I've had a few set backs; for instance, traveling really set me back. I gained 5 pounds on that trip. I've taken it off, plus 4 extra pounds, so I'm back on track.
I did get really motivated while I was on my trip by my two aunts. Both are in their mid 80s and I can only hope and pray that I can be as healthy as they are when I'm that age.
My Aunt Pauline, who lives in Ohio, lives alone, drives all over, exercises, does yard work, volunteers at her church and lives a very active life.
Here she is in her yard, showing me buds on her tree.
While we were visiting her, she took us on a quick tour of her town. Her age hasn't slowed her down a bit, as she zoomed up and down the country roads pointing out historical homes and the surrounding farmlands. At one point, she whipped into her church parking lot and I'm sure the car was driving on two wheels like a stunt car in an action movie.
My aunt exercises daily, sometimes walking around her house several times until she's reached a mile. She can get up out of a chair without holding on to anything, something I haven't been able to do in awhile.
She's an avid computer geek and can zip around the Internet like a twenty year old. She does crossword puzzles and plays computer games to exercise her brain. I told her several times how much I admired her. I am truly inspired by her.
My other aunt, Aunt Hellen, lives in West Virginia. I stayed with her on my trip. Aunt Hellen also is in her 80s and still drives to church. Her knees are bad now and she's had some health issues, but every day she gets up and goes out to get her newspaper. Sometimes she strolls up and down the creek lined road. She loves nature and sits out on her porch watching the hummingbirds and chickadees feed from her bird feeders. She was eager for any adventure we went on and never complained about a thing.
What I love about my Aunt Hellen is her country wisdom and stories. She was born in a small town in West Virginia, never travelled much in her lifetime, but her wisdom could fill books.
She's kind and loving and spending time with her is always a blessing.
Being around these two great women made me realize that I have to take better care of myself. Their quality of life is good. Both of my aunts are calm, God-fearing women who take pleasure in the simple things that life has to offer.
I learned a lot from them and came home with a new resolve to work harder and exercise more. Something I have in common with them both is that I do take time to stop and smell the roses and to listen to the birds sing. I enjoy the simple pleasures in life like them.
I hope they both get a chance to read this blog so that they both know how much they mean to me and how grateful I am to have them as my aunts. Love you Aunt Pauline and Aunt Hellen!
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