SeniorFlow Moment – Hold Your Own Pen

There is an old Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company Slogan that said: “When you write the story of your life, make sure you are the one holding the pen.” This message doesn’t disappear when you retire, hit 65, or just get older. I have a friend who is still riding his motorcycle into his 80s and I’ve read about and seen videos of seniors still riding in their 90s. It takes effort, perseverance, and a strong touch of discipline to keep riding. While that slogan is a metaphor for what follows, it demonstrates that they are in charge; they are holding the pen.

Your fingers can be holding the pen your entire adult life no matter how old you are. No matter your age, disabilities, or other circumstances, the way you live your life is a matter of choice — your choice. You should not be willing to turn the pen over to anyone else to let them finish your story.

Yes, sometimes your ongoing story will need some editing. Sometimes things come up that can radically change the way your story is written. But in the end, it is up to YOU to determine how the final chapters of your story will be written and for the most part, hold the pen yourself.

So many seniors, as they move through their sixties and later, just lay back, allow the often occurring deterioration of body, being, lifestyle and legacy, without putting in the necessary effort to stop it from happening, or at the very least, slowing it down. They isolate, fail to engage with life, neglect themselves and stop challenging themselves. This is a symptom of self-destruction and a shortened lifespan and healthspan. You don’t have to be one of them.

It is up to you to keep your body active, your mind challenged, your lifestyle moving forward, and to create your own positive legacy. This can only happen when, as the Harley Davidson slogan suggested: “you  make sure you are the one holding the pen”. Keep writing!

Thank you for reading this SeniorFlow Moment.