50+ community Check-in July 13-16, 2020
Happy Monday everyone, I hope youre having a wonderful day. 
Reward about getting older 
It may surprise some, but studies show that seniors are among the happiest groups of people, and that they are significantly more happy than their middle-aged counterparts.
Does this come as a surprise to you and what are the most rewarding things about getting older for you?
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Have a good week everyone!
@gentleLand5245
Hi, thanks and same to you!
@amiablePeace77 The part about being old that I am most grateful for is that I am done with dating!!! Also I don't worry about my appearance as much as I did when I was young and middle age.
@adventurousBranch3786
Branch, I hear you, pretty much the same with me about looks, much more focussed on comfort these days 
Does this come as a surprise to you and what are the most rewarding things about getting older for you?
Yes it does, most other older people seem rather unhappy. But that may just be in comparison with me, as I am a very happy man. Things that are rewarding for me are: my fiance and retiring in about 2 months
@Offmytrack
2 months to go and then retirement! I bet you look forward having more me-time and also more time with your gf . Have you thought about what to do in the first weeks, any plans?
@amiablePeace77 The first few weeks are going to be spent settling in to our new house. I have plans to look for things to do, starting a month before I retire.
@Offmytrack
Settling into the new house will take some time but I make a bet it will be also so exiting . It's good to make plans so that your day has some sort of structure.
@amiablePeace77 That was my plan, to find things to do after I retire. My fiance will help with that.
I'm not surprised. If I was retired, I'd be happier too.
As I'm getting older, I'm looking to make life matter. I realize that ladder climbing isn't the only answer. There's a greater journey ahead.
@modestWatermelon2938
Hi there . I get you about climbing the ladder, when older many of us understand that it's not about what we achieve at work but how we live life, the quality of it.
@amiablePeace77
Studies show that seniors are among the happiest groups of people, and that they are significantly more happy than their middle-aged counterparts. Does this come as a surprise to you and what are the most rewarding things about getting older for you?
I am happier now than I ever have been in my life. Before you get excited, my happiness has grim meanings. 1. I know that all the trauma and pain I had throughout my life is behind me, and I will never have to go through it again. That makes the corners of my mouth twitch in the direction of a smile. I know that more heartache will come, but I have given myself a couple gifts to improve my mental health; I have been in steady therapy for over 9 years and have found medication that works. I am in control of my continued healing. 2. This will sound very scary to some of you and trigger warning; it has to do with death. I know that at my age of 57, I know I am closer to dying. I dont fear death. I have been through so much trauma, and have done so much to help myself improve, that I tell the Lord all the time that I am ready to go when he wants to take me. I am ready. I know that even though more heartache will come in my life, I am probably through the longest years of it. Meaning, I have 57 years behind me, and it is getting closer to being over. That is a good thing to me.
@purpleTree4652
purpleTree, your post really touched me. Despite all what you went through (big hugs) you do not seem to be bitter but still enjoy the good parts. You seem to have found inner peace, so you do not fear what will come one day . I hope you will have many, many more happy years to come. 
@amiablePeace77, thank you so much, peace.
@purpleTree4652
Dear purpleTree4652.
I was so sad to read you words "closer to d"ing" and "closer to being o"er". I had to put my hand at my heart because it hurted so much. Not you nor me shall want to d"e. Maybe you'll not think of it so much now because you're going to live with your good sister and her husband.
You also write "more heartache will come". I understand that you are a Christian. So let the great Shepard J"sus lie his hand upon your heart the next time.
With great love from Helga.
@Helgafy, Helga, You touch me. You have shown that you notice me, which is a rare thing in this chocked-full world of ours, that you listen, and that you care. Thank you for reading my posts and for the kind words you've written. Yes, I am a christian, so thank you further for introducing God's light into our contact. It means so much to me. I wish I had you as a friend in real life so we could chat over a cup of tea or coffee and even maybe pray. Love and blessings to you, --Dawn
@purpleTree4652
Hi.
I'm your friend.
When we sit down to talk with coffe or tea I'll bring some of my homemade cocies.
You really are a good writher.
"We love because He loved us first." Bible.
Helga.
@Helgafy, my friend Helga, I look forward to those cookies. :)
@purpleTree4652
Some more writing about this theme.
3 times I tried to write to you, but since I used the word d"e, my post was deleted (and I got many phonenumbers for help).
When I first saw your name "purpleTree" I started to sing "Purple Rain" by Prince. I even played it today. The day after I saw your post I wake up with that song. I went to vacuume a carpet at my bathroom, and it was purple. I have a card at my bedroom of an angel, and the wings are purple. I have another card there with many purple flowers in a bucket, looking like a purple Tree. There is at quote at it: Psalm 91.11 "For He will give His angels (especial) charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways.
@Helgafy, Helga, thank you so much for this post. It moved me. I copied that psalm and pasted it into a file of prayers that I keep. I'll think of you when I pray that psalm.
@purpleTree4652
Dawn, I guess that is your name. You mentioned pray. Of course we'll hold hands and pray. First I'll like to praise God for Him as the Great Artist, Creator, creating the universe - you beautiful and me. Then I would like to ask Him to take away everything, EVERYTHING in and around us that is hindering us from being ourself, the man and woman we are created to be. And then I would like to ask Jesus to give us JOY. And of course you can pray also for whatever you want or just sit still and enjoy the good atmosphere from the Holy Spirit.
@Helgafy, Helga, that is beautiful. I thank God for my friend, Helga. May the Lord and Mary, Mother of God, watch over, and protect her heart, body, and soul. Please God, release us from our distress, so that we may live in peace. Amen.
@purpleTree4652
Thank you so much for a fine prayer. I understand you are a Catholic since you're bringing in virgin Mary. I'm a Protestant, most Christian people in Norway where I live are. It is OK for me to discuss a litte bit religion if you don't mind, I'll not try to hurt you. I think the Bible is enough, tradition is not importent. Here it never said that Mary is godly in that way that we can pray to her og that she is praying for us. Well these are the biggest differences between C. and P. I'm sure I'm hurting you now Dawn, but I do not mean to. I just follow the Bible. Is that OK for you?
@Helgafy, no you're not hurting me, Helga. I learned something from you today. I didn't know that was the difference between catholic and protestant. I also study Buddhism. That's new for me this year. I love religions of the world that teach to be a good person. It's all good.
@purpleTree4652
Hi.
One thing I will say is good about C. They have confessional. Importent for people to lay their burdens away.
I read a book of B. Compassion is a key word in their religion I think, just as wonderful 7Cups.
Its two days now , I don't sleep...need new tricks..don't want to use meds.
If you won't be taking meds..you better not some that drinks!
@Oldtimer
Sorry to hear that you have difficulties to sleep. I could imagine you're totally drained by now, hugs. Hope that this link will be helpful
The most rewarding things about getting older for me are:- knowing that what I missed has gone so I have to dare to face what I used to be afraid of, and knowing what I need for being better; but that doesn't mean that I am better now.
@DinaElwy
It's good that you learned what you need to feel better and I do hope that step by step you can put that into action. Please always remember we are here for you
So dear all.
Reward - seniors happiest group - more happy than their middle-age counterparts?
Well - I got 50. (I have a sickness called ME - lack of energy) and had to have others to shop my groceries - happy? No.
I got 54 and gave my car away because I could not use it anymore because of ME.
I loved to travel earlier, but after 50 I could not do that.
I am 67 now. For the last month I have been in bed. I can see the news for 45 min. each day and am happy because of that.
I must say: I very hard way.
Love to you all from Helga.
@Helgafy Hugs,I have ME also. I hope that we can support you here.
@Helgafy
@adventurousBranch3786
So sorry to hear about your challenges. I am glad you both found the way to 7cups and I hope it helps you to get some relief.
Hi I'm new here just want to say hello.
@Tmbg
Hi Tmbg, nice to see you coming in today , glad you joined us. Please feel free to pm me if you have any questions how it works here.
