[KJW #033] Decide to Be A Joyful Elder - Welcome to Spring!


Dear colleagues and friends:

Many blessings to you on this first day of SPRING!!!

Yes, today is a very special day in many ways... It is also my birthday, and I want to celebrate it WITH YOU sharing a poem I have written and that speaks about our passion for a better world for everyone. It is dedicated to our elders and to all of you that day by day nurture, heal and better communities where elders live.

Decide to be a joyful elder
by Kathy Ward

Decide to be a joyful elder
Decide to always wear your smile
in spring, winter or fall
the joy that you give to others
is the joy that multiplies

Decide to dream your dreams
life is for living as you know
and if you live, serve and love
you'll never grow old

Decide to enjoy the ride
decide to sing and dance
letting the rhythmic happy heart
compose the songs
lighting up the passion
for a better world

Decide to plant seeds of love
brother wind spread the deeds!
Teach the children and humanity
songs and good words
not judging but listening
not imposing but sharing those better ways
not dwelling on the problem
but treasure-mapping the solutions
together, always together...

The windows of your soul
can not hide the magic and fun world behind
for as long as there is life in you
there will always be a better way
and it is the spark of your personality
and your tireless spirit for peace
what I have fallen in love with

Oh! How lucky we are
with joyful elders like you
this is the Paradise!

For you have tough me and everyone
the meaning of life and love
it is a blessing
a sweet adventure
as I discover and write
travel and dream
the world can be better
because of you and me

Congratulations!
for what is coming
your ways have inspired me
you do believe in me
and this is what I need

Decide to be a magnificent elder
beyond the weave
that shapes your presence in this world
and if reincarnation is an option
come back as art, pencils and paper
trees or butterflys
harmonicas or nightingales
the essence of humanity
will rejoice again!

Decide to be a joyful elder
a human being with everlasting
sense of wonder
sense of humor
reverence for life
love for the green and for the black
love for what can be seen and feel
love for the impossible dream

Decide to be like Robert Muller
the youthful eternal light
that remains intact.

This poem is dedicated to Robert Muller in his 83 meaningful 'primaveras'
and to all the joyful elders and persons in the world that have decided to never grow old.


Please send inquiries, requests for programs, speaker and consulting services to connection@kathyjward.com


Peace be with you!



Kathy J. Ward
President of WEL, World Elder Land™
Therapeutic Recreation Consultant
National Assisted Living Administrator Certified
Board Member, Activities, Adaptation and Aging Journal
Alzheimer's Association Speakers Bureau
Cell: (240) 393-5456
Connection@KathyJWard.com
www.KathyJWard.com/blog
www.elderrecreationtherapy.com
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