Joyous Longevity

​“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” — Mary Oliver

February brings a milestone month for me as I turn 55. This marks the beginning of what I fondly call Act III. After a reflective intermission of five years, (a story for another time) I step into this chapter with excitement and curiosity for what’s to come.
As this new month begins, I express my gratitude for the book Joyous Longevity by Sieglinde Othmer. Gifted to me by my friend Karen, who discovered it at an art fair in Parkville, this book resonates deeply with me on multiple levels—touching on my work with seniors, my love for staying active and my desire to write. Joyous Longevity, The A-Z Field Guide, guides us through life's complexities, offering wisdom on how to embrace life fully, connect with the soul, and infuse each day with joy.
From the very first pages of Joyous Longevity, I knew I would connect with Sieglinde. When she described her age—her eighties—as a magical number, I felt an instant resonance. She writes: “As we start our journey together, I’m in my eighties. I’m bringing you magic with the magical number eighty. The eight, when lying on its belly, symbolizes infinity. It signifies eternity, which we all face, sooner or later. In Chinese culture, eight means abundance, harmony, and success. It embodies balance between the material and the spiritual way of existence.”
Her words stopped me in my tracks. In 2023, when I first embraced the idea of Act III, I spoke aloud—to myself and to God—that I would like to live to 88. It felt right. An even number, the year I graduated, and when turned on its side, a symbol of infinity.
That moment in the book felt like a confirmation—one of many. Page after page, it was as if I were hearing from my future self at 80, offering wisdom and reassurance. That’s how I knew I needed to meet Sieglinde.
I was drawn to Sieglinde’s story and her vibrant zest for life. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to cross paths with wise and inspiring women—women who move through the world with a certain grace and authenticity that captivates me. Sieglinde was no exception. When I met her briefly at a book signing, I instantly felt her energy—warm, passionate, and full of life. A few weeks later, I had the pleasure of sitting down with her over coffee to talk about her book and her love for writing.
Our time together felt cozy. She was gracious and vibrant. And very curious. She asked all the questions while I simply basked in her light, soaking it all in. We talked about the writing process, our shared love of watching birds, and our passion for healthy, sustainable food. Her encouragement was both simple and profound: follow your heart, trust your desire, and let go of what writing should look like. “Just write. The other stuff will follow,” she told me in her lovely German accent.
With those words, something shifted. I stopped questioning. I stopped worrying about structure or outcome and instead embraced the idea that if the words flow naturally, they are meant to be shared.
As I step into Act III, I carry the spirit of Joyous Longevity with me—open, curious, and ready to embrace what’s next. And perhaps, years from now, I’ll look back on this moment the way Sieglinde looks back on hers—with gratitude for the journey and the stories yet to be written.

Wishing you all, Joyous Longevity!
J~
Check out Joyous Longevity and learn more about Sieglinde's writing 
https://www.joyouslongevity.com/

---