everything old is new again

My hand hurts so I thought I would try to exercise it more – more than typing on my computer, anyway; so, I decided to return to crocheting. It was something I did 50 years ago. I made afghans, sweaters, hats, scarves, decorations for the home and more. It was a pastime in the literal sense – I would pass the time spent in front of football games my husband watched on TV which interested me only mildly.

Times changed and my habits along with them. And my interests. And then, times changed more. Children are grown. Husbands have passed on; football has given way to BritBox or NOVA. It is just me now, and one cat and even she has changed; she is quiet and old now. She is content to nap on my lap, and the dangling yarn is of little interest.

I don’t know if it’s nerve damage, arthritis or something else but it doesn’t matter. I figure anything I can do to assuage the aches and pains of growing old is a good idea. They crop up in the ordinary places, of course, but surprising ones, too. Like my hand. Just the right hand. Not the left.

It has all come back readily, as the woman who operates the yarn shop said it would. I think riding a bike would be harder but that’s because it takes the whole body. I’m sure I remember how to balance – that’s the tricky part we all had to learn – but I think my muscles and lung capacity would need more time to come up to snuff. But this. This I can do. I have mastered the tricky part of this too, and I remember nearly all the rest of it right away.

The softness of the wool yarn, the rhythm of the stitches, the progress of the project. Very familiar but new again. Pleasing. Meditative. Productive. And good for my hand.

So, what did you once do that you might revisit? Singing? Painting, drawing, scratchboard? Did you give up drama after high school or college? Baking or cooking? Woodworking? Volunteering in your community? Gardening, flower arranging, collage? Sure, you can have your New Year’s resolution. But don’t overlook the pleasure of re-discovering some of the old ones. 

As always, may your week ahead be one of active, creative engagement with every day that you live in it. May you continually create loving memories for yourself, your loved ones and every acquaintance and stranger you encounter.

I wish you peace and love.

(c) 2026 www.megreilly360

1/5/2026

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