appreciation

I just wanted to say how nice it is when someone really listens to what you have to say. I have an elderly friend who I call every day as part of a volunteer program. Because of her circumstances I do a lot more than the simple call to her. I speak with her family, her case manager, the grocery store, etc. I do so because I care, but also because she really does not have much help otherwise.

But sometimes she asks for things that I can't do. Even though I can do them sometimes. She argues a bit and I don't think she totally understands. But today she heard my answer of "no" and agreed to do something for herself. Even better, she thanked me for everything that I usually do. So not only did she understand me but she gave me her appreciation. That felt really good.

Here's hoping that you have people and activities that make you feel good, too.

One Day at a Time

I have been watching "One Day at a Time" on Netflix. It's a new version in which the single mother is dealing with Post Traumatic Stress from her time as a military nurse in Afghanistan.

She began taking antidepressants and joined a support group. Things were going very well with her job, her family, etc. She decided that she was doing so well she did not need the antidepressants or the support group. Not long after discontinuing both, her depression returned. Through friends and family she came to realize that while she would rather do without the extra help, she needed it to continue all the good things she had going for her.

I highly recommend therapy and antidepressants if you need them. Let's take away their stigma. There's nothing wrong with a little help. Sometimes life is overwhelming and we can't keep it all together on our own. I certainly need that help. If I didn't use antidepressants and therapy, I would be neglecting my health and overall happiness.

It also makes me happy to see a portrayal of a veteran who is dealing with traumatic stress in a positive way. It is my impression that many veterans don't get the help they so deeply deserve.

Wishing you all whatever help works best for you!

P. S. I also highly recommend TV and movies to help you relax and get your mind off things when necessary.

P. P. S. I enjoy Netflix's "One Day at a Time" and its cast members, but I have seen better TV shows.

A Dog's Purpose

I recently saw the movie "A Dog's Purpose." A nice study of reincarnation and what we learn along the way. This dog came up with a philosophy just like mine.

Have fun. Lick the ones you love. Don't worry about things that already happened. Don't worry about things that could happen. Be here now.

Wishing you all time to appreciate whatever now you have!

blessed

I want to share how blessed I feel. My mother and my grandmother instilled in me the value and love of family. I have extended that to friends who are the family I have added on my own. And I am my most happy when I can spend time visiting my loved ones whether it's by phone or in person.

I feel especially happy today because I had nice long phone visits with my Aunt Georgia (my mother's sister) and my Aunt Dorothy (my grandfather's sister, 95 years old!). Hearing how they are doing and sharing my news with them makes me feel so loved. And the fact that I believe they feel my love for them makes me feel even better about myself. There is nothing better on Earth than sharing love.

Wishing you time to spend with your loved ones!

Atypical

I just started watching a new Netflix series called "Atypical." The main character is a teenager who deals with symptoms of autism. He said, "I wish I was normal." A friend said, "dude, no one is normal." I love that.

community service and parenting

I was thinking about community service and parenting. Becoming a parent is the ultimate volunteer service. Parents commit 24 hours, 7 days a week at a minimum of 18 years. And they are not only helping their immediate family, they are raising citizens who will affect our local and global communities now and in the future.

Sending a big thank you to parents raising conscientious citizens! And gratitude to all who volunteer in their community!

the next great adventure

What do you think about death? Are you scared? Do you ignore it? I hope you don't mind me discussing it.

I don't think death should be taboo. Not that it's my favorite subject. But I lost my dad recently so I've been thinking a lot about it.

I don't think I'm scared of it. But it is not my time yet. I may feel differently when my end is near. I heard someone call it "the next great adventure" and that's how I like to think of it. If there is no life after death, I won't have anything to worry about. If I'm damned to hell, so be it. I think I live a decent life and I am not worried. I like to believe that our soul lives on in some form or another. I look forward to the discovery, though I am in no rush. I hope that doesn't sound morbid.

And for those who go before us, I feel their love with me (as much as I would rather have them here). 

Wishing you comfort when you need it most.