There is a peacefulness to it, a sense of inevitability as the leaves begin to brown and fall from the trees. The striving of spring has gone, along with the glory of summer, and life is busy buckling down for winter. It’s the season of preparation and reflection, of acknowledging what has come to pass and accepting what hasn’t. - excerpt from “all that is lost between us” by Sara Foster Whilst walking yesterday and enjoying the beauty of autumn leaves as shown in the accompanying photo with a group from Wandin Probus, conversation turned to the similarities between the season of autumn and the ageing process we are now going through. As 65+ retirees, we recognise how we are now in a stage of life where life itself seems to be slowing us down, the joints and muscles are not as flexible or forgiving as they used to be, and the drama of life’s issues seem to be more tiresome than ever before. Some expressed a sense of concern and regret about things not said or done, others expressed fear about what might be heading their way and a couple expressed gratitude for the life they had created and the people around them. These differences of opinion got me thinking about the people I have been connected to over the years whether family and friends, through personal connections and acquaintances through work or interest groups or the many I assisted and supported in my career as a small business advisor and skills trainer. What stood out to me was there seems to be three main groups - those who have a growth mentality, those who have a retirement mentality and those who have totally given up. Those who have given up are the saddest of all. Some see themselves as victims of others and/or circumstances. Others are genuine victims who have lost their inner drive or have been emotionally crushed and had it taken away from them. Their world is small, they are often angry, bitter, defensive and so fearful of connection, they push everyone away. Those with a retirement mentality (not just age related - people in this category can be 8, 18 or 80) are the people who are usually life’s passengers. They tend to be the passive ones who go along with the crowd, prefer not to rock the boat and/or are often easily led down paths that don’t really serve them like addiction. Those with a growth mentality are the ones who have a desire to make life better, whether for themselves of for others. They are the helpers, the givers or, as I call it the 20% who are willing to get their hands dirty and do the work. They, like everyone else, often make mistakes along the way BUT, the people with a growth mentality usually learn from these and make necessary adjustments for life to be easier in the future. In terms of Autumn, I see these “types” as follows - the ones who give up as the leaves dropped on the ground, the ones with a retirement mentality like the tree itself - patiently waiting for the seasons to turn for them and the ones with a growth mentality being the ones preparing themselves for springs warmth so they can blossom and bloom once again. I have a little saying I use in my life which is “when you’re green you grow and when you’re ripe you rot.” - our futures depend on the choices we make as to whether we stay “green” or NOT. Club Members really enjoy their coffee and the camaraderie that goes with it.
Many or our Members really look forward to our regular monthly Coffee & Chat group which meets on the 1st Friday of each month from 10.00am at the Yarra Valley Deli & Café in Wandin. Usually there are 8 to 10 who gather for a friendly chat as part of our aim to be 'looking out for each other' and ensuring everyone is doing OK. Members participating in our walking group ALSO love their coffees at the Carriage Café after walking along the Warby Trail most Tuesdays and Thursdays (subject to weather). Walks start from the Carriage Café car park at 9.00am and go for approximately an hour. After that, it's time for a coffee - usually hot in winter or iced in summer - but you have what you like. This friendly after walk coffee lasts for about an hour for those who have the time but like every thing else, participation is optional. And of course, who can say no to a good coffee after our regular monthly lunches? Monday Munches are held on the 3rd Monday of each month at different hotels or restaurants around the Yarra Valley area from 12.30pm to around 2.00pm. Most venues we visit have a variety of smaller meals designed for seniors (or those not so hungry) and attending Members/guests pay for what they order. If you live in the Yarra Valley area and would like to join us at anytime simply click on our Activities Page for more information OR browse our website for all the latest about who we are and what we are doing. Wandin Probus is a club designed for +55's who are seeking companionship, fun, and maybe some new friends. So please feel free to reach out if you're new to the area, have recently retired, would like to connect with others in the local community OR like many of us, have been feeling a little isolated from Covid and are ready to spread our wings again. We happily welcome guests to any of our activities - simply let us know who you are and which event you would like to attend via email or via the Contact form on our website. Looks appealing doesn't it?
Club Members interested in stretching their legs and enjoying some fresh air gather for a walk along the Warby Trail on either Monday, Tuesday or Thursday mornings - some come to one, others to all three. The pace is more tortoise than hare but, it does fill the lungs with fresh air, the ears with birdsong and the heart with joy. Club Members (and guests) meet at the Carriage Café car park in Seville at 9.00am for the Tuesday and Thursday walks and the old Seville Railway Station car park for Monday walks. Many stay for a chat over coffee after the walk so they can put burned calories back on before heading home - not necessarily the 'body' healthy option but certainly a great one for beating the blues or that sense of isolation and loneliness some +55 retirees feel. The walk is open to ALL +55's from around the Yarra Valley - so if you're interested in coming along; Simply contact us via this link and we'll call you back to confirm details. |
Wandin Probusis all about fun and friendship for +55's across the Yarra Valley. Our Club meets at 10.00am on the 2nd Wednesday of each month in the Seville Public Hall. ArchivesCategories |