Age is Just a Number
“Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” ~Mark Twain
A few days ago, I celebrated my 63rd birthday. Sixty-three years old? Me? Did someone make a mistake? How did I get here?
When my father was in his nineties, he’d say that although he might look old on the outside, he still felt like a young man of twenty-three on the inside. Now I understand what he meant.
Despite my biological age ticking upward, I don’t feel sixty-three. Not only am I an animal advocate, but I’m also a lifelong advocate for natural health. As a former acupuncturist and plant-based nutritional consultant, I do my best to nurture what I consider the three pillars of wellbeing—mind, body and spirit. Primarily I eat a whole foods vegan diet, play pickleball, hike, and do yoga to stay active, and am mindful of my emotional and spiritual wellness. Fortunately, I also share my home with a 4-legged health and wellness buddy. My rescue dog, Grace, couldn’t care less about aging, her grey hair, or the passage of time.
Every morning she bounds out of bed, eager to engage in whatever adventure the day brings. Grace’s pawsitive energy is contagious. Her vocalizations (resembling a barking seal) always bring a smile to my face as I stumble out of bed in the morning. When she sits by the front door or nudges my leg, she is telling me it’s time to get off the computer and get on with what’s important—a walk in nature or a trip to the dog park. At night, cuddling on the couch with a bowl of popcorn is a relaxing ritual we both look forward to.
These are my reminders that the important things in life, the times I will look back on as the most memorable, are the brief moments that come from our heart-to-heart connections with each other.
This is the beauty of growing older with an animal friend by your side. It’s about seizing the experiences life brings us, embracing unconditional love, and finding joy in simple pleasures.
Stay heathy and stay pawsitive,
Carlyn MDO
Animal Fun Facts
How old is your dog in human years? According to American Veterinary Medical Association, 15 human years equals the first year of a medium-sized dog's life. Year two for a dog equals about nine years for a human. And after that, each human year would be approximately five years for a dog. I hope you’re good at math but in case you’re not here’s a handy chart to figure it out.
Plant- Based Delicious
Lately, my husband Ken and I have been cooking Mexican food. Out of the blue I suddenly remembered a dish my mother made that I loved. Sopes! These crumpet-like savory appetizers are versatile, easy to make, and delicious! Check out this recipe - https://brokebankvegan.com/easy-sopes-recipe/
Question I’ve been Pondering
What do I value most in my relationships? I’m curious what that is for you. Feeling brave? Please post your answer in the comments.
What Grace and I Are Watching
Something you may not know about me. I worked in the movie business for 20 years in film editing. Storytelling, whether in a book or on the screen is a passion of mine. Most nights Grace and I will indulge on the couch with a snack while watching a show or a movie. This week we are all about Ugly Betty; a series that is a few years old, amusing, and silly, yet touches on some important themes. Available on Netflix.
What I’m Grateful For
Birthdays! Mine and others.
What You Can Do To Help Our Animal Friends
Animal Protection Voters was formed in October 2002 in New Mexico to reduce animal suffering by passing laws that better protect animals. In order to pass local, state and federal laws, it’s necessary to build a force that our lawmakers cannot ignore. That is why APV is here.
APV is having their annual fundraiser, Laws and Paws! If you love animals, and long to see a better world for them like I do, please contribute to my fundraiser. Any amount, large or small, is appreciated! And I would be EXTREMELY grateful!
Please Donate Here! https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/5396957
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