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Tag: refreshing

Pilgrimage Socks

Sun, October 3, 2021 Published by

What do you think of when you read the word ‘pilgrimage’? Websters Dictionary offers us two definitions; ‘a pilgrimage being a journey undertaken by a person to a shrine or a sacred place’, and also and perhaps more interestingly, ‘the course of life on earth’. Whether we think of pilgrimage being to a particular place, or within the wider sense of life itself being a constant journey towards finding enlightenment and joy, it remains clear that by necessity pilgrimage (even a metaphorical one) includes change, and importantly, a change within the person undertaking the journey.

Some time ago, while listening to a Rabbi speak about Jewish values relating to aging, I heard this quote; “I have reached an age when, if someone tells me to wear socks, I don’t have to”. Perhaps some of you can connect with that sentiment, and if you can then you are among illustrious company because that quote comes from Albert Einstein. I’m not sure how often Einstein wore socks, but there is something wonderful and refreshing about anyone who in growing older has also grown bolder.

The pilgrimage of aging is a journey, a journey to allowing us to know ourselves and God in a new light, accompanied by the wisdom of our years. That journey might be difficult, but if we look around us there will be people to help us on our way. If we approach aging as a pilgrimage to greater understanding rather than just the nuisance of ‘getting old’, then we open our hearts to learning, self-appreciation and freedom- even the freedom of not wearing socks if you don’t want to. May we all know that on our pilgrimage of life we do not journey alone. We all as fellow pilgrims journey with God as our guide. Perhaps this is best put by Sidney Carter in his hymn One More Step Along The World I Go; “You are older than the world can be, you are younger than the life in me, ever old and ever new, keep me traveling along with you: And it’s from the old I travel to the new; keep me traveling along with you.” So let us journey on together.

Happiness Is…

Mon, June 26, 2017 Published by

Ok, so I’m always reading articles and often quote them in this space when I write for the Roadrunner.  I saw an interesting recap recently of what makes you happy.  You might think it would be money, power or fame. Well, think again. Positive psychology guru, Martin Seligman, studied happiness and found these characteristics of happy people. How do you rate when it comes to feeling happy?

Find your peeps – happy people tend to spend time with others and spend the least time alone. We all need support from others, friendships and meaningful relationships.

Judging—happy people don’t judge themselves by what others do or have. They feel comfortable judging themselves by their own measures.

Toxic—forget the new car, the bigger house and the big screen TV.  Materialism is toxic for happiness.

Stay optimistic—no matter what happens, happy people stay optimistic. They look at the glass half full versus half empty.

Action—staying optimistic leads to action. It’s not just what you believe or your outlook on life that contributes to happiness, but action follows.

Give – remember the adage, “It is better to give then to receive?” This is true of happy people. They aren’t self-absorbed and are more satisfied with life.

Talents – we all have strengths and weaknesses, but happy people know their strengths and use them. They share their talents.

Gratitude – is part of being a happy person. Happy people feel it, appreciate small things and people. Life is a gift and so are the good things that happen to them.

Forgive – people who are willing to forgive others are happy people. Forgiveness prevents bitterness or feelings of resentment. Be quick to forgive and you will live a happier life. Forgiveness is the strongest link to happiness.

Invest – happy people develop intimacy and growth in relationships.  They invest in people and are willing to examine themselves in relationships and grow.

Embrace – shift your focus from material things to appreciating the beauty of our world. Build your intimate relationships and grow as a person. Do everything with a sense of giving and gratitude. Not only will you make the world better, but you will be happier!

I also thought about all of these in terms of the life that’s available here on campus, and so many of them are exactly what I see played out in the life enriching way in which hundreds of you continue to teach me the best avenues for successful senior living.  With over ninety clubs, organizations and classes in which to invest time, talent and a quest for lifelong learning, I hear so many of you say, “I’ve found my peeps”.  Well, maybe not quite that phrase, but that you have more friends and opportunities to engage than in many years or ever.

Your optimism is refreshing and contagious.  Looking at challenges as opportunities throughout life as many of you have, inspires me to be a better man.  So many of you also tell us, as we come to the point of discussing finances when moving here, that you eschewed materialism in order to raise your family and provide for later in life.  What an example you are to those of us who are constantly assaulted by media messages telling us we need more “stuff.”

The examples of giving of yourself, in terms of time and talents, are often astonishing.  Whether it’s a service organization, lifelong learning, teaching English as a second language, being a welcoming resident Ambassador, tutoring at Maryland School or your involvement in the emerging 19 North community action organization, I love basking in the light of your teachings.  You invest in, and embrace others, freely, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that so many of you often take the time to help me in innumerable ways.  So, before I get myself in trouble by starting a list (and inevitably leaving someone out), can I enthusiastically say, “thank you” from the bottom of my heart to you all?  This community lives out happiness in such a meaningful way, and I am so honored to enthusiastically represent it! 

Coming Updates with First Impressions

Fri, June 3, 2016 Published by

It is indeed a pleasure to join Beatitudes Campus at this significant time in its history. Having successfully weathered one of the most substantial downturns in the senior living industry, we are now poised to continue our emerging national leadership role as researchers and innovators in dementia care, as well as life-long learning for our resident population. Further, our long stated mission is to bring this type of excellence to as many deserving seniors as possible on our local campus. With that in mind, we have adopted a plan that calls for maximizing our current operations in order to take the next steps in our redevelopment process that Michelle Just, President and CEO, shared in this column a few weeks ago. She was very proud to report to the board and you that our operations are not only on target but exceeding expectations in almost every category.

Along with those favorable essential measurements, we are beginning some focused efforts to fill all of our remaining openings as the launching pad for our next phase. In assuming my new role as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, I have been asked to lead the campus first impressions efforts to make that happen. This is a term that many of you may have heard and it is a well-known phrase – but it still rings true – you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Prospective clients are looking for a new place to call home – and there are multiple senior living communities to choose from. If the first impression isn’t good – there will probably not be an opportunity for a second one. The Beatitudes Foundation has graciously agreed to provide $300,000 to help us address some of the most significant areas where we can enhance the appeal of some of our existing facilities.

As a result, you will begin to see a number of improvements in common areas including flooring, lighting and decor, beginning at our main entrance and into the lobby of the Nelson Administration Center, followed by common areas of Town Plaza, as well as in some of the independent living buildings and corridors, activity spaces and lobbies in the licensed healthcare buildings. Our goal is to establish a high degree of hospitality for both those considering Beatitudes as their home, as well as those who already reside here consistent with our Radical Hospitality Program that has already been introduced on campus. One of those tried and true standards that we know we notice, as many other senior living communities are reviewed, is the use of furniture groupings and lighting. Any of us who have sold homes have undoubtedly had our realtors tell us to turn on all the lamps as a hospitality signature for prospects, so as we continue this process, we are going to also begin Operation B-Welcome at Beatitudes Campus. Research shows that small “points of light” in unfamiliar settings trigger a warm and positive response, and that settings that show “community” (placement of furniture and lighting) evoke feelings of inclusion and accessibility. As such, we are going to strategically place new settings and keep the “candle in the window lit” (our lamps) throughout campus buildings. Can I ask that we leave the furniture as the decorator(s) place it and that the lamps remain on? I thoroughly appreciate and recognize the frugality that goes along with turning off lamps, however, ask that they remain lit to welcome all who enter. We have this expense covered with other economies that we have achieved and we will exponentially profit by our increased occupancies that we believe are certain to occur with all of our new initiatives.

These indeed are very exciting times at Beatitudes Campus! You will begin to see more outside groups coming to consider our life plan environment and continued development of additional programs and services to degrees not thought of even just a few years ago. Thanks so much for your warm welcome to the campus that you have extended to me and for all of your continued support, ideas and participation as we move into the new 2016-17 year! Fasten your seat-belts—we’re just getting started!*