This is a different topic for me to write about and share in my newsletter. I will relate it eventually to the value of dogs in our lives and the therapeutic benefits as we dive into the twilight years in life.

It has been a time of reflection for me. I know I am not the first person to enter the twilight stage of life and I am not the first person to write about it. Each experience is so different depending on so many variables. My experience is my own unique experience and I hope that it will resonate and inspire.

I was always driven as a young child. My parents were so supportive and gave us opportunities to thrive in.  The most important thing though was our education. Everything else came second and hinged on how well we were doing in school. My sister and were introduced to figure skating when we were young. We fell in love with the sport immediately. It was our passion. With that passion came what my dad said, “time management, discipline and a fit for life attitude.”

My dad believed our skating was part of our education. As an adult in my 60’s I realize just how insightful he was. So much of my drive and purpose came from the value system modelled for us by my parents. This value system served me well. I went on to university and became a teacher. I loved to teach, and my discipline got me through some tough years as a young mother, wife, and full-time teacher. It was important to us to model the same values of discipline and purpose to our children and give them opportunities that would develop this in them.

I realized how much my parents had done for us when I started doing it for my own children. Early morning hockey games, figure skating five nights a week. Hockey tournaments on the weekends. Even though it was a lot to keep up with it was our community and we developed some amazing friendships through our kids’ activities. I can honestly say these were some of the best years of our younger lives. Busy and connected to social which is good for the heart and soul. I also still loved to run and work out at the gym. On nights when my kids were doing their thing I would run to the arena, watch until I started to get chilled and then run home. I even went back to figure skating when I was 40 years old and finished my gold dances. I loved running 10 km races too. Always wanting to challenge myself.

I knew when it was time to retire from teaching that I would need to engage in something that would give me purpose. The kids were building their own lives and after having taught for so long I knew for my own spiritual wellness I would need to do something that mattered. I went on to start a charity and still feel proud of that endeavor.

Joining the team at Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario gave me wonderful community and purpose and I still to this day enjoy the gym and my tribe. Volunteering is something that is in my blood and doing small things at the Association for Animal Assisted Interventions for Professionals had been a way to meet so many amazing new people and help with something that I am so passionate about. I love my little business and the work I have done around the therapy dog explosion.

I have found myself wondering how I will know when it is time to rest and that I will be enough in the twilight years. I have discovered through this reflection that being true to yourself is the number one thing to uphold. Everything I do needs to feed my soul and bring joy. I have learned that this keeps the stress away. The twilight years need not hold any space for stress that can be calculated and taken out of the equation. Of course, we have things in life that we have no control over and will bring stress. How we handle it is the wisdom we have from years of experience.

I have learned to use discretion when I am choosing what to do and not do. I have learned that choice is the key and those who respect and love you will be supportive of your choices. I have learned not to compare. As I said earlier everyone creates the twilight years that works for them.

I have become comfortable with the fact that you don’t have to decide on anything right in the moment. Trusting myself and knowing that purpose can look so different depending on the moment, the day, the month, the year, and all the circumstances that come with time periods. It can be taking the time to help someone carry their groceries to the car when they are struggling. It can be saying prayers everyday for those who need them.

I said I would integrate dogs and their therapeutic value in this post. My dog gives me purpose. She is the motivation to walk in the forest and enjoy the beauty of our world. By caring for her needs I have purpose. Her unconditional love lets me know everyday that I am important and reminds me how important self love is. She plays which keeps me young. She encourages me to chat with people we see when we are out and about. She keeps me creative as I think of ways to write about her and share her love for life with others.

We do not have to be doing something big and fabulous to be purposeful. If the universe brings us opportunities to do something big and fabulous and it feels right, then do it.

The twilight years are the gift of time. The opportunity to be at peace. The time to show up exactly as you are, authentically you.

I am not struggling with the twilight years anymore. I am embracing them. My purpose and driven nature now can be in gratitude. To embrace and protect my health and wellness. To enjoy my family and friends, pets, and beautiful places where we live. To be a part of community.

If something big and fabulous comes my way say thank you and if it feels right do it.