it's how we respond

AI says—"How we respond to challenges is what truly defines our character and shapes our future. When faced with adversity, our reaction can either exacerbate the situation or steer it towards a positive outcome. A thoughtful and measured response often paves the way for constructive solutions, fostering resilience and growth. By embracing the difficulties with a proactive mindset, we can turn obstacles into opportunities, demonstrating not only our strength but also our ability to adapt and thrive. Ultimately, it is the manner in which we respond that can transform a moment of crisis into a stepping stone for success.” I think that is pretty philosophical for a non-human expression!

We talked to an older lady in our park who was pushing her two dogs in a dog buggy. I said to her—I hear a dog takes about 3 hours a day to take care of them and you have two soooo is that 6 hours?  She said—That is about right! But I love it!  Jeanne and I must be getting older as after church we went up in ‘em ‘er Superstition Mts to hike a favorite trail. It was rather hot and we were rather tired, I guess. We pulled into the parking area, I turned off our vehicle and we just sat there and neither one of us said anything. Then one of us said—Do you really want to do this today?  The other said—Not really! Soooo we went back to our tin hut and I think I took a nap! But we did go back another day and hiked The Treasury Loop; it was great! It’s how we responded! That "another day" we had a lot more pep! We were the oldest on the trail by far. Such is life!

How would you respond? An older lady told us she fell out of bed and got stuck between the bed and the wall and broke her leg quite badly. Her family couldn’t get her up as she was stuck soooo they had to call emergency services (i.e. the ambulance and the fire truck) who pried her out. They got her unstuck and told her that the worst is when old folks fall off the stool and get stuck between the stool and the wall; now that is really tricky!

Many older folks buy step-through bikes as soooo many old folks fall off their bikes by getting off and on; just standing still. Yes, we have to give up our macho ego thinking that of being really a tough, strong young people (i.e. not soooo)! Many older folks would rather not get hurt (i.e. they really like their original teeth, hips and shoulders). BUT it appears that older folks are really good at eating, drinking and talking! We see a lot of that! Some old guy named erv, bought a step through from an older guy who couldn't ride anymore who lives down the street for $45! I have no idea how many old guys have aged out of this bike before me! Such is life.

The picture is part of my dermatology exam. He found a spot on my shoulder that he took a biopsy of, and it was melanoma. He cut it out (i.e. .43 mm deep but cut down to 1 cm and 7 cm long for prevention). I was fortunate that I did an exam, all because of Jeanne encouraging me. Soooo I suggest you do it. For you seniors—Medicare will pay for it but you must make sure they code it a needed exam. Now, how are you going to respond to the suggestion of you going to see a dermatologist and be checked for skin cancer? Is it I don’t need it, I’m a guy or maybe that’s a good idea?  

We had a great time seeing our old friends in FL. They seemed to look older compared to the last time we saw them. Maybe we all look older and are older but we just think it’s just the other old folks that look older! Da! We sure had a lot of fun doing stuff and thinking we are younger (i.e. that was how we responded like playing beach ball tennis)! We had a hoot! It seems that we respond to different folks differently now don’t we (i.e. different folks seem to rattle our bones differently). Why is that do you think?

I have read two books about ego and humility. I read them at the same time. Both are good. Humility The Path to Holiness by Andrew Murray and Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday. Now it is how I respond to them. I suggest you read them. They might impact us. Of the two, I like Humility The Path to Holiness the best but both are good.

I have been praying for some folks for some time. I actually don’t know exactly how to pray for them soooo I pray that God might give them wisdom and ask God to take it from there. I have seen a ray of hope from what I see and hear recently about them; a ray! I thanked God for maybe a crack in their hearts; that is my response.  There is no medicine like hope, no incentive sooo great, and no tonic soo powerful as the expectation of something better tomorrow.

An acquaintance who might become a friend (i.e. she is from AZ and we’re heading to WA) sooo who knows if we will ever see each other again told me this about herself. She says she has a hard time keeping her mouth shut when someone is being abused. Her and her husband were waiting in line at a fast-food place and this old guy budges in front of them and says to the little girl behind the counter—my burger has mayonnaise on it and I don’t want mayonnaise. The little girl said she was sorry and she would correct it. He ragged on her until she was in tears. Then he came back a little later and complained that there was too much ketchup on his burger. She had enough and got in this guy’s face and told him off in defense of the little girl (i.e. she was her advocate—her response). She just couldn’t take it anymore. The old guy sat down and ate his burger! I don’t know if she hoped he choked on it!

OneSmartPerson says--Kindness is its own reward but cruelty is a self-inflected wound. Kindness makes everyone feel good but when we are cruel it comes back and wounds us.

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said—People can’t drive you crazy, if you don’t give them the key.