Reflections on 2018
2018 has been a year of transition for me. It has had its ups and downs for sure! I have to say that, looking back, I feel it has been the biggest blessing in my life–through the perceived bad and the good. I realize that life is a journey and there is a purpose for each experience. I have always been a “glass half full” kind of person. Some days when I feel a little bit down, I reflect on the people who have come into my life and feel so much gratitude that I had the privilege of knowing them.
It has taken me 62 years to truly embrace this. I have discovered the importance of opening my heart to others and to people that I encounter each day. I live life to the fullest and know that our purpose as humans is to help each other in whatever way we can. We are all on our path to live our purpose, whatever that is for us. This realization has allowed me to embrace my journey and be grateful for each and every experience that gets me closer to my purpose.
One of the biggest joys that I have the privilege to experience is the wonderful members and co-workers that I am with every day working at the YMCA, where I am an instructor, teaching aqua exercise class. I love what I do and feel such joy going in to work every day. I truly feel appreciated and can see the difference I can make in peoples’ lives. I love what the Y stands for and the communities we support. My classes have grown and I appreciate each and every one of my members that want to have fun in the pool with me!! We are “gray-haired teenagers” and have a great time exercising together. I love the members that work out in our wellness center for their best life! If I can be the difference in helping someone feel comfortable coming into the gym and improving their life, my job is done! Exercising your body at any age is very important. I see the difference it makes in mobility and stability as we age.
This year has also allowed me to be me! I love my social friends and all the great times we have dancing on the weekends. I forgot how much I love to dance! They are all special people and we are comfortable being ourselves, enjoying each other’s company, and having each other’s back. We are there for each other! I have a loving family, but we don’t live close to each other. I try and see my mother and siblings as much as I can. My friends have become part of my family.
Life is good! I am so grateful for all the people in my life and the blessings you bring to me every day! During this holiday season and throughout the year, embrace your experiences and live life to the fullest. You never know when you can make a difference in someone’s life!
Namaste!
By Marie Giammarco
Marie Giammarco is a mid generation Boomer who came of age in suburban New York, 50 miles north of the city. A child whose mom and grandparents were Italian immigrants, her close knit family defined her growing up years. The product of an environment that revolved around food, health, and physical activity, she saw many elderly people age before their time because they lacked these things. She has a passion to help Boomers and Seniors to be active and live a longer, more healthy life.
Happy New Year, Marie! I remember meeting and talking with you several years ago. You did a demonstration of the exercises you teach. Thank you for this post. It is good to reflect on the good.
Thank you Marie for your reflection. It reminded me to really appreciate spending time with family these past two weeks. We went to Alabama for the New Year so we could visit my 96 year old mother-in-law. We got a chance to spend time with her and was so glad to know that she recognized my husband. On our way back to Virginia, we received a call that she had passed. Although we had to turn around and go back for her funeral, we have loving memories of a wonderful wife, mother, sister and most of all my mother-in-law, India Mae McCulloch. Rest in peace Mom.