Improving the Past

Working to improve is something I think I’m pretty darn good at. I strive to improve my own life and the lives of people I know and love. In my 36 years as a teacher, many times, I literally and figuratively used light to communicate belief, support, and community. I have, and still do, try to be someone who spreads light in the world.

Even at age 60 I still try to take good care of myself. Exercising regularly, and eating healthy foods (well most of the time) add to my well being. Treating myself with respect, spending time with people who treat me with respect, and treating others with respect are fundamental to taking good care of myself. Yes, treating others with respect adds to my well being.

I work to live happily in the present and to build a positive future for myself and people in my life. As a real estate agent I am work to take good care of people through the process of buying or selling a home.

As I age I am adapting to things that I need to do to improve or at least maintain my quality of life. For example, monitoring blood pressure, watching my cholesterol, and stretching regularly,

I believe that I am unusual in terms of my willingness and ability to work at improvement in my life and the lives of others. A good deal of my time and energy is spent helping myself and others to live happily in the present and to build bright futures.

Even a cursory look at my personal use of time and energy shows that I also spend an incredible amount of time trying to improve the past. Yes, I work extremely hard to improve the past. I worry and fret. I hold on to resentments. Over and over and over I think, “If only I would have…” Or, “I should have…” An honest appraisal of myself shows that I spend time every day trying to improve the past. When I think about that it sounds kind of ridiculous to me. I fear that I am unusual in my consistent and persistent efforts at improving the past.

Once again I have had to realize that possibly one of the best things I can do to live happily in the present and to influence a positive future is to STOP trying to improve the past. After 60 years I have yet to be successful in any attempt to improve the past. Am I slow or something? It has never worked and I still keep trying.

Today, I am not going to try to improve the past.

It is the weekend. Please be good. Drive your cars carefully. Ride with people who drive carefully. Treat yourself with respect. Spend time with people who treat you with respect. Treat other people with respect. Talk nice to yourself; you deserve it. I look forward to hearing from you or seeing you. Keep yourself whole physically and emotionally. Enjoy your weekend.

Proud to be an American: Part III

This past week I voted. It doesn't matter who I voted for or how I voted on the various initiatives. I voted.

When I was 18 years old the law of the land was that you had to be 21 to vote. In 1970, when I was 20, the voting age was changed to 18. I voted in the next election and I have voted in every election since then.

I do not take this incredible freedom for granted. I cherish it.

I think more amazing than that we get to vote is that even when we have close races there is still a peaceful transition of power. Were you tired of all the political advertising? It could have been guns. It could still be guns. Even if there are recounts there are still no guns.

I know the country isn't perfect but it is nevertheless incredible. I voted; I'm proud to be an American.

It is the weekend. Please be good. Drive your cars carefully. Ride with people who drive carefully. Treat yourself with respect. Spend time with people who treat you with respect. Treat other people with respect. Talk nice to yourself; you deserve it. I look forward to hearing from you or seeing you. Keep yourself whole physically and emotionally. Enjoy your weekend.