‘Why I’ve been forcing myself to slow down now I’m older’

It’s a matter of pride for me! It seems ridiculous to go to gym (I attend regular yoga and pilates classes — nothing too strenuous) and take the lift up the two flights when, with just a little extra effort, you can add some further (free) exercise by climbing the stairs. It keeps me fit and young, I say!

I live on the second floor of an old apartment block, sans lift. I love where I live and hope to stay there for years to come… The stairs, I have always said, are great. Built-in exercise! It will be years, decades even, before they become too much for me! (Well, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!)

The problem is, of course, that I ache! One hip has already been traded in on an updated version, and now both knees (the one I had until recently labelled the ‘good’ one and the ‘bad’ one) ache consistently; my other hip regularly gives way and sends pain down my leg and into my lower back. I’ve no doubt that many of you reading this can relate!

By the time I’ve gingerly negotiated my stairs (going down is worse than going up) done the short walk to my local gym and climbed two flights of stairs, I ache, even before I begin any actual excercise!

Stay with me now while I diverge a moment please. Recently my dear friend turned 70 (I will join her next year) and to celebrate we hired a luxury cabin on the coast. Among the celebrators were my friend Mary’s (older) siblings both of whom live in quiet country towns away from the hussle and bustle of the city. As we sat conversing on the balcony it struck me: these people live their lives at a totally different pace. They don’t hurry. They don’t put any added stress on themselves. They notice and enjoy the little things. I was reminded of another dear friend who spoke about the pleasure of doing everyday things mindfully: the joy of sparkling dishes freshly washed, clean sheets, a tiny flower peaking out often unnoticed from behind a rock.

Over the last six weeks of holidays, I have been practising. Rather than push myself and add to my arthritic pain by climbing the stairs, I take the lift or the escalator if one is available. I am no longer affronted when someone offers me a seat on public transport, where previously I would have declined (albeit graciously, I hope) and I am downright grateful when the bus driver watches in his mirror and delays his departure until I am seated. While I will, of course, continue to go to the gym, continue to do as much physical and mental excercise as I can, I will do it all at a reduced speed. I will allow myself time to be aware of the small pleasures, I will reduce all stress in my life…  I will not climb the stairs!

Have you found yourself purposely slowing down as you get older? What pleasures have you found in daily life because you’ve done so?

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