The 23rd Wellness

Imaginative Wellness, stylized symbol: Tinker Bell. I am free thinking.

I am more than creative, I am open to possibilities. This is a human-only quality, the flipside of routine or standardized behavior and programming. I imagine my ideal lifestyle, my ideal workspace. Now, in an exercise in reflection, I walk into it, shrug my shoulders, see how it fits. I invite my mind to flow freely in any direction, to improvise, to associate freely.

The person I admire is Rudyard Kipling

 On Universal Causation

Not everything in the universe necessarily has a cause, I understand. Apparently quantum physics and radioactivity and the creation of the universe may be exceptions.

And we can't seem to bend our heads around infinity. In fact, it may exist only in the abstract, like numbers, or the infinitely divided space between points, never in reality

 The 22nd Wellness

Functional Wellness, stylized symbol: Captain's Hat. I am efficient.

I am Control Central --responsible, engaged, involved, workwise, determined. As daily exercises of strength I delay gratifications such as food and other enjoyable routines.

The person I admire is Albert Schweitzer

 The 21st Wellness

Preparatory Wellness, stylized symbol: Cutting Board. I am forward thinking.

 I am caught up with short-term planning and execution. I do not procrastinate, but I anticipate, think ahead to what will be needed, such as planning upcoming meals, keeping at least a half tank of gas in the car, writing down dwindling supplies as I notice them, being prepared for emergencies as fire, loss of electricity, natural gas, or water, walking myself through unfamiliar contingencies, and so forth. I have a short-term (asap to three-month) plan and a long-term (five-year) plan.

The person I admire is Elmer Fudd, ever on the watch for potential problems

 On the U.S. Budget Deficit

I could end the deficit in five minutes. You just pass a law that says that any time there's a deficit of more than 3% of GDP, all sitting members of Congress are ineligible for re-election. --Warren Buffet, 2011

 The 20th Wellness

Reflective Wellness, stylized symbol: Gold Crown. I am enlightened.

I understand. The most complex question or problem can be placed on a back burner to be pondered unconsciously. Take it to bed with you and reflect upon it on awakening. In its own good time your answer or decision will come. Quiet reflection brings clarity.

The person I admire is Alfred North Whitehead

 Movies

THE NIGHT CLERK, R, 2020, Crime/Thriller, John Leguizamo
This poorly plotted movie held my attention as a character study of a young man with autism/Asperger syndrome. I thought he did a great job. Available on ROKU. Three Stars

** DIE HARD is not a Christmas movie, it's a Bruce Willis movie. --Bruce WIllis **

 Bah!

Through no fault of mine, but through faulty packing for transit, I recently had to return damaged goods to Amazon who was charged with their safe delivery.

From my refund they deducted $0.81, calling it a 'Promotional Discount Deduction'. 

Lest you think that is of no consequence, may I remind you that many years ago the banks were convinced to stop the predatory practice of rounding off the fractions of pennies in their favor.

That caper had been making them big bucks.

** It wasn't school that I hated so much, it was the principal of the thing.**

 Involuntary Burping, and Bloating

Copilot supplied the following information: 

Lifestyle Tweaks for GERD Relief

These adjustments can make a meaningful difference:

• Meal timing: Avoid lying down for at least 2–3 hours after eating. Gravity helps keep stomach acid where it belongs.

• Portion control: Smaller, more frequent meals reduce pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which helps prevent reflux.

• Elevate your head: Sleeping with the head of your bed raised 6–8 inches can reduce nighttime symptoms.

• Avoid trigger foods: Common culprits include caffeine, chocolate, spicy foods, citrus, tomatoes, garlic, onions, and fatty or fried foods. But triggers vary—keeping a food diary can help identify yours.

• Mindful eating: Eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and avoid talking while chewing to reduce swallowed air (which can worsen bloating and burping).

• Weight management: If applicable, even modest weight loss can significantly reduce GERD symptoms.

• Clothing: Avoid tight waistbands or belts that put pressure on your abdomen.

• Stress reduction: Stress can exacerbate symptoms. Gentle practices like walking, deep breathing, or even a warm cup of chamomile tea can help.

Overlap with Functional Dyspepsia and Gastroparesis

For functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis, many of the same principles apply, with a few additions:

• Low-fat, low-fiber meals: These are easier to digest and move through the stomach more quickly.

• Soft or blended foods: Especially helpful for gastroparesis, where delayed emptying is an issue.

• Hydration: Sip fluids between meals rather than with meals to avoid overfilling the stomach.

• Gentle movement after meals: A short walk can aid digestion and reduce bloating.

 The 19th Wellness

Transformational Wellness, stylized symbol: Shapeshifting Coyote. I am changeable. 

I am correctable, moldable, pliable, I can correct much of what should be corrected. Often steel determination and focus is called for.  Calm and steady in the pursuit of your goals. 

The person I admire is Dan Millman, author

 The 18th Wellness

Instinctual Wellness, stylized symbol: Pink Navel. I am receptive. 

Often our instincts surpass our reasoning in informing us of what we need to know. Consider obeying your instincts unless you have good reason to ignore them, such as addictive behavior, as over indulgence in physical desires perhaps, or an instinct toward  ill will or cruelty.

The person I admire is Laozi, 400 BC, compiler of the Tao Te Ching

 On Wrong Behavior:

From the thought (the impulse)

To the word (the clarified thought)

To the action

To the habit

To the character

To destiny. --Lao Tzu paraphrased

 The 17th Wellness

Therapeutic Wellness, stylized symbol: Candy-Stripe Band Aid. I am imperfect.

Sometimes we need more than tender loving care. Sometimes we need to adopt a therapeutic lifestyle.

The person I admire is Forrest Gump.

 The 16th Wellness

Rational Wellness, stylized symbol: Clear Lens. I am reasonable.

Logical, down-to-earth clear-headedness must prevail if we would succeed in the investigation of things to find understanding of the world around us.

The person I admire is Galileo.

 What is our nature? What is the meaning of life?

I believe it is our nature to seek, as is true of the nature of everything in the universe. Just as gravity seeks the center of mass, the tree seeks the sun, the magnet seeks the poles, we seek what we need endlessly. 

I believe the meaning of life is, subjectively, to flourish, but, objectively, to evolve.

 The 15th Wellness

Recreational Wellness, stylized symbol: Fluorescent Pinwheel. I am fun loving.

There is so much to do, so much to learn. Do the moonwalk, learn boxing footwork, tap dance, learn the tango, become a movie critic, go to yoga class and, at the same time, meet wonderful people.

The person I admire is Tina Turner

 The 14th Wellness

Logistic Wellness, stylized symbol: Silver Rocket. I am mobile.

We must not allow our bodies to wither in old age without fighting back. While the cane is a helpful tool, the walker gets seriously in our way, and the wheelchair will destroy us if we let it. Fight back! Stay physically mobile, keep your driver's license, maintain your independence as long as you can!

The person I admire is Elon Musk

 What is this? My new computer has, without permission, sent all my files to OneDrive which means that I must be online to access them.

This means that I must always be online. 

Doesn't it follow that my computer is an open book to the powers that be?

We already knew that nothing on our computers is private, but that problem applied to bad actors only.

This behavior on the part of Government or Computer Technology, probably both, is bold, blatant, hostile, criminal behavior in my opinion.

 BEWARE! BEWARE!

This Friday is FRIDAY THE TWELFTH PLUS ONE (that number, you know, the one with the ONE and the THREE)

Friday the Twelfth Plus One

The most Godawful day as it were

Is upon us again, that's for sure

I'll quake in my bed

Covers over my head

'Til the black cloud has passed I won't stir

NO SIR!

 The 12th-Plus-one Wellness (that number, you know, the one with the ONE and the THREE has been retired in an abundance of caution and respect)

Financial Wellness, stylized symbol: Copper Penny. I am frugal.

I believe it is not only disrespectful to the good earth, but bad luck or bad karma or whatever you like to call it to be wasteful. People who say that money is not important have obviously never found themselves without it.

The person I admire is my grandmother who taught me the value of The Almighty Dollar

 Overdoing Things

I disagree with the old saying that, in order to strengthen our bodies, we must step out of our comfort zones. The pain of sore muscles and small injuries can destroy the enjoyment of exercise, the pleasure and wonder of sculpting our bodies back to robust health. 

Why not slow down, take it easy, have fun? What's the rush?

The 12th Wellness

Behavioral Wellness, stylized symbol: A Black Hood. I am systematic.

Routine, ritual, regularity is comforting and may be essential to an older person. We all have some routine in our lives, as brushing our teeth or showering or eating habits.

One thing after another as planned. This helps to keep us on guard against wrong habits.

HABIT

First comes the Thought,

Then, the Word --or the Clarified Thought,

Then, the Action,

Then, the Habit,

Then, the Character,

Then, Destiny --Lao Tsu, 5th or 6th century BC, or he may have been a compiler of maxims.

The person I admire is Dustin Hoffman for his performance as Raymond Babbitt in RAIN MAN.

 A funny thing happened on the way to the casbah

In my car while waiting for a stop light to turn green, a pedestrian was speedily crossing my path. He was a young man, very tall, whip thin. He had the springiest gait I had ever seen. Bouncing off his toes he must have risen over a foot in the air. 

On his shoulders riding piggyback was precariously balanced a tiny little boy maybe eighteen months old. He was in extreme and urgent distress holding his bottle clenched in his teeth while holding on for dear life to his dad's head with both hands.

In such a heart-wrenching moment as that, what can one do? Nothing, but to hold one's breath and hope for the best. They continued without incident until they were out of sight.

 The 11th Wellness

Moral Wellness, stylized symbol: Iron Mountain. I am strong.

We learn from the events in our life. Some of us suffer very violent childhoods. Some of us are not equipped to flourish in our environments. Let us support each other with kindness and understanding. And a leg up.

The person I admire is Mike Tyson.

 Shake, Rattle and Roll --The Vibration Plate

A friend inspired me to try out a vibration plate. I had high hopes for improved circulation in the lower legs, but the literature cautions to seek professional advice for use with certain ailments, most every one of which I have.

So, carefully, in a seated position, just resting my feet on the plate, I did one minute. Next morning my knees were killing me ... well, they're often killing me, but now much worse.

On March 12 and March 13, I did 1.5 minutes. Knees remained the same.

On March 14 and 15 I did two minutes. I noticed that, immediately after the March 15 session, my knees felt good, but pain soon returned.

But I did think my knees were a little better, so I continued to work myself up to a five-minute session.

Well, to sum up, the vibration plate really did a job on me. I had to cancel the I-CAN-DO-THIS ceremony. My friend also had to stop using it.

I've been in agony ever since I tried it. If I ever try it again, it will be standing only and for brief periods only. I'll pIace my two-wheel walker over it so that I have the handlebars for balance and support. 

I hope any older people trying out a vibration plate will be very careful not to hurt themselves.

 The Tenth Wellness

Directional Wellness, stylized symbol: A Primrose Path. I am focused. 

Focused on the three-prong long term: improved health, improved standard of living, and disciplined learning.

Calm and steady in the pursuit of these goals.

The person I admire is Ben Franklin

Ben Franklin's Daily schedule

He rose at 6am. From 6am to 9am he prepared for the day

From 9am to 1pm he worked

From 1pm to 2pm he rested

From 2pm to 6pm he worked

From 6pm to 10pm he engaged in evening activities such as reading, letter writing, entertaining, house parties, theater, and so forth

From 10pm to 6am he rested

"NEVER fail to do what you have resolved to do." --Ben Franklin paraphrased

 On Death

Oh, we don't like death? We think it's unfair?

We are each lucky to be here at all. Consider the odds of success of the single sperm that is you.

Is immortality really a desirable thing? In a world in which we live forever, it seems likely that the elders would rule over all. 

It's best not to be anxious about death, or anything that is inevitable. We are apparently the only animal that knows it will die. Knowledge is often a good thing. We've had our turn, let us be courageous, let us pass the baton cheerfully to the next generation when our day in the sun has passed.

Let us stop worrying about it. and have fun.

Let it be so

 The Ninth Wellness

Creative Wellness, whose stylized symbol is the Struck Flintstone. I am seeking.

The Creative spark, always elusive, must be snatched and retained at the moment of occurrence. Keep paper and pencil ready in your nearest pocket.

The person I admire is Leonardo DaVinci

 Focus

Elon Musk advises us to spend an hour a day focusing on our main priority. I've got a lot of main priorities, but today I'll take "Not losing my driver's license in April of 2026."

About seven years ago I was advised of cataracts. The doctor referred me to a firm that would remove my cataracts. 

I said no, that he should adjust my prescription for glasses until I maybe get around to the surgeries he's prescribing.

He said no, that I probably won't even need glasses after the surgery.

Now I'm scared. He is not cooperating. I have no intention of having these surgeries until necessary. And he is obligated to report anyone to the Division of Motor Vehicles who does not meet vision requirements. With these old glasses of mine, I would never pass the vision test.

Now I proceed on tiptoe.

I ask, "Has my vision deteriorated to the point where I shouldn't drive?"

He replied, "You are borderline qualified to drive."

I said, "Okay, I will accept your referral. But please, in the meantime*, give me a certificate for DMV that says I am qualified to drive at this time."

He said okay, and I renewed my driver's license for 8 years by presenting his certificate. 

So here I am today, looking down the throat of losing my driver's license next April. I have suffered having to live with these old glasses of mine, but I have no intention of having dangerous cataract surgery until I think I need it. I'm 83, too old for frivolous surgery. I think I see fine.

So, what to do?

I think this fall I will visit a new optometrist and tell him what I want: A prescription for new eyeglasses. If he says no, I will visit another optometrist. If he says no, I will face the question of surgery or loss of my driver's license. I will choose the loss of my driver's license.

I live in the suburbs where there are no taxis. A bus will not work for me because I can't walk to the bus stop. I don't intend to ask friends and family to tool my carcass around. I think it may be time to become an activist for a local taxi service although that would be prohibitively expensive. Really, I see no solution ahead.

What do you think, Dear Reader?

*Not a lie! It will be a woman's prerogative to change my mind.

 The Eighth Wellness

Precautionary Wellness, stylized symbol: Camouflaged Lock. I am prudent. 

We seniors should be ever thinking ahead to what can go wrong. Be ready, be vigilant. 

"Set thine house in order." --Isaiah 38:1

The person I admire is  R. Lee Ermey, aka “Gunny”, a US Marine drill instructor and Golden Globe-nominated actor.