AUGUST RECESS MEANS LESS STRESS

The infighting among Republicans and Democrats the past few years has left us frazzled and worn out We feel like the unhappy children of parents in a toxic relationship. All that fussing and fighting on an every day basis makes us insecure, worried, and depressed. But at least the August Recess means less stress..

these two prominent politicians totally lack charisma — Are you tired of seeing the faces of these two men in the media?

For just awhile, we don’t have to see Adam Schiff’s eyes sparkling with delight at the thought of impeachment. ( According to Wikipedia, Schiff has appeared on television 227 times in the past year) Enough already! . On the other hand, Mitch McConnell’s down turned mouth and general grumpiness isn’t all that inspiring. His sour puss makes you wonder if he’s suffering from indigestion. He could pose for a Tums ad any day of the week.

Just for fun, let’s pretend we Americans are the kids in a family where Donald Trump is the Dad, and Nancy Pelosi is the Mom. It’s obvious that the two of them hate each other, will never agree on any thing –and we are the helpless spectators.

The feud between the Democrats and Republicans brings to mind the Hatfeilds and the McCoys Or perhaps the Montagues and the Capulets. I ’m at the point where I no longer care who wins or loses this election. I’m just tired of all the lies, bickering and name calling. Every national tragedy is politicized. This is one of the most dysfunctional legislatures I’ve ever witnessed in my lifetime.

Even though our nation has endured tough times lately, we’ve felt a little more at ease this August. The politicians finally left us alone and the media has gone back to normal. The August Recess means less stress. But come September, the “grown ups”? will be back from vacation, and we kids will have to listen to the same old stuff.

April 17, 2019April 17, 2019

SECRET TRIUMPHS OF THE HEART

Many of us are struggling with inner demons that no one knows about. You may be uncomfortable at social events. You could be struggling with a slight case of depression, or an addiction to alcohol., prescription drugs, or nicotine. Your weight might be affecting your health , but you can’t stop over eating. You limp along with these afflictions, until one day, you face reality and decide to do something about it. You might seek counseling, or maybe just some self help books. You enroll in a support group like Weight Watchers. And at last, there comes a time when you realize that your efforts at changing your life have paid off. These are the secret triumphs of the heart.

Seniors often struggle with inner demons that they are resigned to — YOU MAY BE STRUGGLING WITH FAILINGS OR INNER PROBLEMS NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT; ITS TIME TO GET YOUR LIFE BACK

The trouble might not be one of spirit , but of body. A sudden onset of sciatica makes walking painful.. You feel off balance at times, but you won’t submit to the indignity of using a cane. Suddenly, you can’t hear what your grandchildren are saying. Driving at night is scary because you see halos around the street lights..

For a while—months, maybe years–you deny these failings of your aging body. But suddenly, you’re tired of it all, and you realize you don’t want to do this anymore.

You make an appointment with a physical therapist, and faithfully do the prescribed exercises at home, even after your Medicare coverage runs out. You bite the bullet and buy some hearing aids. You see an eye doctor and agree to whatever surgery or treatment he recommends. You share your fears and insecurities with a counselor.

Instead of sinking into a chair and looking out the window, you make the decision to get your life back. You work on overcoming these problems by whatever means it takes. With the help of modern medicines you can see, hear, and walk.—maybe not as well as you used to, but better than before. You can go places and do things. These are the secret triumphs of the heart.

December 14, 2018December 22, 2018

FOR SOME, TIS NOT THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY

For the average happy, healthy person, Christmas is the best time of the year. But for those who’ve hit a rough patch in life, it’s not so great. If you’re going through a divorce, illness, job loss, or a myriad of other personal crises , the holidays only increase the feelings of isolation. For some, tis not the season to be Jolly.

Each individual man, woman, or child deals with sadness in their own way. Some pray, or seek counseling. Others turn to mind altering substances like drugs and alcohol. I am not qualified to offer any expert advice to those unfortunate individuals who are feeling holiday blues.

It's worse to be sad when everyone else is happy — The holidays can be a sad time for those who are experiencing a personal crisis

But common sense tells us there are ways to cheer and comfort anyone going through a bad time. Often, the person doesn’t want to share their feelings. They may put on a happy face as though they are perfectly alright. if we’re close enough to our co-workers, family or friends, we know who is suffering silently. But the last thing they want is pity.

If we go overboard with our feelings of sympathy by doing something extravagant, they will be embarrassed. Best do little things, like asking them to meet for lunch or go to a movie. Maybe a text to share a photo, or a phone call to say you’re thinking of them. .Sometimes, just going out of your way to smile and say hello could give them a lift. If they open up , listen to what they’re saying, but do not offer advice unless they ask for it. And if they dwell on negative feelings,, say something positive, tell a funny story, or share a little joke.

Don’t try to fix things. You can’t cure cancer, save a failing marriage, or bring back a lost loved one. But if they feel that you really care, you can cheer up a sad person and help them weather their own, private storm during the holidays.

Happy holidays,

July 25, 2018November 10, 2018

SELF HELP WHEN YOU’RE FEELING BLUE

If you were around in the 50’s or 60’s, you might remember that popular ballad by one of the greatest vocalists of all time, Nat King Cole.

“Pretend You’re Happy When You’re Blue” lyrics went like this:

Pretend you’re happy when you’re blue
It isn’t very hard to do
And you’ll find happiness without an end
Whenever you pretend

Remember anyone can dream
And nothing’s bad as it may seem
The little things you haven’t got
Could be a lot if you pretend

We all have “blue,” days. Maybe you had a disagreement with a friend, got into a fender bender, or lost your purse. Perhaps you’re sick and tired of hearing about Trump and feel like the world is falling apart. Whatever the reason, you haven’t slept well, and you wake up in the morning feeling down and out. What to do? Mope around all day? Overeat or feed some other addiction like nicotine or alcohol? No, just pretend you’re happy and act accordingly.

Smile. If it’s a nice day, put on a clean outfit and a pair of walking shoes, put one foot in front of the other, and take a walk through the park. Watch the squirrels chase each other’s tails. Listen to the birds singing. Laugh as the geese stop traffic while nonchalantly walking across the road. Admire the flowers. Watch green tree leaves fluttering with the wind. Feel the warm sunshine on your back. Keep going until you feel your mood lift.

Come back home, fix a cup of tea. Get up and go out with ordinary people, some of whom may be handicapped, yet still going on with their lives. Retail therapy helps if you don’t go overboard. Or maybe an hour in the reading room at the library. Whatever lifts your spirit and makes you realize your troubles aren’t nearly as serious as you thought.

And if you sing this melody
You’ll be pretending just like me
The world is mine, it can be yours, my friend
So why don’t you pretend?