Bay Shore NY
10-17-2023 11:38am

Making Life Work Here on Earth

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE FO THE WEEK - MAKING LIFE WORK HERE ON EARTH

Lately, I've been writing about sudden change and coping with this shift. There is a lot we can do to help ourselves when making life work here on earth. 

Did you ever wish you could escape life and get away from it all? This earthly experience can be daunting at times, especially over 60. Whether it's health issues or a car breaking down, we can find ourselves suddenly having to face difficulty head on. When you find yourself over stressed, stop, pause, and breathe. This really can help you calm down in the moment. Take stock of what's happening and refocus your thoughts. 

Here are some healthy ways to reshape your mental and physical health:

Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. It’s good to be informed but hearing about traumatic events constantly can be quite upsetting. Consider limiting news to once a day, if you must, and disconnecting from phone, tv, and computer screens for a while. Take some time outdoors each day.

Take good care of yourself. Eat healthy, exercise, get plenty of sleep, and give yourself a break if you feel stressed out. Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Exercise regularly and avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco, and substance use. People over 60 are starting to smoke marijuana again, and emergency rooms are seeing adverse effects from the use of this once forbidden plant due to its potency. Our bodies change physiologically as we age, and we may not get the same high from a toke or two as we used to. 

Continue with routine preventive measures (such as vaccinations, cancer screenings, etc.) as recommended by your healthcare provider. Get vaccinated against COVID-19, and get a booster shot if you are age 18 or older. This is recommended, but it's up to you.  Make time for yourself to unwind. Try to do some activities you enjoy. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. A best friend can be comforting. Share your problems and how you are feeling and coping with a parent, counselor, doctor, or pastor. Connect with your community or faith-based organizations. Recognize when you need more help. If problems continue and your emotions are getting the best of you, talk to a psychologist, social worker, or professional counselor. Don't put off getting professional help if you think you really need it. It can help tremendously, and it can save your life.

It seems that on any given day, there are problems that can seem insurmountable. They aren't. We have tools built-in to help ourselves, and there are many other resources as well. 

Here some resources that can be of assistance:

  1. Administration on Aging – The Administration on Aging is an agency of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services. Its webpage offers links to resources, programs and agencies covering a range of topics on substance abuse and mental health in the elderly.
  2. Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator – This service from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can help you find a nearby treatment facility for mental health aging issues.
  3. Health in Aging – This service from the American Geriatrics Society provides information for older adults and family members about mental health concerns.
  4. Mental Health.gov – This site from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services provides one-stop access to information on mental health and mental health problems.
  5. National Council on Aging – This organization offers a range of services and links to services for senior adults, along with a page of helpful resources.
  6. National Mental Health Consumers Self-Help Clearinghouse – This directory provides comprehensive information on national and local programs providing mental health services for older adults.
  7. Older Adults and Mental Health – Learn about senior mental health and depression in older adults with this resource from the National Institute of Mental Health.
  8. Anxiety and Older Adults: Overcoming Fear and Worry – This article from the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation discusses anxiety and its treatment.
  9. Anxiety in Older Adults – This article from Mental Health America discusses various anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and their treatments.
  10. Coping with Stress and Anxiety – Learn more about how stress affects your health and what to do about it, from the American Psychological Association.

You're never too old to get yourself help. It can be a matter of life and death. You may think that by this age, you can do it on your own, but most of us need assistance at some point in our lives, and we may find ourselves needing it more as we age. Faith plays a key role in good mental health, but sometimes we need more. Don't hesitate to reach out to some of the agencies I've listed above. They are here to help all of us. Don't be too proud. "Pride is at the bottom of all great mistakes." - John Ruskin, English Writer and Philosopher

Peace and Love, Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, there are many resources that can help us make life here on earth worth living.

 SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - APPLE FEST AT ISLIP GRANGE

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK 

What do you enjoy doing that brings you peace and joy? 

Please put your answer in the Reply section below. I'd love to hear from you.

SKYLARK'S QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"In times of life crisis, whether wildfires or smoldering stress, the first thing I do is go back to basics… am I eating right, am I getting enough sleep, am I getting some physical and mental exercise every day?" - Edward Albert, American Actor

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - DOWN HERE ON THE GROUND by GEORGE BENSON

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Lyrics

Down here on the ground
Ain't no place for living
Down here on the ground
Watching the sparrows fly

I watch the birds
As they make their wings
They're flying kinda free
And I wish it were me

I'm down here on the ground
Wanting something better
I'm down here on the ground
Wanting something more

One morning soon
You will find
I got wings on my mind
Wings to take me high
So if you hear a sound
From down here on the ground
Don't you know, my friend, it's only me
It's only me tryin' to fly

Down here on the ground
Wanting something better
Down here on the ground
Wanting something more

One morning soon
You will find
I got wings on my mind
Wings to take me high
So now if you hear a sound
From way down here on the ground
Don't you know, my friend, it's only me
It's only me tryin' to fly

Me tryin' to fly, Me tryin' to fly, Me tryin' to fly

ABOUT SKYLARK LIVE AND HOW TO FOLLOW ME

My brand, Skylark Live, consists of a weekly newsletter, Skylark Live Town News, a monthly vlog, 60 and Beyond with Skylark, and monthly in-person chats called The Skylark Sessions. They are all designed to inspire and motivate women to thrive in older age through knowledge and self-awareness at 60 and beyond. Andiamo! Let's go!

Skylark Live Town News - My weekly newsletter features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, motivation, music, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. And, I throw in Italian words because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click the link to subscribe: https://skylarklive.town.news

The Skylark Sessions: The Skylark Sessions are on the last Sunday of each month. These are in-person chats in a round-table format and are open to mature women of any age. There is a new topic for each session. I moderate, but this is an open conversation. I will post the date, time, topic, and location on my social media sites as well as on my Patreon account. There is a $5 cash donation per session. You can RSVP at christineskylark@aol.com.

60 and Beyond with Skylark Vlog - This is my first Monday-of-the month vlog that is inspirational and motivational and is a reflection of what I've written about in my newsletters throughout the month and what we've talked about in my Skylark Sessions. My vlog is recorded and posted on my YouTube Channel, as well as on my Patreon account and my social media sites. Just click my Tube Channel link to subscribe: 

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Support me on Patreon - This is where you can support my brand for $5 a month. This enables me to carve out time to write my newslettters, create my vlogs, and coordinate my Skylark Sessions. Just click the link: Skylark Live | 60 and Beyond with Skylark | Patreon

Follow me on Social Media - You can find me on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn under my brand, Skylark Live.

Thank you for your love and support. Apprezza la giornata. Cherish the day.
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