Precious Time

Lately we have been getting a flurry of emails from readers pertaining to time. Some say retirement is too much time to fill. Others say there is too little time to do everything they want to do.  Some push off projects because they think they "have all the time in the world." We also hear "where did all the time go?" We thought you might appreciate this poem that was in one of the emails that was sent to us. It says it best about the value of time. We don't know who wrote it, but offer our thanks to the author. 

"Barely the day started and

it's already six in the evening.

Barely arrived on Monday

and it's already Friday.

.. and the month is already over.

.. and the year is almost over.

.. and already 40, 50 or 60 years

of our lives have passed.

.. and we realize that we lost

our parents, friends.

.. and we realize it's too late

to go back.

So.. Let's try, despite

everything, to enjoy

the remaining time.

Let's keep looking for

activities that we like.

Let's put some color in

our grey.

Let's smile at the little

things in life that put

balm in our hearts.

And despite everything,

we must continue to enjoy

with serenity this time we

have left.

Let's try to eliminate the

afters..

I'm doing it after.

I'll say after.

I'll think about it after.

We leave everything for

later like ′′ after ′′ is ours.

Because what we don't

understand is that:

Afterwards, the coffee

gets cold.

afterwards, priorities change.

Afterwards, the charm is

broken.

Afterwards, health passes.

Afterwards, the kids grow up.

Afterwards parents get old.

Afterwards, promises are

forgotten.

Afterwards, the day becomes

the night.

Afterwards, life ends.

And then it's often too late.

So.. Let's leave nothing for

later.

Because still waiting to see

later, we can lose the

best moments, the best

experiences, best friends,

the best family.

The day is today. The

moment is now.

We are no longer at the

age where we can afford

to postpone what needs

to be done right away."

It Looks Like An Eternity,

But It's A Short Trip,

Enjoy Life And Always

Be Kind.

REWIRING Your Brain on Music

We love music. It's a powerful ally for the aging brain, offering a wide range of cognitive, emotional, social, and physical benefits. Incorporating music into our daily life can help us stay sharp, happy, and connected to others. The list of positives is exceptional, and it doesn't matter what kind of music you like to hear or play. Music can help make your REWIRED journey even sweeter.

Music activates various areas of the brain involved in memory, attention, and executive function. Cognitive stimulation can help us maintain and even improve our cognitive abilities. Music has a unique ability to evoke memories and emotions. Remembering the songs of our past is great fun. We can even remember a lot of the lyrics and sing along. Music has a profound effect on our mood. It can uplift our spirits, reduce anxiety and depression. 

Socializing is so important. Music has a way of bringing us together. Whether through group singing, dancing, or attending concerts. Playing musical instruments or engaging in activities like dancing requires coordination and motor skills. Musical activities can help us maintain and improve our motor function, balance, and coordination.

Research has shown that music can promote neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections. This is particularly important as it can help offset age-related changes in the brain and help us maintain cognitive function. 

Ultimately, music enhances our quality of life. Whether through active participation or passive listening, music brings joy, meaning, and fulfillment, and promoting healthy aging.

OK. Now turn on some tunes and get ready to feel better!!

When it Rains Stress

Hello, 2025

We have been hearing from our Don’t Retire, REWIRE! readers that they are looking forward to a New Year and hoping for less stress.  It seems 2024 was a time of a lot of highs and lows. Some reported that it seemed that every time they speak with someone, they were hearing bad news; someone is sick, someone has died, or so and so has family problems. The list goes on. Several people said they are afraid to pick up the phone for the fear of hearing more bad news.  It can be overwhelming to add the stress of others to your own. After all, most everyone has something going on in their own life that is challenging, anxiety provoking, or stressful.  

Being surrounded by bad news, whether it's from family, friends, or the world around us, can feel emotionally draining. When it feels like the "sky is falling," it’s important to find ways to protect your well-being while still being compassionate to those who are reporting their problems. Remember the Charlie Brown cartoon character Pig Pen who always walked around with a cloud of dust and dirt surrounding him? Unfortunately, there are some people like Pig Pen, but their clouds aren’t dust, but stress: their own and from others who they feel an obligation to report on.

You need to set some healthy boundaries as best we can and limit your exposure to negativity. It’s okay to step back from conversations or interactions that consistently bring you down. For example, you can kindly excuse yourself from a phone call or change the subject if it's too much. Be intentional about the people and situations you engage with. Offer support where you can and recognize when you need to take a break. Offering support doesn’t mean you need to “fix” their problems. Sometimes, just being present and compassionate is enough.

Live in the now.  Feelings of being overwhelmed often come from worrying about things beyond the present moment. If it gets too hard, share your feelings with a trusted friend, a support group, or a therapist. Just voicing how overwhelming things feel can lighten the burden.  Concentrate on what you can control. You can’t control the bad news, but you can control how you respond.  Speaking of news, watching TV or following the news obsessively on the internet is a formula for depression. Take a break and turn off your devices from time to time.  The world will keep spinning. Don’t let bad news or anyone steal your dreams.

Focus on your own life to make it as positive as possible. Go and have some fun. Remember good things are happening around us every day, but they’re often overshadowed by a phone call or the world news. Take care of yourself whether that’s a walk outside, exercising, enjoying time with positive friends, spending some time on a hobby or a sport, or watching a funny movie. Do what brings you joy and fulfillment. actively add things into your day that make you smile.

REWIRING is a journey with ups and downs, surprises, opportunities and occasional curves in the road.  Yes, it’s called life.