefully.
Penny
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