It’s true – old age is not for sissies, but author Terry Goodkind has offered these words to live by: “Your life is yours alone. Rise up and live it.”

I’ve decided that it comes down to a few basic ideas: Do what you have to do. Do what you want to do. Have an attitude of gratitude. Make someone happy and laugh – after all, laughter is the best medicine, right?

My first goal is to simplify my life, as Henry David Thoreau did. I’m 82 and I don’t need everything in my house. If family members have indicated that they’d like a certain picture, special calendar, clock, rocking chair or other treasure, it’s theirs. We Americans tend to have too much stuff. I know I do. I’m consigning, selling or donating items to all charities – churches, the furniture bank, the Salvation Army. I’m offering items to friends who might have a use for them. This will take a while, but I can do it. Yes, I can!

I’ve said, “Goodbye curling iron, hello short haircut.” Wash and wear saves time. I always have my cell phone in my left pocket, my keys in my right pocket. I always write down everything I hope to do each day and cross it off when I’m done. I keep losing keys, but I think I’ve solved that problem. I had more house and car keys made, and now have one set in my right pocket and one in my handbag.

When I park the car, I try to choose a space where I can pull forward. It’s much easier than backing out. If that means that I have to walk farther from the store, so be it. Exercise is good for me. I always check the aisle and what the car is near – the carriages, a light pole, a group of trees. Still, I’ve found myself looking for a cranberry-colored Neon, wondering why I couldn’t find it.

Everybody who knows me realizes that tennis is my racquet. I started playing tennis at 13 and have enjoyed both playing and watching it, right up to today. I’ve won my share of games, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. At 82, however, instead of playing, I volunteer to coach. This summer, I had fun watching the ladies play doubles on the town courts. If the server makes a foot fault, I quietly speak to her and let her know (I watched Serena have a tantrum at the U.S. Open, when the lineperson called a foot fault. She lost the match and paid a $10,000 fine). If the ladies have never tried the overhead backhand, they practice it. I say try a shot down the line. It’s a winner (unless it goes out, but better to try and lose, than never to try at all).

Seven-year-old Ben watched the doubles play. He plays a little tennis, but likes baseball and riding horses better, he said. The doubles players were dashing after the ball and he said, “I never knew that old ladies could run so fast!” We all had a good laugh at that.

In May, I applied for a passport. When traveling in the past, all we needed was our driver’s license. But I’m getting a passport now “just in case” I finally go to France. An elderly lady preceded me out the door of the passport office. Doors can be hard to open, so I lent my weight to help. As we walked to our cars, she told me that she is 98 years old and she just got her driver’s license renewed. It expires on her 100th birthday. What an example of positive thinking! Incidentally, I’m still waiting for my passport to arrive.

Joan Flanagan, a quilting friend, offered some wonderful words about families:

My family has certainly been there for me. Just before Lee died on Jan. 31, I had some health problems. He visited me on the 30th and I had no thought that it would be our last time together. Our children and I shared hugs, tears and many memories. Their love is evident. My church family is supportive and loving. I have the best neighbors in the world (you know who you are). Thank you for being there for me. I will mention tiny Muffin – Linda and Joe’s dog. When I go each afternoon with a glass of wine, we always enjoy friendly conversation and laughter. Little Muffin is there, wagging her tail and welcoming me. William Thackeray said, “A good laugh is sunshine in a house.” So true!

Last fall, the doctor advised Lee and me to stay busy. Well, we did; we were always in the yard mowing, planting and weeding. Now, my grandson Justin mows the lawn. The tree that shaded my peony shrub is gone and I look forward to seeing it bloom next spring. It was too shaded to bloom this year.

Years ago, Lee and I bought four lots at Cedar Cemetery. Lee’s inscription is “To work is to pray.” Mine will say, “Faith, family, friends.”