Guest Blogger: joared

[EDITORIAL NOTE: While I'm away in Austin, Texas, several elderbloggers graciously agreed to fill in for me. Today, joared - who is not a blogger (yet), but a prolific and thoughtful commenter here and on other blogs - writes “Some of What I've Learned Through The Years...So Far.” Please welcome her to Time Goes By.]

I've been aging all my life. Now, here in Southern California, where I've lived for about half my life, I'm flirting with my seventh decade. (You betcha I still like to flirt, and not with just the decades!) Furthermore, I continue to look forward to those unknown decades to come. Isn't that what makes life so interesting and exciting, that we don't know what's coming next?

I'm not ready to leave this planet yet, unless I could finagle a free ride on one of Branson's or Ruttan's commercial space flights. (Last I read, ticket prices were just a bit steep.) Haven't yet traveled all over the world as I wanted, so this way I could just do it all in one grand trip. If for some reason I didn't make it back, well, what a way to go!

I learned long ago there's no way to predict the future. I planned as best I could. Some plans worked out. Some didn't.

I learned I didn't know as much as I thought I did at times. I learned I knew more than I thought I did at other times.

I learned to not waste my time and energy blaming others for something that didn't go right, even though they may have deserved it. Doesn't mean I haven't and don't still try to rectify what I perceive as a few injustices along the way, just means I can do that and keep my life moving ahead at the same time.

I learned there are only so many self-help books you can read, then at some point I learned I just had to get on with life. Then, I wondered why I wasted so much time reading those books. Well, I might have gotten a nugget or two from a couple of them.

I learned that everybody has problems of one kind or another, at one time or another, in their life. I learned that somewhere, someone else has had the same problems I had.

I learned that when it comes to problem solving, one size does not fit all. The same problem experienced by two different people may require entirely different solutions.

I learned it takes such little effort to smile and be pleasant to people 'cause you never know what might be going on in that person's life. They might really need that kind gesture. I've hoped others would give me the same consideration.

I learned to enjoy quiet and solitude, to value time alone without feeling lonely.

I learned to treasure time with friends and family as they may not always be present in my life.

I learned to love others just as they are; to value our differences. Yes, I was a fan of Mr. Rogers, Kermit the Frog (It's not easy being green!), South Pacific's You Have To Be Taught.

I learned something from every job I ever had and I learned how to enjoy my time at every job I ever had. Doesn't mean there weren't some difficult times. By the way, I'm still working part time.

I learned that learning is forever. I still take classwork. I still learn from people of all ages.

I learned that every job and the person who performs it is entitled to be treated with respect. I hope I'll be treated that way, too.

I learned that music, theatre, art, books, travel, nature, good food, pets can bring genuine pleasure though this is an incomplete list and not in hierarchical order.

I learned that viewing life as a glass half full is healthier than an attitude that the glass is half empty.

I learned that laughter is truly the best medicine. Science has finally proven it with all those endorphins we release when we laugh.

If you haven't laughed for a while, I strongly recommend you do so now. I know there are a lot of really humorous blogs to tickle your and my funny bone, to suit each of our tastes, written by people of all ages. I keep trying to find time to explore all those blogs, but can't do that when I'm doing this.

Thanks to Ronni for allowing me to use her blog space. I'll be looking forward to her return, the sooner, the better.

[© joared 2006. All rights reserved.]

Comments

[joared]

Need to add a couple more things I just learned:

I've learned that if your age is 70 yrs you're in your 8th decade, not your 7th. Mea Culpa.

I've learned that if someone tells you they're really a very organized person, don't believe them until you actually see for yourself.

[Joy]

joared, I love your post. I've learned a LOT of the same things you have..but, I'm still in the process of learning more. I certainly agree with the importance of laugher in your life...I definitely think it's what keeps us all going...and looking forward to the next day.

[notdotdot]

You sound like a wise person. As I read your post, it all sounds so familiar....maybe I'm a wise person too! And I am REALLY in my seventh decade!
My father said so many wise things apropos to the moment and one was: "Believe nothing that you hear and only half of what you see." It helped at those times you wholeheartedly believed what someone told you.

[Tamar]

Joared,
So good to be able to comment on something *you* have written for a change. You always have interesting and supportive comments for me! There is so much wisdom in this post. I am definitely of the age where I want to gather wisdom from people who are already "there" and can share their experiences with me. Thanks so much.

[ml]

This is a great summary of life-lessons. I especially like the one on the little effort it takes to smile and be pleasant (I'm still learning that one!); and the one about learning to enjoy any job you do; and the one about all jobs and workers being worthy of respect. These (and others) are all inspiring for me.
Thanks, J.

[Sue]

Joared, thank you for such a wonderful beginning to my day. I've learned that through blogs, a new world of inspiration, insight and laughter can be opened.

[Milt]

For 74 years I've been pushing stuff into the old brain, you know what, there is still room for more.
Thank you for your many kind comments to my blog.

[Cowtown Pattie]

Your post was a breath of fresh air this morning!

Better than a half a glass of OJ!

[Laurie]

Those words really touched me. No matter what your age you can always learn something as long as you open yourself up to that possibility. I think those people who stop trying to learn from life and others are the ones missing out. Of course I may be prejudiced to author's thoughts as I am her daughter. Way to go Mom!! I'm so proud of you!!!

[golden lucy]

As usual your words hit home. I also loved Milt's comment about "pushing stuff into the old brain" and observing there's still room for more.
It's easy to forget that sometimes. There is room for more in the old cranium and lots of times it's easy to fill it up with drivel and negativity. Thanks, cyberpals for giving me so many wonderful things to think about!!
I am not going to post this twice. I am not going to post this twice.
I am not....

[Paul]

None of us is going to get any younger so why not enjoy each day and accept it as a challenge and a gift? :)

[Claude]

Joared, I am with you! Thanks to Ronni for allowing you to use her blog space.
But I sure think you should open your own blog and I would be one of your first readers!

[Millie Garfield]

What a wonderful post. I agree with all the comments that were made especially the one Claude just made - Start your own blog, I'd put you on my Daily Reads!

One thing I find lacking in some people is their need to be busy all the time. seems they can't be alone without feeling lonely.

Aren't we lucky to value time alone and not be lonely.

[Chancy]

Jorad ..Welcome to the 8th decade. I have been here for 6 years now and it's not so bad.

Thanks for all the goodies in your post and I second the motion that you start your own blog so we all can visit.

[joared]

Thanks to each of you who took the time to read and comment. Your thoughts were much appreciated.

As for a blog of my own, writing many posts day after day as each of you do, always interesting, so varied in content, that is a challenge. Some issues yet for me to resolve first before my own blog would be a reality. Besides, I truly wonder, if then, I wouldn't have enough time to visit you, and especially, TGB.

I certainly continue to strongly support the issues surrounding ageism and take action accordingly in real life when ever appropriate and possible. Trust we're all doing the same.

A very special thank you to my daughter whose comment was quite unexpected. She lives on one coast and I on another. These old eyes got just a wee bit moist reading her words.

Thank you again, Ronni. Gee but I'm glad you're back!

[Jude]

What a positive attitude - and from a gracious and giving lady. Thank you Joared; you are inspirational.

[MB]

Joared: What a wonderful Blog. You made me smile. I am proud to know you and so thankful for everything you do. I love the comments on laughter and agree wholeheartedly. Thank you for introducing me to this new way to stay involved with the world.