These are the qualities by which I chose to guide my life in my elder years. But, in order to be tangible, they had to have character; they had to come alive so that I could include them in my everyday struggle to become whole. They are role models based on women I have known who personify these qualities for me. Their example makes it possible for me to fulfill life’s blessings.
Integrity is clear about most everything. When she is not, she sits down and thinks hard about how to keep herself feeling like a whole piece of cloth without a single tear or rip. She loves seeing patterns come together, and pretty soon she knows what to do. She has abundant patience, inner strength and wisdom, but she never tells others what to do. She simply helps them discover what is right for them.
Connection relates to everything and everyone. She is an optimist and a toucher. She loves to hug and tells Health that they must hug each other 13 times a day to stay well. Connection also talks to trees and plants and rocks and to God every day. She is joined to every cell in her body, to every living creature, and relates to the planet and the whole Universe. She says you have to be connected to feel alive and to be holy.
Health is a strong woman. She jogs every day, eats organic food, thinks good thoughts, meditates and prays. Her body is supple, but she sees changes in her skin and feels tightness in her joints. She needs more rest than she used to and sometimes forgets things. But she has gathered more wisdom, her heart is open and she is calm. As Health reaches elderhood, she is growing deeper inside rather than getting stronger outside.
Spirit is the mother of everything. Since she is the ultimate creator, she is in everything and is everywhere. Yet, she is invisible. You can only feel her presence. As Spirit creates, she leaves her seeds behind to grow, which makes her the strongest force there is. Lots of people have relationships with Spirit, though she never utters a single word. Somehow, she sends messages without talking out loud.
Ina Albert is co-author of Write Your Self Well... Journal Your Self to Health, a journal/workbook written for people suffering from illness and stress based on research demonstrating the health benefits of expressive writing. As a healthcare public relations professional, trainer, workshop facilitator and consultant, Ina has written numerous articles for healthcare publications during her 35-year career. The author lives and writes in Whitefish, Montana.