Christine Lisiecki: Happiness is a State of Mind

Christine Lisiecki is living her best life every day, finding fun in life no matter what else is going on. The day we talked, Christine was finalizing the sale of her condo and preparing to move into an independent living apartment at New Haven Senior Living in Little River.

“I found New Haven through a friend,” Christine told me as we began. “My family has wanted me to move into Independent Living for some time. I have one son in Pennsylvania, and one son in Boston – they’re concerned about me. So finally I started looking.” Christine found quite a few that weren’t a good fit for her, but New Haven is perfect for her active lifestyle. “There were a few things that I really liked; one, they have a swimming pool and I love to swim, and two, they have happy hour six days a week!” After we shared a laugh, Christine told me her sons came down and agreed she has made a good choice. “I’m looking forward to moving to New Haven. The amenities are beautiful. And someone will always be available if I need assistance.”

Christine will have a roommate – her 13 year old Westie “I rescued him when he was six,” Christine told me. “He’s my Velcro dog and never gets far away from me – he’s a lousy conversationalist though.”

“I’m a very social person. I worked in sales and have always enjoy being around people,” Christine told me when I asked about her decision to move. Most importantly, this is her choice. “Make your move to independent or assisted living when you’re able to do it, not when your family has to do it for you.”

“I’m 89 but I don’t feel 89. And I don’t dress like 89,” said Christine when I asked about her life. “I keep active, even though I haven’t been able to do as much since the corona virus started.” A lover of fashion, Christine enjoys shopping for clothes, even though she does most of her shopping online now. “My UPS man says I’m his biggest customer,” she laughed. “If I don’t wear if for a year, I get rid of it!”

Christine was widowed 20 years ago and was living in New York at the time. She has always worked, starting out in administrative work and at one time she worked for a company that sold Lear Jets. “I sold the accessories, but these accessories could cost more than $200,000,” Christine remembered. Then she went to work for a tech company called Time Plex that developed the technology leading to artificial intelligence like the Alexa we use today. “My last job was working as a receptionist for BMW. I moved to Pennsylvania to be near my son and didn’t know a soul. I had so much fun at that job.”

“My two grandchildren live here. Christopher owns a local business and Elizabeth is a travelling nurse.” Both are helping Christine pare down her belongings. “I decided on the one bedroom unit at New Haven, and I will still have a kitchen, even though I can eat three meals a day in the dining room.”

When I asked how she stays so upbeat Christine replied, “I love life, first of all, I always feel it’s so much easier to smile than it is to frown.” Continuing, she said, “I had a good home life and a wonderful husband. When he passed I made a life for myself. I enjoy doing things.” Christine shared that she took up tap dancing at 50.” I don’t like to sit around doing nothing.”

“Formerly an avid golfer, Christine does still walk some, but says she’s not an avid exerciser. “The hot, humid weather is hard on me.” But she doesn’t let her age stop her. “I feel that even though you become older, you can still enjoy life. Just adjust your life to how you feel. I am not going to let anything get me down.”

“I feel very fortunate. If I die today, I’ve had a good run.”

To learn more about New Haven Little River, visit their website at www.newhavencarolina.com or call 843-305-7377. The brand new facility is located at 2585 Hwy 179 in Little River.