"There is nothing permanent except Change", comes from Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher who lived some 2500 years ago. It's even more relevant today, given the many changes we all face.
My life has undergone several significant changes during the past two years, and I felt that my story might help others to cope with the challenges that they have encountered.
About a year ago, I discovered a wonderful website, http://www.seniorcorrespondent.com, which provided a online platform for "seniors" to submit articles for publication. I had always wanted to be a published author, and this seemed to be an ideal vehicle to accomplish that goal.
I had celebrated my 78th birthday, and thought a story about folks in their 70's would be of interest to my "underage readers." My submission was approved and on July 6, 2017 it was published.
*The reader may wish to read this article about my life back in 2017. My life was very good...adequate income, a stable residence, and good health. "Life as a Septuagenarian" Clip on the URL below. SeniorCorrespondent.com. http://seniorcorrespondent.com.
What I didn't understand at the time was that the Universe had some definite plans for me and my wife. It was getting ready to provide me with plenty of material for the next Chapters in my life. My life as a satisfied Septuagenarian was about to undergo a complete transformation!
"Chapter 1" After 20 years of retirement, I learned that my monthly benefit would be cut in half! I was told that there had been a "clerical error" shortly after I retired, and I had been "overpaid" by thousands of dollars! While the retirement agency admitted their error, we were still legally required to pay back all of the money. We sought out legal advice, but after months of arbitration, the final settlement left my wife and I with only half of my previous retirement income.
"Chapter 2" The financial bombshell would have been hard enough to deal with...but another shake-up was just around the corner. We had been leasing a large 2 bedroom home for approximately 7 years in a wonderful neighborhood. Several weeks before Christmas 2017, I received a call from our owner who advised that her brother had a serious health condition, and they would have to sell the home. We had until March 15th to locate and move to another residence. (Oh boy, more material for that next installment in our life!)
"Chapter 3". We soon discovered that rentals had doubled during the past 7 years, and with our "new reduced income," we had to move out of the area. We finally located a small 2 bedroom we could afford in Riverside County. The move was a difficult undertaking. It was very tiring to both of us.
"Chapter 4". On the morning of March 12th, Paula and I were enjoying morning tea and planning out our day. At one point, Paula said that I looked ill, and asked how I was feeling. I told her I wasn't feeling well, and felt pressure in my chest, and my left arm was some what numb. That's right! We both realized that I might be having a heart attack! She gave me 6 baby aspirins, and then drove me to a nearby Kaiser Urgent Care. I was seen by a doctor, and he verified that I was having a heart attack.
I was soon admitted to the Kaiser Hospital in Fontana, CA. I underwent an angiogram that showed I had major blockages in 3 heart arteries, and the next morning I had Triple B-Pass Open Heart Surgery.
The surgery was successful, but my rehab was arduous because surgery staff failed to take me off of a specific medicine that caused my blood sugar levels to "crash" multiple times. As a result, I came very close to dying. Several weeks later another doctor discovered the error, took me off of the med, and I immediately began to get better. My physical health has continued to improve.
"Chapter 5". So...our life has undergone shocks that turned our lives upside down. My initial reaction was one of anger and disbelief. Why had these things happened in the way they did? Had we somehow created an environment that caused these changes? What could we have done differently? Are there Lessons that will help us to better understand the Changes we have faced? And, perhaps, are there Gifts we have received unwittingly from these experiences? My answers to some of these questions are below in the Epilogue!
"The Epilogue". Taking a serious look at Chapter 1...where our monthly retirement was cut in half...I was certainly challenged, at first, in seeing any Lessons or Gifts.
Viewed from the perspective of today, the Lesson is apparent. It is not true that financial decisions are best handled by professionals. I had assumed that the Retirement agency would monitor my account, and after receiving the same benefit amount for 20 years, what could go wrong? The Lesson: Don't assume that others are carefully watching over your money. We later learned that the agency had not audited our account since I retired in 1997!
Was there a Gift in this situation? After some thought, yes there was. If we had not contacted the Retirement agency on that fateful day in August 2017, the clerical error would not have been discovered until my demise. Paula, my beneficiary, would have had to pay back the over- payment on her own!
Chapters 2 and 3...our move from San Diego, and relocation to Riverside County...was yet another series of events that proved very difficult. We had lived in the same house , resided in the same neighborhood, and developed friendships, for the past 7 years. We ended up moving to a very different community where we had no prior contacts. We were essentially starting over!
The Lesson that we learned was to remember that we had moved fairly often in the past. We knew the "drill" regarding moving, creating a home, and meeting new people. We had survived all of those moves, and we could do it again.
There have been several Gifts. We moved into a 50+ here our monthly rent is several hundred dollars less than we were paying in San Diego. It has a community swimming pool, and ongoing activities. It's a smaller 2 bedroom, but newer and located in a lake-side development. We are meeting new friends, attending a great church, and live near medical facilities and shopping.
"Chapter 4". On March 12, 2018 I had a Heart Attack. Four days later I underwent Triple Bi-Pass Surgery. My initial response was I couldn't imagine anything positive about my situation. As my weeks of recovery went by, I began to understand the Lessons and Gifts from this experience.
The main Lessons for me were the necessity of taking better care of my health and changing my lifestyle. During this past year I've changed my diet by eating less meat and more plant-based meals. I'm now on a low carb eating program, and a modified "fasting regimen." There has been a significant change in my use of alcohol...I only occasionally drink a glass of wine. I walk several times each week. I try to live each day to its fullest.
Perhaps the greatest Gift was the realization that the heart attack led to life-saving surgery that would not have taken place in the normal course of events. Neither my doctor or myself realized that I had such a significant blockage of my heart. Thus, the surgery has improved the functioning of my heart, and added years to my Life!
I've spent many hours thinking of the Lessons and Gifts, consciously forgiving the people and events that brought us to this point, and putting aside the resentment that continues to abate. My spiritual life within Religious Science, and Unity, and its teachings have helped me to move on, and focus on the future. Although some days are a real challenge for me, there are more and more days that I feel peaceful and happy with my Life. And, most importantly, my wife, Paula, has been a strength and guide for both of us. Her care and love for me have indeed saved my Life.
WEBSTER College Dictionary defines "Septuagenarian" as..."one who is between the ages of 70 and 80..." Well that's me!
I don't quite look like the cartoon ....no beard, don't smoke, no typewriter, and no cats! However, we might be getting a small dog soon.
About a month ago I celebrated my 78th birthday with my young wife in attendance, and quietly gave thanks for making it this far. I'm certain that she had much to do with this accomplishment, given her eternal optimism and her abiding belief that everything is "going to turn up roses". She is one of the most positive women I've had the pleasure to know!
So...what is life like as a Septuagenarian? All things considered, my life is rather good.
I'm married to a wonderful women.
We are both in good health for our ages.
Our income is adequate for our needs.
We have very little debt.
We reside in a nice home in a good neighborhood.
We live close to our "adult children" and grandchildren.
We have a close circle of friends.
Now...I wouldn't want you to get the impression that we are living in a"Ozzie & Harriet" TV lifestyle. We have challenges like any other couple. But we are quite similar in core beliefs regarding religion (spirituality), politics, family values, life goals, etc. We both believe that we are "soul mates" who were destined to be together in this life time.
My everyday life at 78 isn't much different than my life at say...74 or 75. I'm an early riser as before, but I'm not exactly bounding out of bed. I've found that moving a little slower, stretching my body, and rubbing my muscles...especially the legs...makes for a better morning.
My routine is quite predictable. I slip into my "uniform of the day"..Wrangler jeans and a t-shirt...; brush my teeth; splash on some after shave to wake up my face; and head to the kitchen. My wife is usually up before me and has the teapot water boiling and my green tea set to go. After a morning hug and a brief exchange, she's off to her home office to begin her day, and I'm in front of my computer...checking out the weather report, a look at our calendar, a check of my emails, writing my "Morning Pages", jot down a few lines in my blog, and then I'm off surfing the Internet.
My pattern is to check out general news first...Huff Post, Google News, Twitter, New York Times, L A Times, and spectrum Live TV. I then branch out covering politics, local news, the environment, health news, and several "activist" sites. Every 15 minutes I'll take a break...stretch, walk around, fix a morning snack, and rest my eyes. I'll post some articles on Facebook and Twitter, respond to emails, and make every attempt to limit my surfing to 2 hours. (Sometimes it works..)
While keeping informed is a serious component of my life, staying healthy is equally important. Walking and working out at the fitness center has been a "on again, off again" routine for the past few years. But right now, I'm stuck in the "off" mode and need to just get out there walking and going at least 2 days at the fitness center. I really do enjoy walking around the neighborhood, but working out on the machines is less exciting. I wish I could recapture my days of running Marathons and 10 K's during the 1980's, but that will just have to be a pleasant memory. (My own words have inspired me....going out for a walk right now!)
My life...especially during the past 15 years... has changed in many different ways. It's been a metamorphosis, a bit of a "shake up" at times, it has evolved slowly, parts have been renewed, others left behind, a Left turn here, and a Right shift soon after, a passage from one form, state or stage to another, a belief no longer held, an experience that challenged my view about many things, and a change that didn't change a thing!
Back in 2001-2002, life seemed simple and less complicated until "9-11" happen and several weeks later I was hospitalized and under went a procedure to correct my Atrial Fibrillation. (Knock on wood....no further Fibs in all these years!)
The Things that were important to me then at the beginning of a new Millenium seemed almost unattainable.
To live an Abundant life...
Enjoy good times with my wife, family and friends...
Stay active and enjoy good health...
Travel the World...
To engage in Life-Long Learning...
Be the Change I want to see in the World...
and Live everyday to its fullest...
And yet, many of these goals have been realized.
While we are not exactly living an opulent life, money is less important to me now. We've reduced our overall debt, and don't need to buy "stuff" and join the ranks of conspicuous consumers. Our 2005 and 2006 cars are just fine, and we aren't burdened with monthly payments. Renting at our age makes a lot more sense than taking on another mortgage. One credit card is sufficient for our needs I can't recall when I last wore my one suit.
After our return to San Diego in 2011, following a 6 year "sabbatical" in Prescott, Arizona, we returned to be closer to our extended family. They are now living in Los Angeles and San Diego County, and we see them all on a fairly regular basis. As of this writing, we have 3 grandchildren....a 16 year old granddaughter; a 9 year old grandson; and a 8 year old grandson;.... and another boy due to arrive on or around August 19th. We are blessed.
Since our return to California, we have renewed old friendships and established new ones. These relationships have assumed greater importance as the years go by, and are the building blocks that have created life-long memories.
As mentioned earlier in this post, Paula and I are in reasonably good health, and stay fit by a combination of walking, working out at the local fitness center, and for her, going to Yoga classes 2-3 times a week.
Travel is one area that has frustrated us. The type of world travel we are seeking is quite expensive. A River cruise through Europe, a visit to Great Britain and Ireland, South America, a Caribbean cruise, China and the Far East are all on our wish list. For now, we will have to limit our travel to the good 'ole USA, and specific trips in Canada and Mexico. 
Learning...reading, taking classes, exploring new ideas...has been a life long pursuit. My "bucket list" includes a goal to read the top 100 Classics before I leave this planet. (All those other books will have to wait for the Next Life! ) Which reminds me.....lately my learning has been more Spiritual and Metaphysical rather than traditional. I've been especially attracted to Eastern faiths like Buddhism and Taoism. The writings of Lao-tzu ...(The Tao Te Ching)...have been especially important in adding valuable content to my life-long learning. 
Since about 1980 I've been involved in Religious Science and the Unity Church. My education has never stopped. My questioning has increased with time. My beliefs keep on being challenged. Politics occupies a great deal of my thinking, especially since the recent election of Donald Trump. I've become a rather ardent activist in resisting his reactionary agenda! 
The balance of my life will be devoted to living up...as best I can... to the last two "subjects that are important to me"....
To be the Change that I want to see in the World, and, to Live Everyday to its Fullest!
So...at my "advanced" age, I am being the change that I want to see in the World, by supporting causes such as being an Activist for Climate Change, involving myself in issues that advance "Progressive" political and social programs, standing for Immigration Reform, marching for Peace, endorsing diversity in Race, religion, sexual orientation, gender issues, election reform, and free public education through college. (I'm sure I have left out other important matters that will be addressed in future posts.) My focus in the coming years will be less about political parties and candidates, and more about great issues. However, I will allow myself to speak about our current (since Nov 2016) political landscape, and my "resistance to the current occupant in the White House! I'll devote several posts to that.
To live Everyday to it's fullest has been a challenge for me.
All my life I've been so damn goal orientated...chasing after Fame and Money...and in the process, missing out on the essence of Life. While I had more than enough goals, I really didn't have a Purpose in Life. But after some serious thought...especially during the past 10 years... as the saying goes, I may have learned a thing or two. Life has taught me some important lessons:
Money wouldn't bring me happiness; Memories are priceless; Relationships are so very important; and a Simple Life was a better life, at least for me!
At this point in my life, I've decided on my Purpose, which is always subject to change (Of course...). While it is somewhat imprecise, it is still meaningful to me. Several years ago, I discovered this Purpose while reading a biography on Robert F. Kennedy. His quote: "THE PURPOSE OF LIFE IS TO CONTRIBUTE...IN SOME WAY...TO MAKING THINGS BETTER!" What I like about this Purpose is its inherent flexibility in allowing me to create without limitations.
Well, I hope my Ramblings haven't been confusing, and your leaving with a more accurate understanding of how "this Septuagenarian" lives his life. This has been my first post in this new edition of my blog...Rambling Prose There will be others to follow, covering a variety of subjects. I hope that you will take the time to make comments....positive or negative ones.
Until next time....
I'm Larry, with a "Seasoned View of Life."
This is my fourth post in the series:
What Do I Believe Now?
WAR ACHIEVES NOTHING! PEACE IS THE WAY!
My title was inspired by a saying from Mahatma Gandhi:
"There is no way to Peace. Peace is the Way!"
Deepak Chopra, the bestselling spiritual author, was inspired by Gandhi's saying, and in 2005 he wrote the book "Peace Is The Way...Bringing War and Violence to an End." Both Gandhi and Chopra have influenced my thinking regarding this subject, along with many others such as The Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, Wayne Dyer,etc., and interestingly, Carl Sandburg who once wrote..."Someday there will be a war and no one will come!"
My father had made the military a "career"...first as a solider in World War II, and later enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1947, and eventually retiring as a Chief Master Sargent in 1965.
I served in the USAF from 1958 to 1962, received an Honorable Discharge, and finished my BA and MA on the "GI Bill of Rights."
Dad was certainly not a "war hawk", and my politics back then were decidedly moderate.
It wasn't until later in life that my beliefs about peace and the futility of war evolved. While I believed that World War II was "necessary"for the protection of our country, wars and major military operations since that time have "generally"not been justified.
The Korean Conflict (1950-'53), Bay of Pigs invasion (Cuba 1961), Vietnam War (1961-'73), invasions of the Dominican Republic, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama (1965-1989), the Gulf Wars of 1991, military actions in Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Kosovo (1993-1999), Iraq (2003-2010 ) and Afghanistan (2001 to the present), have been bloodstained chronicles of American history that many of us would like to forget. Over seven decades of wars and military actions have had an adverse affect on our national psyche, and lead to the extermination of millions of people.
The Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War were waged in order to "stop the spread of Communism. Korea was the first armed conflict of the "Cold War," and essentially ended in a draw.
Vietnam was the longest conflict the U.S ever fought (until Afghanistan), and the first war lost by the United States. Popular opposition to the war had much to do with its ending in 1973.
Invasions of the Dominican Republic, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama...and later, Somalia and Haiti, were "justified" as necessary to protect America "interests" by over-throwing the current governments and replacing them with one "friendly to the United States."
The Gulf War actions were ostensibly to protect Kuwait from an invasion by Iraq, but most historians acknowledge that we were primarily protecting our oil interests.
U.S. and NATO air strikes on Bosnia in 1994-'95 were carried out to prevent "ethnic cleansing". And in 1999, U.S.-led NATO units bombed Serbian forces in Kosovo, who were killing the ethnic Albanian population. ( These two actions by the United States and NATO were justified under the circumstances.)
America invaded Afghanistan in 2001. It was justified as we believed the Taliban government was harboring Osama bin Laden and the al-Qaeda terrorist group that was responsible for the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on the United States. We never found bin Laden (but killed him later in Pakistan), and the al-Qaeda groups dispersed to other areas of the world. We are still fighting in Afghanistan as I write this blog. A majority of Americans feel that we should have withdrawn our forces years ago. People continue to die everyday!
America invaded Iraq in March 2003, and we were told by the George Bush administration that Saddam Hussein had "weapons of mass destruction", and he was a current threat to the United States. Both of these statements were lies! American troops withdrew from Iraq on August 18, 2010. American troop deaths: over 4,500; wounded: in excess of 32,000! The Iraq war was unnecessary and costly. "Faulty intelligence manipulated for ideological reasons..."produced this horrible outcome!
All of these military conflicts, with few exceptions, have accomplished little or nothing of real substance.
Korea: Since 1953, American troops have been helping the South Koreans, deter aggression from Communist North Korea.
Vietnam: After loosing this war to North Vietnam in 1973, we are now trading partners with them and Vietnam has been unified as a Communist nation.
Gulf Wars: Were inconclusive, and eventually lead to the Iraq War in 2003.
Afghanistan: The longest war in American history appears to be coming to an end. However, as before the war, the Taliban will undoubtedly run the government once U.S. and allied forces leave in 2014.
Iraq: The U.S. was forced to leave the country in 2010. By most accounts, Iraq's fragile government can't govern their nation, and incidents of violence occur daily.
So I return to my original premise....War Achieves Nothing!
History is replete with facts that back up this truism. However, you need to read accounts that are unbiased, not censored, and not edited by writers interested in slanting or reinterpreting history.
Wars have interesting endings. Once, not long ago, we were told that the Germans, Italians, and Japanese were our enemies. Now they are all our friends. (Governments had to make them our enemies so we would kill them!) Communism was evil and the Cold War was a nuclear game of "chicken" between us and the USSR. The Berlin Wall came down along with the myth that Communism was the wave of the future. Now the Russians are "almost" friends, we trade with Vietnam, the Chinese are undergoing a "capitalist make-over",and some day, off in the future, the Middle Eastern countries will not hate us...as they do today! (Just even money on this bet for now!)
Is Peace the Way? For me, and increasing numbers of people in the World. the only answer is Peace! Most of us have come to realize that wars don't resolve the underlying issues that cause governments to fight other nations. Diplomacy should be the first step, not the last!
Till next time....
In this current series of posts, I'm continuing with What Do I Believe Now?
PEOPLE ARE BASICALLY GOOD!
As I look back over my Life, I'm trying to recall when I first had this belief. Was it all the times that my parents told me they loved me? (Did I assume that all people were good like them?) Was it when I felt protected and secure in my family? (Were not most families like mine?.) Was it the innocence of my childhood, surrounded by good friends? (With friends like that, people must be the same.) Was it during my early school days, when each day was generally a pleasant memory? (Life was so simple and wonderful back then.) All of these experiences probably laid the foundation for my belief that people are good.
For those of you who had to overcome challenges in a less than perfect childhood, you probably believe that my early life was idyllic. It probably was in some ways. But I don't believe it was unique. Growing up in the late 40's and early 50's in Orange County, California....before the crowds, the smog, gangs, urban sprawl, and the drug culture....was almost a fabled existence! (While my father was fighting in World War II, my mother and I lived with my grandparents in Santa Ana. When he was discharged, we moved to Newport Beach. How bad is that for a 8 year old boy....sun filled days, barefoot, and always swimming. Life was truly a Beach!)
But, back to the subject. Like all of us, life has thrown me some challenges. But through it all, my belief in the goodness of people hasn't been diminished. A 30 year career as a Probation Officer, working with juveniles and felons, hasn't changed my mind. During my life time.... World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, The Gulf Wars, Iraq, and now Afghanistan...with all of their horror, inhumanity, and suffering, have not altered my view of people. Read the history of these conflicts, and you'll find numerous incidents of kindness, even between the combatants. People, with rare exceptions, are not "wired" to kill.
Examples of the basic goodness of people abound. Every day, whether on the internet, TV, newspapers, or through personal experience, we can find accounts that support this belief. Sometimes it takes a little extra effort to ignore all the "negative stuff,"and seek out the "good news." I find that I read the good if I expect to find it! (Like everything else, it's your attitude.)
I'm sure that by now you are convinced that I'm a "pollyanna." No I'm not....I am an optimist! It is a lot easier than being pessimistic or cynical. While I'm far from perfect, I do try to "walk what I talk." ( I'm not quite batting 500 yet.)
Well...I hope I've persuaded a few of you that People Are Basically Good. If I've changed one mind, that fulfills my Purpose in Life: To contribute...in some way...to making things better!
Looking forward to your comments about this post, or anything that's on your mind.
Let's have a conversation....
This is my 2nd post in the current series....What Do I Believe Now. Please read my first post (August 4, 2012) for background on this subject.
Today, I'm writing on the importance of having a Purpose in life. When I refer to a Purpose, I'm not talking just about a goal, or an ambition, or a plan. It's much more.
The Japanese call it Ikigai (eek-y-guy), which means a "Reason for Being," or it is also defined as "the reason for which you wake up in the morning." I like both of these definitions. Everyone, according to the Japanese, has an Ikigai. Finding it requires a deep and often lengthy search of self. Such a search is regarded as being very important, since it is believed that discovery of one's Ikigai brings satisfaction and real meaning to life. Further, people with a strong sense of purpose have boosted immune systems, lower stress hormones, and are better able to deal with the difficulties that life throws their way. ( I can "get behind that!")
We all have probably had a number of "purposes" down through the years. I would suggest that they were more correctly goals and ambitions. If you were like me, I was too busy working, raising a family, and trying to stay ahead economically, to give much serious thought to my Purpose. I had no idea what my "reason for being" looked like, and the "reason I woke up in the morning", was to do what I had been doing all the other mornings...commuting to work, doing my 9-5, being with my family, watching TV, putting kids to bed, and getting ready to do it all over again in the morning. (Sounds awful...but I'm engaging in hyperbole!" My life in general was fine.)
But I digress...back to a Purpose in Life. Excuse my taking some personal literary license by writing about my Ikigai. (Perhaps my experience will help those of you who are on this path to discover "your Purpose." It helps me to write it down, and "chew" on it some more.)
It all started with my Midlife crisis back in 1980 or so. My mother died, and only a few years later my father passed. (Only the good die young). My first marriage ended in divorce, I discovered Religious Science, and my only outlet seemed to be my running. (lot's of 10 K's, and a few marathons). What a metaphor....running away from my past life!
However, after I met Paula... my wife and soul mate... we began to create a new life together.
That's when I first really starting thinking....what the hell is my purpose in this life?
I have given it some serious thought, especially during the past 10 years. Life had taught me some very important lessons. Money wouldn't bring me happiness; I really didn't need a new car every 4 years; Wearing Wranglers everyday was just fine; Eating less food was good for me; My relationships... with Paula, my family and my friends...were the most important part of my life; and the simple life was a better life... at least for me!
At this point in my life, I've decided on my Purpose, which is always subject to Change. (Of course...) While it is somewhat inexact, it still is meaningful to me. I discovered this concept while reading a biography on Robert F. Kennedy...who is one of my political heroes. His quote: "THE PURPOSE OF LIFE IS TO CONTRIBUTE...IN SOME WAY...TO MAKING THINGS BETTER!"
My intention is to contribute, and make "things" better. I'm now in the process of coming up with the "some way!" (Which has become quite a challenge..but I'm actively working on it!) What I like about this "Purpose"is its inherent flexibility in allowing me to create without limitations, within the positive context of "making things better!" (I believe I can really get my head around this.)
So...you have heard about my plans...I hope to hear from many of you in the coming weeks. All your comments are encouraged.
Let's start a conversation....
Here I am ....74 years and counting....and still trying to figure out what I believe at this point in my life. Down through the years, I've had many opinions, lots of judgments, countless assumptions, a handful of theories, too many guesses, suspicions galore, baseless conclusions, and too many wrong answers!
I was hoping to improve on this less than sterling litany, and come up with some good solid beliefs as I go forward. So as a starter, I referred to my battered Webster's to really understand what a "belief" is. Quoting from the dictionary: Belief is the "mental acceptance of or conviction in the truth or actuality of something."
Now the challenge...thinking about what I do believe. (Unlike the guy above...I usually do my best thinking with a few more clothes on!)
It didn't take much reflection to realize I may have bitten off more than I initially planned. Writing down my main beliefs is going to take more than one or two posts. So there will be a series of posts in the coming weeks to fully "flesh-out" this subject. (Sounds like a TV documentary.) Well, I'd like this to be somewhat entertaining as I've got to read it too! (You realize that I'm writing this primarily for myself. It's called therapy!)
So... what do I believe Now?
Life is Change! It's important to enjoy the passage of time.
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First and foremost I believe in the impermanent nature of life. It is transitory, fleeting, brief, ephemeral...here today and gone tomorrow! If you're not paying attention, you've missed it. It's important to live in the moment....taking it all in and savoring the present. Sounds hard? It's not as hard as running the "regrets tape" of yesterday, and the "worry videos" of tomorrow!
I'm getting better about this. Walking ,sitting quietly, being with my thoughts, breathing deeply, looking at nature...all have helped me to live my life with more intention. I find myself being more aware of my surroundings, looking directly at people, tuning into nature, talking less and listening more, and dealing with what is in front of me.
So...if you can't stop Life from changing (and you can't)....why not at least enjoy the passage of time...whatever that looks like. Through good times and "not so good times", life will be much easier if you "go along with the flow", and not try to always paddle up the river. Excuse the cliches, but "what I resist, persist!" Experience has taught me this truth. The Universe has seen fit to "remind" me regarding this laws consequences. (I guess I haven't learned the lesson yet.)
My next posts will deal with the importance of Purpose, the nature of people, the consequences of war, climate change, Spirituality, and so on.
Let's Start a Conversation....
My last post was back in November 2012, and was primarily addressed to family and friends and talked of plans for the future. How does that old saying go..."The best laid plans..etc"...can often not work out as one would hope! Only days after I published that post, our life under went a rather significant changed. Paula had a "health challenge" that came out of left field, and was a surprise to both of us. One night she complained of having trouble breathing and that her "heart was beating much faster than usual."
I took her to a nearby hospital emergency center, and they were able to identify her problem: Atrial Fib...where the heart beats rapidly for no apparent reason. ( I won't bore you with all of the science.) Suffice to say that they stuck and tested her at length, slowed her heart down, and send us home with several medications, telling us to see our doctor the next day. (Paula was in the process of seeking a good health plan, but didn't have one at the time.)
However, the Universe provided for us almost immediately. My health plan had an "open enrollment" just days later, and we were able to get her covered in a few weeks. In the meantime, Paula was cared for by the family doctor we had back in the 1990's! He monitored the blood thinners that had been prescribed, and was a God-given "bridge" until she was fully covered on January 1, 2013.
Paula is now doing much better, back to exercising, again working with her clients, watching what she eats, much to my relief. This life event has had a "positive" effect upon both of us. It again is a reminder that our health is a precious thing that needs to be attended to daily. It also makes the time spent together all the more important. We try to live everyday to its fullest!
Life happens...some good, some not so good...but time moves on. Goals are set and revised; family dynamics change; we move or stay put; we "are in the money" or we're not; the years bring changes in our health; old friends move on and new ones show up; and death and birth are with us always.
The only thing you can "count on" is CHANGE! It's ironic but true. A universal, cosmic given that never "changes." To me, that's a wonderful thing. Our existence would really be boring if everything remained the same without change.
So...to me the best way to cope with Change is to expect that it will happen . Don't fight it, just go with the flow of events that come with the change. Accept this process or result of becoming something different, and make it okay. Live with it as best you can.
Well...I believe I have "Rambled" enough for today. Writing helps me to see things from a different perspective, and I'm sure it is therapeutic. I primarily write for myself, but if in sharing my writing with others helps them, that is truly my greatest reward.
Larry....
Now that I'm "all grown up,"...73 years, 6 months and counting...I believe it is time to examine new and exciting goals for the coming years ahead. (Cute photo uh....except I don't smoke, no beard, no cats, and I use a computer to Ramble!)
I'll attempt to be somewhat organized in this process, but don't forget the title of this blog: Rambling Prose West. I'll probably try to separate my personal, family, civic, and philosophical objectives...but don't count on it. My writing style is one of sitting in front of my computer and just typing what occurs to me at the time.
So....off we go. Most of my earlier goals concerned: "What Things Are Important to Me." (A previous post dealt with this issue.) Briefly, my desire to: Live an abundant life; enjoy good times with my wife, family and friends; stay active and enjoy good health; travel the World; engage in life-long learning; be the change that I want to see happen in the World; and live everyday to its fullest!
Some of these "things" are still very important to me. Some have remained the same, some has changed. My ideas about them have undergone revisions, and some I've just decided are not as important now. As an example, my definition of an "abundant life" has shifted rather significantly. Money isn't nearly as important as it use to be. We have made the wonderful discovery that our standard of living is just fine; we don't have to be conspicuous consumers of everything the world has to offer. We don't require a new automobile every 4 years; Wranglers are my "uniform" of the day; dress suits I don't need; renting is much less stressful than buying; holiday gifts are over rated; credit cards are dangerous; going to the movies is too costly;....and the list goes on!
Now we are operating in the "Age of Consent"....we only do what we give our consent to do! We are not here to please ad agencies and retailers, we enjoy going to different churches, we are not "joiners... we thrive on variety, we don't choose to hang around with negative folks, we visit with family and friends when we want to, we vote very independently, and I say what I wish on this blog regardless of the consequences. (Nobody has swore at me yet.)
Back to the future!
In the coming years, we will use our disposable income to travel. Travel both in the United States and throughout the World. In the USA, visiting New York City and Washington D.C. will be high on the list. Seeing friends and family living in various states will keep us busy.
World travel: Great Britain and Ireland; a River Cruise through Europe, Italy and Greece, South America, Russia, China and the Orient.
We intend to spend as much time with our extended family as we (and they) choose. All of us have busy lives and probably different desires and needs. Watching our adult-children moving forward in their lives, and enjoying our grandchildren will be a great joy. After all, the memories and the milestones of life matter the most.
New and previous friends will continue to be very important to us. Since returning to California in 2011, we have renewed old friendships and established new friends. These relationships seem to assume greater importance as the years go by, and represent the building blocks that create life- long memories.
A very important goal for me is maintaining good health. My current state of health is reasonably good, but I still need to watch what I'm eating and exercise often. Walking has become my favorite form of exercise, and I try to do at least a two mile walk every day. We hope to purchase new bikes this coming year; that was a favorite exercise for us in the past.
I also intend to return to the gym to keep my
upper body in good shape.
Lately, I've become quite a philosopher...you know, my reasons and truths are better than yours. (wink) As we all get older (more mature), our thoughts become more introspective and perhaps we begin to understand what is really important in our life. Our focus turns more inward, and there is less attention to "stuff" that filled up our life and previously occupied our minds. Time seems to speed up, and the days and weeks rush past without the usual labels....Sunday, going to work, pay day, the weekend, holidays and birthdays. Tracking ones life with "tags" use to help keep things organized; now, waking up seems to be a very important milestone! The taste of early morning tea, a brisk walk, Paula's smiling face, exploring the days happenings on the Internet, enjoying the garden, breathing deeply, all are magnificent moments in my life.
My religion has always been an ongoing exploration of diverse "truths", rather then adherence to dogma. My beliefs have been more Spiritual and Metaphysical rather than traditional. I've been especially attracted to Eastern faiths like Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. The writings of Lao-tzu (The Tao Te Ching) have been especially important in adding valuable content to my life-long learning program.
Since about 1980 I've been very involved in Religious Science and Unity Church. Ernest Holmes helped create the Church of Religious Science, and wrote the classic "New Thought" book...The Science of Mind. During the past few years I have continued in my study of Non-Traditional churches. We visit a different church every month, and have gained deeper understanding of a wide range of religious beliefs.
Earlier this month on this blog, I went into some detail regarding my political views. To family and friends, it wasn't a surprise that Papa had developed into a "Wild-eyed, tree-hugging, anti-war activist.... Progressive- Liberal member of the human race. Since my "retirement" from formal work...Probation Department; Realtor, etc....I've become increasingly outspoken in my views, especially on this blog, Face Book, and other internet sites. It has been a wonderful experience not to feel obliged to "edit" my verbal and written statements about politics, religion, sex...you know, those subjects our parents taught us not to discuss.
My "focus" in the coming years will be less about parties and candidates, and more about issues. Issues that are not only effecting all of us now, but long-term challenges that could potentially have a negative effect on our children and grandchildren!
World- wide Environmental problems such as Global Warming, Energy Development, Toxic Waste, Oil Drilling, Crops, Clean Oceans, Famine and Hunger, and the like.
Political and Economical issues such as Election Reform, Clean Air and Water, Immigration Reform, Education, Alternative Energy, Afghanistan, Repair of Infrastructure,The Middle East, Conflict Resolution....the list goes on and on.
So....the Adventure continues. I'm sure it will be a wonderful and exciting ride. I intend to live every day to its fullest, and at night lay my head on my pillow knowing that I did the best I could! And as "old blue eyes"...Frank Sinatra sang.....I did it my way!
So Long for Now....Larry
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