Thank you for reading! I’m guessing many of us do. I am always researching ways to eliminate and stay off meds! Hydration is so important to so many bodily functions.
As an international touring musician, I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiments expressed in this post. I can honestly state that my creative output is directly influenced by the engagements that I have, globally speaking, with individuals from diverse cultures and distant lands. These travels allow me to regularly interface with incredibly interesting and influential persons – from scholars to common folk – each offering valuable perspectives, gainful and useful information, rich culture, stories, folklore, traditions and customs. I eagerly absorb, retain these experiences and subsequently incorporate the information into my newly inspired works. There is truly no substitute for regular and deliberate journeys outside of our comfort zones and familiar environments. Travel is not just a source of inspiration — it’s an essential part of my creative process, personal growth and evolution as (hopefully) a progressive human being.
My social circle has shrunken solely due to reasons as varied as betrayal, distrust, physical distance, colliding opinions, politics and varying levels and degrees of ambition. Some relationships, even as they’re just beginning, reveal themselves to be merely temporary or transactional. With that knowledge, suspension or termination isn’t devastating or even barely noticeable. Solid, lasting connections are usually limited to but a handful of others that fit our parameters and definitions of loyalty and reliability.
Some people, like myself, mask their grief by publicly putting on a stone face or feigning acceptance and resolve. All the while, perpetually suppressing their sorrow internally and only releasing their woes in private. As one of the few men in my family circle, I’ve taken it upon myself to attempt to be solid, the voice of reason and the sounding board for everyone else’s anguish. Breaking down isn’t in my DNA and has never been considered to be an option. Of course this isn’t healthy nor recommended, but I can’t readily offer my shoulder for others to cry upon if it’s wet with my own tears. So I continue to play the role. But I do agree that nothing spoken can soften the blow of a significant loss. We just have to try our best to force ourselves to adjust to our new and dramatically altered reality.
Just completed my annual beginning-of-the-year purge of my phone contacts list and social media followers. Mainly consisting of people who read my posts but never engage, as well as people that I never hear from unless I reach out to them first.
I do this not out of spite, but out of necessity. #protectyourpeace
That was one of the most artful and evocative reflections on aging I’ve ever read. You’ve found your voice and it’s a powerful one, especially because it strikes so many familiar chords. Keep on using your discontent to fuel your writing. You might prefer lounging under a palm tree with a margarita, but nobody wants to read happy shit. We have Facebook for that.
Coming from a professional, your comment has made my day. Thank you so much for your continued encouragement! You were the first person I shared any of my writing with and I printed your encouraging email reply and taped it to the wall. That was maybe 15 years ago. I ask myself each week, why I write. It is definitely not for the money, as this blog has generated less than $1 in the 5 plus years it has existed! I finally figured it out. I write because I have to. But I wouldn’t mind that whole palm tree scenario. It is 18 degrees right now! Missing southern CA.
Well, welcome to the club. LOL ❤️. It’s a membership neither of us want to belong, but as you pointed out, grateful for being able to join the party 🥳!!
Writers write. Keep at it! There’s at least one, maybe 2 more generations (the ones behind and after us) that appreciate good writing and art and go looking for it in books, live performance and film!
Thank you for writing this! I really need to work on my hydration, you’ve inspired me!!!
Thank you for reading! I’m guessing many of us do. I am always researching ways to eliminate and stay off meds! Hydration is so important to so many bodily functions.
As an international touring musician, I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiments expressed in this post. I can honestly state that my creative output is directly influenced by the engagements that I have, globally speaking, with individuals from diverse cultures and distant lands. These travels allow me to regularly interface with incredibly interesting and influential persons – from scholars to common folk – each offering valuable perspectives, gainful and useful information, rich culture, stories, folklore, traditions and customs. I eagerly absorb, retain these experiences and subsequently incorporate the information into my newly inspired works. There is truly no substitute for regular and deliberate journeys outside of our comfort zones and familiar environments. Travel is not just a source of inspiration — it’s an essential part of my creative process, personal growth and evolution as (hopefully) a progressive human being.
My social circle has shrunken solely due to reasons as varied as betrayal, distrust, physical distance, colliding opinions, politics and varying levels and degrees of ambition. Some relationships, even as they’re just beginning, reveal themselves to be merely temporary or transactional. With that knowledge, suspension or termination isn’t devastating or even barely noticeable. Solid, lasting connections are usually limited to but a handful of others that fit our parameters and definitions of loyalty and reliability.
Very good post. Lessons we all can take to heart.
Some people, like myself, mask their grief by publicly putting on a stone face or feigning acceptance and resolve. All the while, perpetually suppressing their sorrow internally and only releasing their woes in private. As one of the few men in my family circle, I’ve taken it upon myself to attempt to be solid, the voice of reason and the sounding board for everyone else’s anguish. Breaking down isn’t in my DNA and has never been considered to be an option. Of course this isn’t healthy nor recommended, but I can’t readily offer my shoulder for others to cry upon if it’s wet with my own tears. So I continue to play the role. But I do agree that nothing spoken can soften the blow of a significant loss. We just have to try our best to force ourselves to adjust to our new and dramatically altered reality.
A beautiful piece. Quite the writer – touches me deeply.
Totally and firmly understood.
Just completed my annual beginning-of-the-year purge of my phone contacts list and social media followers. Mainly consisting of people who read my posts but never engage, as well as people that I never hear from unless I reach out to them first.
I do this not out of spite, but out of necessity. #protectyourpeace
LOL If I did an annual purge I may no longer need a phone! There might be only be six contacts left.
Thank you for writing this – it’s so true.
Thank you for comment and your continued support.
That was one of the most artful and evocative reflections on aging I’ve ever read. You’ve found your voice and it’s a powerful one, especially because it strikes so many familiar chords. Keep on using your discontent to fuel your writing. You might prefer lounging under a palm tree with a margarita, but nobody wants to read happy shit. We have Facebook for that.
Coming from a professional, your comment has made my day. Thank you so much for your continued encouragement! You were the first person I shared any of my writing with and I printed your encouraging email reply and taped it to the wall. That was maybe 15 years ago. I ask myself each week, why I write. It is definitely not for the money, as this blog has generated less than $1 in the 5 plus years it has existed! I finally figured it out. I write because I have to. But I wouldn’t mind that whole palm tree scenario. It is 18 degrees right now! Missing southern CA.
Such a good piece. Great writing and reflections.
Thank you for your comment, and as always, your continued support and encouragement.
Love your post and your “Duke” portrait. When did you do that?
I drew that Duke drawing in the early to mid 90’s.
Hey sis! The point about writing the book really hit home. My screen time is enormous, and it’s got to come to a stop!
I think most folk would be surprised by how much time they waste scrolling!
Well, welcome to the club. LOL ❤️. It’s a membership neither of us want to belong, but as you pointed out, grateful for being able to join the party 🥳!!
Thanks Glenda!
Great “story.” Well written and I definitely related to it.
Thank you for your comment Linda. Thanks for reading. Sadly, it’s a true story!
🤣Love it💕🎶 get different shapes and colors too🥰
No lie! Thanks for reading and for your comment.
Beautiful – you certainly live up to the advice….:). Thanks for the push.
I’m trying! I don’t always succeed. But, I keep trying.
Love the urging to get out of one’s comfort zone. That’s where real growth begins.
Love your razor wit. Keep it up! BTW, whenever I do something mindlessly repetitive, that damn Neil Diamond song steals its way into my head. Madness.
Thanks Joel! I fully intend to keep it up. I also write because my health insurance doesn’t cover therapy. Bomp. Bomp. Bomp.
My money is always on YOU!!!
(The Sis who knows you are a WRITER)
🎯💯💯💯💯
Good advice and antidote on how to keep living fully with what remains ánd with what is still possible.
This is so relevant – you really hit on great topics
What a great piece.
Thanks Barb!
LOVE this!
Writers write. Keep at it! There’s at least one, maybe 2 more generations (the ones behind and after us) that appreciate good writing and art and go looking for it in books, live performance and film!