Forgiveness is a lifelong journey. Our perspective on forgiveness changes over time and when carrying our woundedness takes up too much space in our lives, we look to let go of it. What does it take to be free of the anger and hurt that we have brought along with us? Is forgiveness different than letting go? Can you forgive without reconciliation? How do we heal broken relationships? It is not always possible to forgive and reconcile, which makes letting go more difficult. Looking for a wider perspective helps and we explore the words of Rolo May, a 20th century existential psychologist, “No person is reducible to their worst act, just as we hope not to be reduced to our worst act”. Our discussion finds us reflecting on our efforts so far to experience freedom from resentments and bitterness. It takes courage to address the need to have closure on relationships and the older we get the more urgent it becomes to take the risk.

*Please note that Ellie, our pet, wanted to engage in this conversation so there are a few low level barks and pitter patting of paws included for your entertainment.

In addition to the many areas of decision making that we have carried all our lives like meal planning and preparation, car maintenance, house maintenance and travel, we now must consider new areas that are unique to aging. Decisions related to medical conditions, downsizing, end-of-life planning, finances and family relationships intrude on what is supposed to be a less stressful time of our lives. Continually having to make choices can be exhausting for any life stage but can be particularly exhausting as an older person. Having someone to share the decisions with can be both a help and a hindrance, as we discover, and changing the roles we have had for a lifetime is tricky. The question, “Do you want to drive?” is not the simple yes or no answer it appears to be. This is an engaging, enlightening conversation about decisions and choices.

A big part of the holiday season are the traditions that we keep as a family, as a culture and as a nation. What are those traditions and what do they mean to us? Shopping for meaningful gifts and making sure we find the right gift is a big part of the holiday season, not to mention when those gifts are opened. Traditional foods of the season, often cultural, are also important as are the family gatherings around food. Taking time to be together, whether it’s eating, skating, playing games or hanging out helps us take a break from the everyday weariness of world news and personal struggles. And although we don’t make new year resolutions anymore, as we get older, we are making strategic decisions about how we want to spend the time we have left. Listen to the holiday edition of Seniors in the Building.