MANAGING A MINI MELTDOWN

It probably happens to everyone: a series of mishaps in a short period of time that overwhelms your nervous system. I’m not talking about a car crash, house fire, or tornado. Those are major events with life changing outcomes. But sometimes, it’s a bunch of little things that drive you to the brink. Managing a mini meltdown with the help of alternative therapies such as mindfulness, meditation and tai chi can help.

But still, it was a tough weekend for me. Friday was the first anniversary of the death of a loved one.. Heading into the weekend, my husband’s fragile health condition took a turn for the worse, and we had to decide whether he should call the doctor. (Who isn’t available on weekends) The next afternoon, I lost my credit card at the grocery store. Later that day, had an unexpected visitor who we really didn’t want to see. When the mail came, I found two letters chiding me for overdue payments that I had already made through online banking.

And to top it all off, the 2022 election has turned out to be a nail biter. . I can remember when we knew the winners of all races on election night. Now, the counting goes on for weeks, with thousands of mysterious mail in ballots cropping up from out of nowhere to turn everything around. And when the person running for governor in Arizona is also in charge of the election, you lose faith in the entire electoral process. It’s disturbing to realize that our nation could be run by people who weren’t elected legitimately.

By Sunday night, my stomach was churning and I wondered how I could even fix dinner. Turned out I didn’t have to, because my husband only wanted a fruit smoothie, which suited me just fine. Then, I sat in the recliner, closed my eyes, and took a few deep breaths. Mindfulness has taught me to accept my feelings, thoughts, and body sensations, without being overwhelmed by them. Concentrated on my breathing, meditated, then did some tai chi.

Breathe in. breathe out. My husband made it through the weekend without having to go to the ER. More deep breaths. The people who sent the deadbeat letters admitted they hadn’t gotten around to posting payments for over a month . Feeling calmer, Put my credit card on hold. Think I’ll become one of those little old ladies who write checks at the grocery store. Went swimming on Monday, and felt the gloom begin to lift. I can’t control the election process, so we’ll have to live with whatever happens.

The next time you have a mini meltdown, remind yourself that nothing lasts forever. With the help of meditation, mindfulness, controlled breathing, and other calming techniques, you can mange to come out on the other side. .

February 6, 2022February 6, 2022

8 BLESSINGS IN THE STORM

If you live in this part of the country, you just got through one of the wildest snow storms we’ve endured for years. At our age, we’ve lived through many such storms and blizzards. Especially, my Nebraska-born husband. However, we’ve been spoiled the past few years, with some fairly mild winters. We forgot what it’s like to live through one of those whoppers that left our trash cans frozen in a mound of hard, icy snow. Housebound for three days seemed like an eternity for a person who likes to come and go as she pleases. Nevertheless, we were grateful for 8 blessings in the storm:

1. No power outage. . We called several stores to see if we could purchase a kerosene heater, but everyone was sold out. Consequently, we were prepared to find a hotel room somewhere if we lost power.. At our age, we simply aren’t equipped to deal with all the inconveniences. But for once, Duke Energy kept us all wired. I don’t think anyone in our city lost power.

2. Children living nearby. My girls live too far away to be of any help during a storm. Fortunately, my husband’s twin sons are in town. They called every day to see if we needed help, and even picked up our mail. What a blessing to have adult children living in your same city

3. Hot beverages. Coffee in the morning, cocoa or tea in the afternoon. Sipping these warm drinks while watching the snow fall was so comforting.

4. Flannel sheets. Nothing helps a good nights sleep on a snowy night so much as snuggling up in their warmth. Go one step further and wear flannel jammies all day long.

5 .I phone, with all its apps. Our newspapers weren’t delivered, but my trusty smart phone kept us informed of all the latest news. Also, there are several meditation apps. I’ve been using Calm for years, and it’s helped through some rough times. It’s amazing what a few breathing exercises and inspirational messages can do for your peace of mind.

6..Library books. We loaded up on enough to get us through the storm. There’s nothing cozier than reading a best seller and sipping a cup of tea while the wind blows outside.

7. Amaryllis in Bloom. Indoor bulbs are a beautiful way to brighten winter days. Ours opened up just as the snow started to fall.

8. Jigsaw puzzle. As children in the post depression years, we always had one in progress . Without television, computers, or smart phones, these puzzles entertained us on dreary winter days . Modern technology rendered them obsolete. But all of a sudden, we realized how much fun they are. And they’re good for the aging brain!

When the snow melts and the sun shines, we’ll remember these 8 blessings in the storm of 2022 with gratitude.

January 9, 2022

WATCH OUT FOR COLD WEATHER HUNGRIES

Most of us eat way too much between Christmas and New Years. Then comes January 2, and you’re afraid to step on the scale. Did you know the average person gains at least a pound over the holidays? But it doesn’t stop there. Most add another pound or two until spring arrives. That first week in January, when the temperatures plunge, you’re apt to wake up feeling much more hungry than usual. You wonder if your blood sugar is too low or too high, or what’s up? Watch out for the cold weather hungries!

It’s a known fact that cold weather makes us hungry. Our body needs fuel to stay warm. As a result, you’re liable to gain weight during the winter months. How are we going to handle those hunger pangs?

First off, don’t bother counting calories. Start with techniques learned during meditation. Hunger is a physical sensation, but there’s an emotional component. Hunger makes us throw caution to the winds, and gobble down much bigger portions of whatever meal we’re partaking. Try this: When you feel hungry, stop and think. Take a few deep breaths. Identify your feelings. Yes, I am hungrier than usual because it’s cold. But that doesn’t mean I need another piece of toast or an extra bowl of cereal at breakfast. Lunch at McDonalds? No, I won’t order a big batch of fries. A plain hamburger and a glass of milk will fill my stomach very nicely. Eat slowly; don’t increase your intake and portion sizes just because the cold weather makes you hungry.

In addition, cold weather can make you feel sluggish. The thought of going outside for a walk or running errands is unappealing. You would rather sit by the fire and read a book Or take an extra long nap. Encourage yourself to keep going at the same pace as if it were nice and warm outside. When it’s below freezing, and too cold to go outdoors, do something to take your mind off food. Time flies when you’re working on a jigsaw puzzle. Get creative: sew, knit, or crochet. Paint your bedroom. Rearrange the furniture

If your tummy still has yearnings, sip a warm cup of herbal tea. Munch on an apple or a handful of almonds. Try out a new vegan recipe.

Watch out for cold weather hungries!

May 7, 2021May 7, 2021

OLD DOG LEARNED 10 NEW TRICKS

No one can predict how much time we’ll spend on this earth, but there’s a general perception that everything goes downhill after 80 years. In some ways, that’s true in regard to physical capabilities. There’s arthritis, high blood pressure, and all those other physical conditions that the elderly must cope with. However, this old dog learned 10 new tricks after her 80^th birthday. Since that milestone, I have learned to:

1. Start a blog. This was like learning a whole new language. I could never have done it without the generous help of younger folks at Ivy Tech Community College and the Vigo County Public Library.

2. Make a smooth omelet. My omelets were always lumpy and falling apart. Finally, I went on You Tube and learned the secret is using a blender to whip up the eggs before pouring them on the skillet

Old Dogs Learn 10 New Tricks. You can learn to play Mahjong after 80 — Old Dogs Learn 10 New Tricks. You can play Mahjong at any age.

3. Play Mahjong. I was a bridge player since college. Years ago, I attempted to play Mahjong, but soon gave up, as it seemed too complicated. And then, three years ago, I was lucky enough to find the right teacher. I still enjoy bridge, but Mahjong is just as challenging, without the pressure of pleasing a partner. And you can play online!

4. Navigate Netflix. We started sending for Netflix CD’s several years ago. But when the pandemic hit, we kept hearing about all the Netflix series that could be streamed . It seemed way too complicated, but a Netflix customer service person walked me through all the details. Binging on a Netflix series like Bridgerton helped us through the long winter of Covid-19 isolation.. We’ll be watching less TV this spring, but I’m so glad I learned how to stream.

5. Rebloom an amaryllis bulb. Three years ago, my husband ordered a pot of amaryllis just in time for Christmas. I had never seen anything so miraculously blooming in the winter. After reading the instructions, saved the bulbs, and repotted them the next winter. It was exciting to see the leaves shooting up slowly, and 6 weeks later when the flowers bloomed again. Now I’m hooked. My basement has nearly a dozen bulbs hibernating until next winter.

6. Stop a nosebleed. My husband is prone to them because he’s on blood thinners. Usually, we called the doctor if it happened. But during the pandemic, we didn’t want to sit in a doctor’s office with other patients. We got online and found this advice: : Have the patient lean forward, not back. Take a cotton ball and soak it in liquid nasal decongestant. Put the cotton up the nostril that’s bleeding. If you have a nose pincher, use that. Otherwise, pinch with your fingers. Within 15 minutes, the bleeding has usually stopped.

Other new skills acquired were: 7) Online banking: transferring money and paying bills via the internet, 8) Practicing daily meditation using the Calm app. 9) Texting messages and sending photos on my cell phone 10) Completing jig saw puzzles.

If you dread turning 80, or have already reached that milestone, just remember: It’s never too late for old dogs to learn new tricks.

December 16, 2019December 16, 2019

RECOVERING FROM FRIDAY 13TH

Are you superstitious? I used to be, until I finally stopped attending psychic fairs. But last Friday, I began to reconsider my feelings about the power of the supernatural. After a really bad day, I’m still recovering from Friday the 13^th.

It began at 5:30 a.m. I ‘m awakened by severe leg cramps. Tossing and turning, I try to make them stop. But when I jump out of bed, I feel dizzy. Not sick, no fever, just that my head is spinning.

After calming down, I decide to go for a swim to clear my head. At 8:30 a.m. I pack up my gear and head for the local college pool. It”s cold, and I have to park a long way from the sports center. Trudging up the hill, I see that the lights are turned off, and the pool is closed. Bummer. Shrug, it’s just one of those things.

Return home and check my iphone. Battery life down to 3%. Plug the cable in; nothing happens. This means I’ll have to drive to AT&T, which will probably mean a long wait. Then, I’ll have the hassle and expense of a new phone.

I go to check my rental property where I’m paying a painter by the hour. But, he’s not there, the work isn’t finished, and I’ve already paid him 4 times as much as anyone else who’s done the work before.

Back home, I flip on the TV, and see that the President of the United States has been impeached. No matter which political party you support, this is very bad for our country. It’s going to be a gloomy Christmas holiday in Washington DC.

On Fri. 13, my computur was hit by a virus — A virus hit my computer on Friday the 13th.

Turn on my computer and find I’ve been hit by a virus. Can’t access any of my apps like Google, or Word. Do a system restore which takes over an hour. Download and re install Chrome, but can’t activate Word. Block my antivirus program, do another system restore. Still no Word. Can’t open any of my documents. Call the web host for my blog, and talk to a service rep with an incomprehensible accent. Looks like I’ll have to wait until next week, to call Geek Squad

Jump in the car and head to AT&T. Service rep finds I have a broken cable. Whew, easy to fix. He plugs it in, and while I wait for a recharge, he says I really need a new phone because my battery is old. I take his word for it and reach for my credit card, but it turns out my husband has to be there because the contract is in his name. (More about this in next post) I leave for Kroger Store, and can’t find my credit card. Return to AT&T, root thru my purse, finally find the card. In my confusion, I’ve stuck it in a hidden slot.

Now I’m driving home, and falling back on meditation techniques. Breathe in, breathe out. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Stay calm. Nothing catastrophic has happened. Breathe in, breathe out. My house didn’t burn down. I haven’t wrecked my car. I don’t have a serious illness (that I know of). Back home, I’m outwardly calm. I fix dinner as usual, and listen to the news.

When stressed out, meditation helps — When feeling stressed, it helps to stop and breathe slowly, in and out.

Good news: Sat morning, I open my computer after doing another system restore, and I have all my apps back. I can use Word to write this blog. I can go through Google. My head is clear. My iphone works fine with a new cable. A new Nafta trade agreement was signed by Congress. Hooray!

And yet, I’m still in recovery mode. And now I can’t open AOL. How was your Friday the 13^th?

October 7, 2019October 7, 2019

DO YOU TAKE WHIMS OR STICK TO IT?

Most of us know people who take whims. We might even act on a few ourselves. What’s wrong with that? We may decide we don’t like our job, our spouse, or the place where we live–and walk out. We may take up tennis or gardening for awhile , then quit. What kind of person are you? Do you take whims or stick to it?

The practice of tai chi has many benefits for those who stick with it.

For the past 15 years, I’ve attended a class in tai chi at least twice a week. Tai chi has helped me walk again after a bad fall,and several bouts of sciatica and arthritis. Its meditation techniques have gotten me through personal sorrows. With all the obvious benefits tai chi has to offer, I’m saddened by the fact that so many people take it up on a whim, then leave after a few months.

Why would a person give up on a simple practice that has so many psychological and physical benefits?. Tai chi is cheap and easy. But it does require plain old stick-to-itiveness to reap the benefits. Maybe you started for the wrong reasons. To lose weight? Actually, it’s not a vigorous exercise, and it won’t work off those extra calories you consume every day. However, if you stay with it long enough, it may calm you down, and reduce “stress eating.”

There’s an old saying, “Losers quit when they’re tired; winners quit when they’ve won.” The quote is about determination, and the willingness to persevere. If someone drops out of an activity because it’s tiring, and they haven’t gotten the desired results soon enough, they’ve lost the time and effort they invested, and wasted an opportunity to succeed.

Do you ever look back on your childhood, and wish you’d stuck with those music lessons? If you had, you might have become a country music star or a concert pianist. Did you take some bridge lessons once, then quit because you weren’t winning right away? If you had stuck with it, you could have an enjoyable pastime even if you live to be 90.

What should you do when you get tired of something you’ve started? That’s when your determination kicks in. Keep going. Winner’s quit when they’ve won!

Are you superstitious? I used to be, until I finally stopped attending psychic fairs. But last Friday, I began to reconsider my feelings about the power of the supernatural. After a really bad day, I’m still recovering from Friday the 13th.

Back home, I flip on the TV, and see that the President of the United States has been impeached. No matter which political party you support, this is very bad for our country. It’s going to be a gloomy Christmas holiday in Washington DC.

What should you do when you get tired of something you’ve started? That’s when your determination kicks in. Keep going. Winner’s quit when they’ve won!

Are you superstitious? I used to be, until I finally stopped attending psychic fairs. But last Friday, I began to reconsider my feelings about the power of the supernatural. After a really bad day, I’m still recovering from Friday the 13^th.