I never thought I would get “old.” Truly. It seemed like something only old people did – and since I wasn’t an “old person,” I would never get old. Hahahaha – silly me!
Thirty years ago, when I first became a grandmother, I was thrilled to be called “Grandma.” I felt proud, happy, fulfilled – especially because I didn’t look like what I thought a “grandma” should look like. In my mind, “grandma” sounded like someone old and slow and wrinkly – but I felt vital and youthful and definitely NOT wrinkly.
What was my secret to feeling so young? Children. Yep, they were the key. For 35 years, I worked at a small private school in Los Angeles, spending most of my time with children – other people’s and my own. (Even now, after retiring in 2023, children are still an important part of my life as several of my grandchildren live close by and we enjoy great visits.)
While I felt very young at heart, I also started to experience changes I wasn’t happy about. Little aches and pains started to creep in. I got tired more easily and walking for long periods became more difficult. It seemed like a spark was missing, that element of being excited to wake up each morning was starting to fade. Uh-oh – what was going on? I came to realize that there were two things I needed to get a grip on. From a physical standpoint, I would have to make some lifestyle changes to improve my health. From a spiritual standpoint, I needed to find a worthwhile purpose to pursue because “being retired” was actually very tiring. Gee, maybe that’s why it’s called retirement!
That realization led me to a transformative experience – a cruise that offered self-improvement courses and spiritual guidance as part of the cruise package. This proved to be invaluable on so many levels. Each day, I felt increasingly rekindled and rejuvenated. Besides the benefits of the cruise itself, I met wonderful people and made many new friends. One person in particular left an unexpected mark on me.
Since painting always brought me peace and relaxation, one afternoon during some free time between workshops and lectures, I set up on deck to work on a small watercolor painting of flowers. A young, beautiful, and talented lady from England walked by and commented on my art. She introduced herself as one of the owners of The Flowered Garden, a flower farm and studio in Southeast England.
Throughout the next week, we crossed paths several times, always chatting about her flowers and my art. While we chatted, I was aware of, and admired, her grace, poise and artistic flair – she was a walking work of art.
That awareness, along with the enhancement I was getting from the cruise activities, was the spark that rekindled a long-lost dream – that of being a professional artist. Eureka – now was the time! I took the first step toward achieving this dream by acknowledging to myself that I intended to pursue it with all my heart. (Following this dream will be a part of my continuing story through this blog.)
And if I was going to be an artist, I had to look like one. I longed to be as confident and comfortable in my own skin as my new friend seemed to be in hers – I wanted to develop a personal artistic style that was really “me.” Getting healthy and losing weight were to become a big part of my developing style!
What does art have to do with aging? From my perspective, everything! I’ve been an artistic person since – well, forever, it seems. My art forms have evolved, improved, and grown gracefully older right along with me. When I paint or draw, I choose subjects that have meaning to me, and inspire me. This keeps me feeling well-grounded and young!
Art has become my way of aging gracefully. It’s a reminder that growing older doesn’t mean I’m slowing down – it means finding new ways to express myself, to connect with others, and embrace the older woman I’m becoming. Whether I’m painting on a cruise ship deck, in my studio at home, or even just doodling with the grandkids, art makes my heart sing and my spirit soar, just like a feather on the wind.
What makes your heart sing as you grow older? Scroll down to the “Thoughts” section below to share your thoughts – I’d love to hear from you.
You can find my art on the website, Arts By Joan.
Click here (if you haven’t already) to sign up for “Say Hello” and join my blog readers list!
What a lovely communication, thank you for sharing this on your blog! Yes, I need a passion I agree! I started a water color class here at Trilogy but for one reason or another I didn’t continue. guess I wasn’t passionate enough about it. I agree that children keep us young. I had an aunt and uncle who never had children and they never changed. They were the same when I was 15 as they were when I visited them 30 years later. The cruise sounds like it was “just the ticket”. 🙂
Love and hugs, Lydia
Thank you Lydia. We should talk sometime! Finding something meaningful is so crucial! xoxoxoxo
Absolutely love this Joan. ♥️ 🖊️ ♥️ 🎨 ♥️
Thank you so much Heidi. I appreciate your support and love!
Thank you for sharing this heartwarming story of what you have been going through. I’m sure many of us can identify with these struggles and I love your insight as to how you are Winning at Losing!
Thank you firefly!
Love your thoughts, Joan! Are you also singing at all? We had so much fun through the years doing school musicals! Luckily, I’m able to continue that activity with our local school, but I miss your producing, directing and singing talents. Enjoy all your artistry. Sending love.
Thank you, Caroline. Yes, I still sing periodically here in Las Vegas. And yes, I miss all of our amazingly fun, artistic endeavors together. Thank you for your love and support! And have a great Easter this weekend.❤️❤️❤️
Joan! I love to hear your “heart sing, your spirit soar, like a feather on the wind.”
Beautiful words! I’ve met a few people who seem to carry the wisdom of the Earth with them on their journey… and you are one of them! Love ya! Sahara
Thank you so much Sahara! You are one of the most beautiful souls I know and I appreciate your lovely words!
Dear Joan,
What beautifully expressed sentiments on an important topic! I, too, remember fondly the Joan and Friends gatherings! What fun! And as a now 82-year-mature individual, I appreciate your personal journey.
As for me, while others seek to downsize, I am seeking to upsize in all ways (except my weight!). I am, in fact, recreating the fundamentals of my holistic horse board and care facility in So. California, but mostly online so I can share my knowledge and experiences over 30+ years with the horse world at large! So, your inspiring post is much appreciated!!!
Wishing you, Fred, and family all the very best!! I look forward to more posts!!! And art!!
Tanii, it is so awesome to hear from you! Yes, we share some wonderful memories together, don’t we? I’m very glad you’re working on re-creating your horse universe. Thank you for the encouragement and I will keep on creating. ❤️❤️❤️