Being Senior in 2020 and two birds
Right now, being a senior has been like... traveling to another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound, but out of mind...
a journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. Recognize where those words are from? Don't remember? Think Sci Fi, Psycho TV thriller show of the 60's. …. The Twilight Zone? You got it.
Yes, 2020 has had a strange and eerie feeling of being on a trip into The Twilight Zone especially for us more seasoned gentry. At first it felt like a spin of the roulette wheel. Where will we land or be next year this time?
Since the clock is always ticking for us with shorter life expectancies, the key going forward is, to look straight ahead, not sideways, and especially not in the rearview mirror. Remember Hindsight is no longer 2020 for seniors … more simply put, don't regret, or agonize about any part of your life that didn't work out. Rather, celebrate and remember the good moments and yes, laugh at the blunders. We've all made them. Spend this precious time living in the present moment … Laugh, sing, dance!
Isn't it funny, how this crisis happened in the year of 2020? We can certainly expect to hear the saying "Hindsight is 2020" used many times referring to this year for many reasons. One being that, when the virus hit us as a country, we were totally unprepared for it. You may consider this a teaching moment on an individual level. As a senior if a harsh reality comes knocking on our door, it won't announce when that day and time will be. The good news is you don't have to worry about being unprepared. By getting yourself planned and organized, you'll be ahead of the curve and prepared for whatever situation may arise.
With this unusual 2020 scenario, I couldn't help being reminded of two birds. As an avid bird watcher, I enjoy watching their different lifestyles and find them fascinating. There's one bird that spends its entire life preparing for the unexpected. The other bird spends its life surviving the unexpected. Both are vastly different yet perfect examples how we can learn by observing them.
First, is the incredible Acorn Woodpecker. This extraordinary and beautiful bird finds hundreds, maybe thousands of acorns and stores them away in tree bark to create what is called a granary, a sort of food pantry for them. This woodpecker will never be hungry, nor will his family and friends. They're a communal species and live and work well with each other. In case of bad weather, or anything unexpected, they have their stash at the ready. Kind of reminds me of that recent invasion of the toilet paper snatchers, aka TP hoarders. Wasn't that a hoot! The Acorn Woodpecker is not only smart, but also a bird with a plan.
Having worked in hospital laboratories earlier in life, back in February, when I heard rumblings about this highly contagious virus, my inner siren went off and told me to take this seriously. I knew this was not the common cold or flu. When the virus hit our shores, after ravaging Italy and Spain, did you think of your own mortality? I know I did! Seniors who were considered to be the most at risk, were now the target of an invisible serial killer. Let's face it, isn't this what it truly is? Can you remember anything like this ever happening before? This is why I say, think like an Acorn Woodpecker and be planned and prepared for the unexpected.
Years ago, while living in Florida, I became fond of the ubiquitous and adorable Brown Pelican. Whenever I would go to the beach, I would sit for hours and watch them dive into the surf during their daily feeding ritual. I loved seeing them glide in a V formation and then individually nosedive straight down. It reminded me of watching an old newsreel of B52 bombers. Such a sight to behold! Indeed, the Brown Pelican provides the most spectacular air show you'll ever see.
These prehistoric survivors that have evolved over millions of years on this planet, can be seen every day on the beach usually around early sundown. They're not annoyed by us goofy-looking beach goers. Why should they be? This is their turf. Unfortunately, the 20th century wasn't kind to this magnificent species. These shorebirds have lived through and survived many horrific manmade crises such as oil spills and DDT pesticide poisoning. Think about what these birds went through. This is why I'm thrilled to report that these wounded warriors are officially removed from the endanger species list. Even though they can store large quantities of food in the large pouch located under their long bill, Pelicans don't have the advantage of saving their food for a rainy day like the Woodpecker. Every day is a new day for them to dive in order to eat. With everything they've been through, many senior Brown Pelicans die from starvation. This is true! How could that be? Well, throughout their life they are constantly being exposed to the harshest elements while gliding with their 7-foot wingspan and then diving headfirst straight down, from as high as 70 feet through gusty winds into salty seawater. Over time, many will develop cataracts to their eyes making it nearly impossible for them to dive for their food and being unable to feed themselves, thus leading to starvation. Visually speaking, sight is not "2020" for many senior Brown Pelicans.
As a living breathing Senior in 2020 my message is simple … look straight ahead and enjoy every minute of every day living with fortitude and determination, like the enduring and awesome Brown Pelican. And also, be planned and prepared with the tenacity and wisdom of the Acorn Woodpecker.
If you want to learn more about planning ahead and being prepared for yourself or a loved one, visit my website joycebidwell.com and feel free to reach out to me anytime for a personal and friendly conversation. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and wishes.
XXX
For more information: contact; Joyce Bidwell, 505-702-3699 or 602-802-9993 joyce.bidwell919@gmail.com joycebidwell.com
Licensed Advance Planner for Seniors
Licensed Affiliate in 50 states with Life Insurance Settlements Inc
Yes, 2020 has had a strange and eerie feeling of being on a trip into The Twilight Zone especially for us more seasoned gentry. At first it felt like a spin of the roulette wheel. Where will we land or be next year this time?
Since the clock is always ticking for us with shorter life expectancies, the key going forward is, to look straight ahead, not sideways, and especially not in the rearview mirror. Remember Hindsight is no longer 2020 for seniors … more simply put, don't regret, or agonize about any part of your life that didn't work out. Rather, celebrate and remember the good moments and yes, laugh at the blunders. We've all made them. Spend this precious time living in the present moment … Laugh, sing, dance!
Isn't it funny, how this crisis happened in the year of 2020? We can certainly expect to hear the saying "Hindsight is 2020" used many times referring to this year for many reasons. One being that, when the virus hit us as a country, we were totally unprepared for it. You may consider this a teaching moment on an individual level. As a senior if a harsh reality comes knocking on our door, it won't announce when that day and time will be. The good news is you don't have to worry about being unprepared. By getting yourself planned and organized, you'll be ahead of the curve and prepared for whatever situation may arise.
With this unusual 2020 scenario, I couldn't help being reminded of two birds. As an avid bird watcher, I enjoy watching their different lifestyles and find them fascinating. There's one bird that spends its entire life preparing for the unexpected. The other bird spends its life surviving the unexpected. Both are vastly different yet perfect examples how we can learn by observing them.
First, is the incredible Acorn Woodpecker. This extraordinary and beautiful bird finds hundreds, maybe thousands of acorns and stores them away in tree bark to create what is called a granary, a sort of food pantry for them. This woodpecker will never be hungry, nor will his family and friends. They're a communal species and live and work well with each other. In case of bad weather, or anything unexpected, they have their stash at the ready. Kind of reminds me of that recent invasion of the toilet paper snatchers, aka TP hoarders. Wasn't that a hoot! The Acorn Woodpecker is not only smart, but also a bird with a plan.
Having worked in hospital laboratories earlier in life, back in February, when I heard rumblings about this highly contagious virus, my inner siren went off and told me to take this seriously. I knew this was not the common cold or flu. When the virus hit our shores, after ravaging Italy and Spain, did you think of your own mortality? I know I did! Seniors who were considered to be the most at risk, were now the target of an invisible serial killer. Let's face it, isn't this what it truly is? Can you remember anything like this ever happening before? This is why I say, think like an Acorn Woodpecker and be planned and prepared for the unexpected.
Years ago, while living in Florida, I became fond of the ubiquitous and adorable Brown Pelican. Whenever I would go to the beach, I would sit for hours and watch them dive into the surf during their daily feeding ritual. I loved seeing them glide in a V formation and then individually nosedive straight down. It reminded me of watching an old newsreel of B52 bombers. Such a sight to behold! Indeed, the Brown Pelican provides the most spectacular air show you'll ever see.
These prehistoric survivors that have evolved over millions of years on this planet, can be seen every day on the beach usually around early sundown. They're not annoyed by us goofy-looking beach goers. Why should they be? This is their turf. Unfortunately, the 20th century wasn't kind to this magnificent species. These shorebirds have lived through and survived many horrific manmade crises such as oil spills and DDT pesticide poisoning. Think about what these birds went through. This is why I'm thrilled to report that these wounded warriors are officially removed from the endanger species list. Even though they can store large quantities of food in the large pouch located under their long bill, Pelicans don't have the advantage of saving their food for a rainy day like the Woodpecker. Every day is a new day for them to dive in order to eat. With everything they've been through, many senior Brown Pelicans die from starvation. This is true! How could that be? Well, throughout their life they are constantly being exposed to the harshest elements while gliding with their 7-foot wingspan and then diving headfirst straight down, from as high as 70 feet through gusty winds into salty seawater. Over time, many will develop cataracts to their eyes making it nearly impossible for them to dive for their food and being unable to feed themselves, thus leading to starvation. Visually speaking, sight is not "2020" for many senior Brown Pelicans.
As a living breathing Senior in 2020 my message is simple … look straight ahead and enjoy every minute of every day living with fortitude and determination, like the enduring and awesome Brown Pelican. And also, be planned and prepared with the tenacity and wisdom of the Acorn Woodpecker.
If you want to learn more about planning ahead and being prepared for yourself or a loved one, visit my website joycebidwell.com and feel free to reach out to me anytime for a personal and friendly conversation. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and wishes.
XXX
For more information: contact; Joyce Bidwell, 505-702-3699 or 602-802-9993 joyce.bidwell919@gmail.com joycebidwell.com
Licensed Advance Planner for Seniors
Licensed Affiliate in 50 states with Life Insurance Settlements Inc
505-702-3699
joyce@bidwelllifesettlements.com
joyce@bidwelllifesettlements.com