Each month, the founder of Elements Retirement Chiou See Anderson explores one of the elements of the Ikigai framework which she says is a great guide to being in a place of contentment during retirement years.
This month, she talks to Rob and Trish Meulman about being grateful.
CSA: How old are you and how old do you feel?
Rob: I’m 80, but I still feel like I’m in my 70s. In the words of the old song: some days are diamonds.
Trish: I’m 74. I still find it hard to believe I’m in my 70s and I like to think I can still do all the things I want to, though the body tells me otherwise at times.
CSA: As two of our ‘pioneers’ (first Elements residents), you are both such positive influencers – why do you think that is?
Rob and Trish: Having the strong partnership that we do, as well as sharing the same values, means that we have the opportunity to process the ups and downs of life together. We are able to approach life and people and events in a mostly positive way and use that to encourage others to look for the best in all that life presents us. Both work and parish involvement over the years developed skills and relationships that continue to underpin our lives
CSA: Gratitude is a mindful practice; how do you practise this element of successful aging?
Rob: I think our generation was taught not to expect everything to be laid on. We had to work at it and be grateful for it.
Trish: Saying Thank You was a basic part of good manners growing up, and, from that, gratitude is something that comes naturally.
Rob: Saying Thank You and being grateful, is just part of who we are – we did acknowledge what we were given, and we continue that attitude into our senior years.
Trish: We see each day as a blessing.
CSA: What makes you jump out of bed each morning?
Rob and Trish: After decades of early mornings with children and while working, in retirement we have now turned into night owls; so there’s not too much early jumping out of bed! However, even though there might be something like a medical appointment on the day, there’s always something different to look forward to. It’s a new day, with lots of possibilities. It might be one of the Elements activities that we enjoy or time with our friends both in and outside of the village, and of course the time with family which is always precious.
CSA: Was there a standout event/s in your upbringing that you feel led to your attitude toward life?
Rob: Coming from a large family, which had its ups and downs, we all had to chip in to make things work. This was a good preparation for the good and bad things that come our way.
Trish: I was the eldest of three girls, and I had to make my own way a lot as I was growing up. That probably made me fairly independent, always up for a challenge
CSA: What advice do you give to your grandchildren about living in the world today?
Rob: Be yourselves. Don’t be afraid to tell the special people in your lives “Love you” and be truly appreciative of the good and the bad things that come your way. Everything has something to teach us.
Trish: Always be true to yourself but think of others too. Be honest and empathetic. Nourish your inner self and continue to search for meaningfulness in your life.
CSA: What legacy would you like to be remembered for amongst your family and closest friends?
Rob: A genuine person who, mostly, tried his best.
Trish: An openness to people, willingness to laugh at myself, and a heart full of love for those who are close to me.
