A Conversation About: Perspective

By Jean Thomas

I considered my changed perspective this morning as I walked the dog. He got no adventure yesterday because the wind was so violent and the snow and ice were so impenetrable. My driveway is an ice skating rink. The walk was shortened this morning. There was simply too much ice, the snow was a slippery crust, and the wind was vicious. I did laugh out loud at one point while the wind was shoving me around. Twenty years ago I would have been out skiing and skating on the frozen golf course behind my house.

I have to admit to being past the age of Medicare eligibility. I have become breakable, or potentially, anyway. A lot of things have changed over the past couple of decades. Climate change has altered the gardening and natural worlds around me and time and age have conspired to alter my body.

Another word for perspective is outlook, and I think that’s maybe a little more accurate. My outlook is from a mind that’s still decades younger than the body that encases it. I think of the many examples of my friends, who are also now breakable. Broken bones and joint replacements are common events, with a huge cost in time and energy.

I now make my bed every morning, and make sure the dishes are washed before I go out for the day. I can’t believe I care, but if I fall over dead I don’t want to be embarrassed when they come to settle my “estate”. I’m considering writing my own obituary because so many of my friends have passed with little or no acknowledgment of their achievements. If you can’t brag on your way out, what’s the point?

And what about my gardens? I am reassured by my friend Duane Pancoast that I can adapt as my physical issues begin to override my goals. I already rely on a couple of nephews to come when I need heavy chores done, and have for years. I am installing more raised beds and shifting away from plants that need constant fussing. There are many ways to adapt, and Duane has written two books from his unique perspective. The titles are, “The Geriatric Gardener” and “The Geriatric Gardener 2.0.” Duane is in his mid-eighties and has suffered several health setbacks, so his expertise is authentic. I interviewed Duane on the “Nature Calls, Conversations from the Hudson Valley” podcast, episode 160. He is a great resource of common sense ideas and has a lot of ideas that make you wonder, “Why didn’t I think of that?” https://naturecalls.podbean.com/e/episode-160-adaptive-gardening/

Now, my perspective is from someone who has become a senior citizen, through sheer luck. But that perspective, of the body failing the still-youthful mind, isn’t limited to older folks. Many of us struggle with physical limitations regardless of age. Duane’s advice can help us all. He points out the idea that we should “tend, not toil”. In other words, enjoy and care for the garden, but don’t make it a huge chore. Find the best tools and use whatever shortcuts work for you. You’re not gardening to please the neighbors, or at least I hope not. Do the most urgent things first, take your time, and give yourself frequent breaks. Mostly, we’re not on a time clock. Remind yourself that it doesn’t need to be completely done right now. Relax when it’s too cold or too hot… the garden is patient. Adjust your perspective to one that suits you and your abilities.