At Riverstone, we know our residents carry a lifetime of experiences, stories, and lessons worth sharing. We are proud to introduce Wisdom Wednesdays, a new series where we sit down with a resident every two weeks and ask them a thoughtful question. Each conversation invites them to reflect on meaningful moments from their past or share advice shaped by their life experiences.
This series is close to our hearts because we believe in celebrating the voices and perspectives of our residents. Their wisdom is a gift, and we want to share it with not only our communities but also with families, friends, and anyone who loves hearing stories that inspire and connect.
You can watch each new installment in our Wisdom Wednesdays Playlist.
Wisdom Wednesdays: John
For this week’s Wisdom Wednesday, John shares a motto that has guided him through life’s transitions: “Get on with it.”
At first, it sounds simple — almost too simple. But as John explains, the meaning runs much deeper. To him, “get on with it” means accepting where you are and choosing to truly be present in the moment.
John reflects on his move to Rose Park, when he was told there would be an adjustment period. Change, after all, takes time. When he walked through the door, he made a conscious decision. He told himself: “Get on with it. Be here.”
Like many of us, John admits he tends to dwell on the past or fantasize about the future. While both are natural, living too much in either can cause us to miss what’s happening right now. As he puts it, it’s very easy to miss what once was — but the important thing to remember is, this is where you are.
John points out something we don’t always think about: you can be physically present somewhere without being psychologically present. You can sit in a room, go through the motions, and still not have fully chosen to be there. “Getting on with it,” for John, is about making that choice — choosing to engage with the present moment instead of letting it pass by.
His wisdom is a gentle reminder that life doesn’t wait. Wherever we find ourselves — in a new chapter, a familiar routine, or somewhere in between — we owe it to ourselves to show up fully.
Sometimes the best advice is the simplest: be here, and get on with it.
