Be Youthful with Your Evolving Life Story

I like to reflect on each chapter of my own story as I turn the page to another. I also like to look forward and think about what the next chapters will look like. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t spend excessive amounts of time on it, but it brings me joy to think about what makes me feel grateful and what I will do to ensure I continue to feel that way.

I know the biggest impact for me has been watching my parents and how they lived their lives together in their story of 67 years together. I think the most important life lesson, or chapter I will call it, is their ability to stay young at heart. I smile when I think of their zest for life, especially in their 40 years of retirement while maintaining their humour and health, both physically and mentally. I think about how I have learned so much just by watching.

Sometimes, while working at the SDG Library, I have found myself in the non-fiction section and I see so much material that reminds me of the way my parents have aged youthfully. There are so many resources for people to capture a healthy living lifestyle to stay physically and mentally fit. While I browse our shelves, I think about them and their bountiful life. I remember my father in his early morning routine with his vitamins, his flax seed and blueberries, his discipline with his exercise regime and his zest for life and staying healthy. At 90 years old he learned to play online duplicate bridge with people all over Canada and beyond. I see my mother being her tech-savvy self, completing her crossword puzzle and her daily exercise, and I marvel at her ability to make the absolute best apple and butterscotch pies! She is an 88-year-old, sharp minded, smartly dressed woman, and although she isn’t involved in all the organizations she was in the past, she is still volunteering and living an active life. Both she and Dad were always heavily involved in their community and took great pride in it. I believe they were able to do this because they cared so much about looking after themselves as they aged. I feel so fortunate that I had a good example to follow in keeping my mind and body fit and I know I can keep learning with the library resources we have, both in branch and online.

If you find yourself reflecting on the chapters of your life and want to continue to be strong, both physically and mentally, be sure to browse our catalogue at SDGLibrary as well as our events page Events | SDG Library | BiblioCommons.

There may be a new, fun event you may want to take part in at your local Library. The Maxville Branch is hosting a Tech Tour to help patrons discover the online resources that the Library has to offer. If you'd like to join us, you can register here - Tech Tour: Discover eResources.

Check out this list to discover the multiple resources the Library has to offer Staying Youthful - Is Longevity on Your Side? You are never too old to learn something new and have fun!

Patti, LSA Maxville Branch