Today I was soaking in the beautiful landscape of my neighborhood -- specifically the Santa Monica beaches (trying to appreciate every second of its close proximity as I accept I likely won't find a new apartment this close to the beach) while I was out for a run. I came to a part where there is a big incline of brick stairs that lead up back up to Ocean Ave from the beach level. I typically set up those stairs in a run and push myself to sprint all the way to the top. As I was about to hop onto the first step I noticed an older man, I'd put him about in his 80s based on his appearance and his pace. And I couldn't help but ponder. First I thought, I feel kind bad breaking into a full sprint up these stairs when he's giving all his mite to climb from one step to the next holding onto the railing for support. Then I thought, should I ask him if he's ok but then I realized -- he's fine. At least from what I could see -- he's out and about on beautiful day and he's making his way up these steep stairs at his own pace, good for him!!! And then I realized, what must it feel like to be in his shoes. Does he look at me and think, you go girl, run up those stairs, I used to be able to do that. Or does he feel like I just sprinted by him and barely even noted his presence. As an older person, does it feel like everyone is living around you and never stopping to notice you? That life is moving at such a quicker speed than you that you're almost overlooked? I wonder.
I know from my coaching studies about adult development by the time we're in our 80s we are seeking meaning in our life and looking to find purpose and more times than not that's made up by the people around us and the wisdom we can share w/ them at that age. And it made me think that about the fact that I won't have my mom at that age to hear her continued wisdom and I only really had my nana of my 4 grandparents who's memory and brain were still intact as I grew into my young adult years. And it made me think how nice it might be to have some people in my life that are older. That wouldn't that be a nice way to spend some of my time -- volunteering at a center for the elderly and just hang out and talk to them.
I can't help but feel so incredibly grateful for the internal peace I've found within myself that it continues to drive me more and more to want to find ways to pay it forward. To rescue a dog, to coach people to find their own potential to live the life they want to live, to help entrepreneurs build their brand and their dream, and to now see how I can play a role in the lives of older people.
What are some ways you could pay it forward?
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