I have experienced this struggle too, Thomas, so I can really identify with what you have written here. It's so true that our aging minds need to be stimulated and exercised every bit as much as our aging bodies. We cannot be content merely to slump down upon the memories of past glories; there can be new glories to achieve, even if it is as simple as writing a poem, or even a line of verse or a sentence that pleases us. I am so glad you realized this and did something about it! Not everybody is able to reinvent themselves enough to find a reason to get up with a sense of hope or purpose each day, as you have. Three cheers for you and for the concept of embracing "beginner's mind"!