Courage With Self-Compassion

Blue Ridge Mountain Range/Western N. Carolina/Photography by Gaye Abbott

“In a world of noise, confusion and conflict, it is necessary that there is a place of inner silence and peace; not the peace of mere relaxation but the peace of inner clarity and love.” ~Thomas Merton

---

I sit on the deck of friends who are away taking their daughter to New Jersey where she will begin her first job as an attorney at law, caring for their elder black lab and their not often seen nature loving kitty. The image above is what I am blessed with as I gaze out to the mountains nestled in the clouds.

As elders we are often asked, consciously or unconsciously, to be invisible and not take up too much space as our younger counterparts or adult children seem to simply not have time for us. It takes courage to speak out and take care of ourselves and each other by not hiding. By bringing our wisdom, compassion, humor, consciousness, our heart – and yes, our courage to every interaction we have each and every day.

To listen to another and take time to hold space for awareness to grow or not. Without judgement…only spaciousness. Simply to be present holding each other in a way that allows a full breath and encourages inner clarity and acceptance.

These days I am very aware of the judgements that we make within ourselves, as well as take on coming from others. I hear older people say that it takes so much longer to accomplish anything or heal. We sometimes feel that half our day is taken up with the care and feeding of our bodies, minds and creative hearts. I say with great compassion, what more important activity or task should we be focused on?

Yes, it sometimes does take longer to do daily tasks of living, and certainly healing an injury, but then aren’t we in a stage of life where it can be a relief to not be rushing off somewhere, but instead fully enjoying the simple acts of living from day to day. Opening to gratitude that we are blessed to still be here even with the challenges we face, and in that compassionate self care opening possibilities to positively impact those we care about; even complete strangers.

It takes courage to land grounded in the elder years of our lives. Without resistance or expectation, and with a great deal of letting go and surrender. How much more can we enjoy the moments of our lives when moving and interacting as if everything is sacred and has purpose – to be appreciated and grateful for.

A small 15-year-old miniature Dachshund named Penny who is blind and deaf has recently been my greatest teacher about courage, resilience and fearlessness. Observing her as she navigates new territory on our twice daily walks at a local Nature Park with her nose to the ground, her sense of smell very much intact, she investigates everything. Her ability to use energetic sensing to feel safe in her dark and silent world. I watch as she jumps up on a bed that she has never been on before with her very little legs, propelling herself like a star basketball player would when doing a jump shot.

It takes courage to maintain self compassion in the face of loss, grief, and ever changing physical/mental abilities. I have learned that adaptability and resilience is what growing older requires. Fighting against what seems like loses only contracts our ability to stay present and appreciate the precious moments as they present to us – knowing that is all we really have.

The dogs and kitties under my care teach me to live within these pathways of mindfulness and presence: Be in the moment, take time to savor life, go slowly, learn new things, explore and experience everything with a fresh new perspective each time, give and receive/ask for love without inhibition, enjoy every morsel of food, play vigorously and with abandon, be joyful just because you are alive, sleep deeply, walk daily, communicate an infinite amount without words, accept aging body challenges….and when our time is done here let go with grace and surrender.

Meanwhile, have the courage to howl when you are so moved!

“With past, I have nothing to do; nor with the future. I live now.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

---

RALEIGH, 2-year-old English Cream Golden Retriever with play friend Zoey

LET’S NOT FORGET PLAY, HUMOR…COMPASSIONATE SELF CARE, AND COURAGE IN THE FACE OF CHALLENGES!!

---

Thank You for being a subscriber to Wildly Free Elder posts – or finding your way here through synchronicity! Through 2025 there will be regular posts the middle and end of each month. Please feel free to contact me with your thoughts, reflections and wild creative endeavors to inspire others. Gaye Abbott (click here)**

If you don’t want to miss future posts simply sign up for the blog here: https://wildlyfreeelder.wordpress.com/blog/ *When you receive your email remember to click on the title in order to see all images and videos posted on the post website.

Please note that all blog posts can be seen on the HOME page by clicking on the Blog Archives tab.

Gaye Abbott, Wildly Free Elder, 07/30/25