DAY 89 - "I’m JUST Getting Older"

Grandson Zion & Dr. Young

One reason I bring this up, is because this phrase is dangerous; not JUST for the person who says it, but for the culture that believes it. Another is that I feel pain watching others suffering. And finally, selfishly, I know that the health of our society and our views about health, effect each and every one of us.

As explanation of, or comment on their arthritis, failing memory, fifth prescription medication, diminished sense of hearing, need for stronger reading glasses, or lack of energy, many Americans say, “I’m just getting older.” Part of that, of course, is correct; we are getting older. The “just” is the problem. It converts the meaning of this simple sentence from the truth that chronologically we are older with each increment of time; to the falsehood that the common ills of later years, are caused solely by aging.

For those that may not be aware, it is known and established that improvements can be made in arthritis, memory, need for medications, sight and energy through simple exercises and lifestyle changes; without turning the clock back.

The fact of the matter is that how we live, majorly influences how we age.

Instead of focusing on getting older, we JUST need to ask ourselves:
“When did I last take a walk?”
“Have I had my vitamin D levels tested?”
“When did I last eat a salad?”
“Am I taking my vitamins regularly?”
“When was the last time I truly felt relaxed?”

Living healthfully isn’t as easy as getting old, but it is JUST what we need.

DAY 53 – Easy Gratitude

The day after Thanksgiving is a good day to come clean about my easy gratitude.

A recent conversation that I participated in, spawned the statement, “Things are tough for everybody, but you can always find things to be grateful for!” I wanted to be agreeable ..., but I couldn’t respond in the affirmative.

While it is true that there are always things that one can be grateful for, things are not tough for everybody. I know, because not only are things not tough for me; I’ve got it good. There are many things I’m grateful for, but it’s an easy gratitude because I don’t have to look for a silver lining; the whole cloud is silver.

I like myself.

I have never had to worry about lacking for food, clothing or shelter.

I have family and friends with whom I share open and loving communication.

I am well. Not perfectly so, but each day I have the opportunity to improve it.

I find my work as a doctor of chiropractic, even after 28 years, so interesting and rewarding, that I have no desire to retire.

I feel a part of, and connected to all things.

The tough part of my life is the enormity of the suffering in the world, and the enormity of the risk that humanity faces. Each day brings the confusion and choices of  triaging my needs, my family’s needs, my friends’ needs, my community’s needs, my Country’s needs, humanity’s needs, the earth’s needs. There would probably be less confusion if I were a saint; but I’m not. I’m just a regular guy with a great life, and lots of easy gratitude.