Every Yes Counts

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 When I was younger I thought my days would be less busy as I got older.  I am so happy that I was wrong.  At this wonderful age of 56, I am busier than ever and feeling happier than I have in a while.

I will admit I was quite nervous when I said yes to a nursery teacher's aide position at our church school last month. It’s been 28 years since I have worked a full time job. I was worried about keeping up my household responsibilities – not to mention whether I could work well with children.

I decided I must answer my concerns the same way I would advise a friend with the same dilemma.  My mantra: you get further with the word yes than no.  Give it a shot; you’ll never know what you’re capable of if you do not try.

The first few weeks were overwhelming, and I did feel a little bit silly singing “The wheels on the bus go round and round.” But it didn’t take long for me to get the hang of it. My husband Kevin laughed when he heard me singing the morning song in the shower! I love the first line of that song because it reminds me how grateful I am to start each day with a purpose.  "When the sun is coming up and the day is dawning; that's the time to wake right up early in the morning.”

But I was still very frustrated about doing my “home work.” Every day I had to squeeze my domestic responsibilities into three hours, as opposed to the eight I’d been used to.

One morning while enjoying my first cup of coffee I quietly had a conversation with myself and came up with the obvious answer:   I cannot respond to everything!  It is impossible!!!  I gave myself permission to say it is fine if everything does not get done today.

I am learning, despite being busier than ever, to slow down.

Every day is different. I can drag out the mop and bucket and go crazy cleaning on one afternoon; on other days, it’s as much as I can do to answer some phone calls. Today, I realized I missed writing my blot so I made it a point to open the laptop and hit the keyboard.

But life can’t be only work, cooking, cleaning, errands, eating and sleeping.  Last weekend we decided to take a drive to see the fall foliage, visit a winery and buy a fresh baked apple pie

Shortly after I accepted my job Kevin and I were asked to teach religion classes every Sunday after mass.  We never thought we would have the time to do this successfully, but truthfully, we can’t wait to plan each week’s lesson. In the process, we have wonderful talks. Another “say yes to success” moment!

 My point in writing this post today: I have the same 10,080 minutes a week now that I have always had.  When you are doing things that make your heart happy you find the time.  This is possible at any age.  Life is to be lived. 

I think back on the rainy day when a friend convinced me to come with her to help prepare Thanksgiving dinners for the homebound at church.  I was torn and broken and did not want to go with her.  She forced me, and in the process I received the greatest gift I will ever get.  I learned to breathe again. Had I said no I would not be in this wonderful place today.

I never believed when you bravely face anxious feelings and enter doors opened to you how many great paths come your way.  I read about it in books and never thought for a second it would happen to me.

It did!

Kevin and I are now in charge of the Thanksgiving dinner for the homebound and we are blessed, because this project holds a special place in our hearts.

No matter how busy I get in my life it is my duty to wake up each day and help others find their breath.  If it means from time to time I must ignore an overflowing hamper, a dirty dish in the sink or some dust on a bookshelf, that’s just fine with me.

Yes I may look silly singing Wheels on the Bus, and I hear the cracking of my knees when I bend down to tie shoes but despite these things children keep you feeling young.  I will not allow a number to dictate what I can or cannot do.

I now wake up and look forward to the excitement of a new day.

When the sun is coming up and the day is dawning, that's the time to wake right up early in the morning!

Donna Vesel Ryan, a frequent contributor to ThirdAge, is the founder and editor of the blog www.50plusstickingtogether.com.