So here I sit, curious about what the future might hold, or even how long the future might be, but other than conquering nervousness about dealing with doctors, I can't think of any stress in my life at all! I have commented often that my life has gotten so enjoyable that I must be going to die soon. My sense of humor keeps kicking in. Laughing at myself is one of my favorite pass times.
When I was younger, I took life too seriously. I learned to let go and laugh and decided about twenty years ago that I was here just for the fun of it all now.
I colored my hair in June. Initially I looked like Ronald MacDonald's grandmother, which is what happens when you add auburn coloring to white hair. I added more brown to the coloring the next time I colored it and I look slightly better now. People have told me I look years younger. I have wanted to ask, "Just how old did I look before?"
In July I began power walking for twenty minutes each morning. I felt like Rocky Balboa as I returned home and hopped into the shower. My blood pressure dropped below 120/80 and I was delighted. Yesterday the Physician's Assistant told me not to power walk. She said I can take a stroll, but not to force anything. (That's no fun!) A friend suggested that I listen to music or a recorded book as I take my walks. I can do that. I'm a bit of a space shot, though. I can picture myself getting all caught up in a book and tripping over my own feet.
Many years ago a spiritual adviser asked me if I was willing to fail at everything I attempted. It was a startling question. I've thought of it often, as I watched relationships and activities that I poured my energy into go up in smoke. Being willing to lose, to chalk up my losses and carry on has given me a very full life. Now that there is less time ahead of me than there is behind me, I ask myself if there is anything I really want to do.
I'd like to have a vacation that includes time walking on a beach. I could stroll easily there.
Slow Me Down Lord
Slow me down Lord
Ease the pounding of my heart
by the quieting of my mind.
Steady my hurried pace
with a vision of the eternal march of time.
Give me amid the confusion of the day,
the calmness of the eternal hills.
Break the tension of my nerves and muscles
with the soothing music of the singing streams
that live in my memory.
Help me to know the magical restoring power of sleep.
Teach me the art of taking MINUTE vacations,
Of slowing down to look at a flower,
to chat with a friend,
to pat a dog,
to read a few lines of a good book.
Slow me down Lord
and inspire me to send my roots
deep into the soil of life's enduring values
that I may grow toward the stars of my greater destiny.
Ease the pounding of my heart
by the quieting of my mind.
Steady my hurried pace
with a vision of the eternal march of time.
Give me amid the confusion of the day,
the calmness of the eternal hills.
Break the tension of my nerves and muscles
with the soothing music of the singing streams
that live in my memory.
Help me to know the magical restoring power of sleep.
Teach me the art of taking MINUTE vacations,
Of slowing down to look at a flower,
to chat with a friend,
to pat a dog,
to read a few lines of a good book.
Slow me down Lord
and inspire me to send my roots
deep into the soil of life's enduring values
that I may grow toward the stars of my greater destiny.
