Three Great Decisions Made in Six Months

Write about three great decisions you made in the last six months and their outcomes. Rupi Kaur's Gratitude Writing Prompts

Back in November, I decided to write a book about becoming an elder in the 21st century. I used short stories I had written previously and when National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) announced the plan for 50,000 words in one month, I knew this would be my topic.

All new words are not required and I knew that. I have written for NaNoWriMo before. I knew that I would have to write a forward, and afterward, a table of contents, about the author and artist and I planned to write a summary page about the chapters.

Some material from other books I had written would be included. Books I had used as a fundraising for Team Carrie Powwow For Hope Fundraiser. I was sure that like my book about cancer and diabetes, this book would not have a huge following, but that is okay with me.

It made sense to me to write it as I had most of the information I would need as that is all I had been talking about and thinking about in my 69th year of life. I had never had a crisis year before and this was mine.

Two cousins that had 30 as their big age talked to me about how tough that was for them. They thought it was terrible to be almost 30. They were thinking their life would be over.

Forties was a big deal for several people I know. And so were the fifties. Then sixties for sure people were feeling old. And they were. If you feel old you are old, I've found. I didn't start feeling old until my sixties, but I knew for sure that my seventies meant I would be old!

In my Native American culture, an elder happens at age 55. How I knew I was considered an elder in my community was that I started being recognized as such. I didn't feel old though. Someone referred to 55 as 'baby elders'. I could live with that.

A baby elder means that when someone gives you walleye, you want it in fillets, not fish you need to clean, or you may not accept it, I was told. I know how to fillet fish, so that would not be a problem for me.

I would be given a plate at a feast and not have to stand in line or if there was a line I could go to the front of the line. Then I was given certain medicines, like sage, sweet grass, cedar, and other gifts.

An elder was okay with me until I hit age 69. It wasn't the age 69 as much as I was heading for age 70. Or my seventies! I am okay with it now. After all, what is my alternative? I'm not ready to go anywhere yet. So, seventy it is!

In January, I was celebrating a big birthday. The kids wanted to have a party, like we did for my sixtieth. This year I turned seventy and this was the next big decision. I didn't want a party that would focus on how old I was.

I celebrate my birthday all month long and I have for a very long time now. My dad died on my birthday and it makes sense to celebrate on other days of the month. My 3 children helped me to decide we would take a trip for my birthday. It was great!

We went to North Carolina and they had a record-breaking cold day while we were there. It was -7. There was snow by our hotel. We didn't see snow or ice on the roads but many of their roads were closed. We had great food, had great times together and did some touristy things.

The benefit from that was that they want to do it again and I am excited about that, even if it is time together right down the road from my home. I thought because we didn't leave Minnesota temperature-wise, we wouldn't have to try to find warmer weather for the next trip.

In March I decided I would join a 28-day reboot. The idea was to declutter. A week in the kitchen, a week in the bathroom, a week in the living room, and a week in a closet. My husband was impressed with what we got done in the 28 days, so I signed up for another 6 months.

I have way more to declutter but I am making slow progress. That is really what I heard that I liked the best. Slow progress is better than no progress and sometimes people give up when they are overwhelmed. That was familiar as I would never start because of being overwhelmed.

We made a good start as you can see by just one little project. I have no idea why hubby needs a box of bread ties but he does. At least it is not 4 boxes worth of ties anymore.

I am so grateful for writing a book that I am editing now, for having such great children who want to spend time with me and each other, and for the support of coaches and declutterers to help me declutter, so my children and husband don't have to do it when I am gone!