I'm the guy a couple of weeks ago who said on here that when a doctor told me, "when you get older" blah, blah, blah, I said I don't want to hear that shit, just tell me what to do! Anyway I just happened to be at the doctor today. He had a student in observing. We talked about shoes, exercises, etc. At the end we shook hands and doc said to the student "shake hands with him"! Doc was impressed by my grip!!
I actually do interval walking. I got the idea from a Dr. Al Sears a few years ago. He is a longevity specialist and has videos of exercises he promotes. My doc told me today that the things I have been doing for a long time will help my longevity.
Your article about Finding your Calling really had me thinking about a lot of things. I thought about answering but realized I had too much to say. I was a physical science and Dr. Ed. teacher for 39 years and enjoyed it. Through a series of events of a couple different people, one being Zig Ziglar inspired me to put together two science books for teachers and students. I went to see Zig do a presentation and to have him sign my copy of his book. We talked about my books at which time I was leery because I taught, coached football, coached track and taught Dr. Ed. in the summer. He said the book he signed, he wrote in 20 minutes a day. That got me started and once I started, I couldn't type fast enough with the ideas I already had. I started doing workshops for teachers. You talk about fulfilling!! I've probably done 50 around the country. Had to pay my own expenses, book printing, etc. so it wasn't real profitable but I did get tax deductions and got to go to a lot of interesting places. Since I only had two products, teachers only came one time so I ran out of places to go.
A long time ago, I started putting together some ideas on how to better??? A 175 things to bring happiness, peace, etc to your life. I entitled it, "The Inner Workings of Bernard" You have me thinking about an Amazon online book with this stuff. I'm not sure as my life to me, is fulfilling but you do have me thinking!
A few weeks ago, I began exercising again after a three year absence. My friend, a long term walker, stressed that I should start out slow. This was contrary to every instinct I had and in contrast to my past behavior. Older and wiser, I stuck with her advice. I walked slowly and did not push myself on the distances. That said, aches and pains still surfaced and I treated them with Voltarin, warm showers, and ice if needed. Still, I kept going with only minimal days skipped. Two months into this daily routine, I feel that I am where I would previously have expected to be on Day one. Fortunately, going slow both in speed of motion and in distance walked helped me reach my current milestone of 2.5 miles per day. Had I attempted faster increases, I would have become quickly discouraged and have stopped. So glad I stuck it out. Slow and steady wins the race. I feel stronger and better than I have in a long time. Best wishes as you consider beginning a new exercise program!
I eschewed ‘routines’ for much of my life, thinking them markers of boredom or a lack of creativity. And while this may have been true in my 40s, 50s and even 60s it's no longer so.
In my 80s I’ve come appreciate many ordinary routines. In a world seemingly upside down, where truth is deemed fake news and lies are applauded in the politics of our culture, there's something comforting about just going about one's daily business.
For me, it starts in the wee hours, often as early as 4 or 5 am. I make contact with the outside world via an iPad. I scan headlines from major sources like the NYT, WSJ, Le Monde and others but rarely go beneath the headlines. It's simply too painful to immerse myself in the particulars of our civil society in collapse along with the values I have always taken for granted. The headlines tell the story by themselves and together they paint a despairing picture of where we are now.
To avoid headlines setting my mood and attitude for the day I do a 20 min guided meditation. That brings my worrisome mind back to neutral and ready to engage with my espresso machine. It's a daily treat to slowly pour steamed milk into intense Arabica and take that first sip.
When I get around to checking my iCalendar it's generally a relief to find I don't have any medical or other appointments, nobody I have to call and really nothing to interfere with a day of reading, writing, walking in the woods, good conversation, a fine meal and streaming content worth watching.
It's not that I don't want to take that anticipated trip to Japan or back to Paris, India or Bali because I do. And of course at my age time is of the essence. But I no longer have that sense of wanting orcravingas I had when I was younger and maybe a bit bored in one of my careers.
No doubt many routines only provide comfort zones. But they can be much more- they can be the scaffolding upon which one experiences the simple delights of daily life available to anyone paying close attention to what matters and what doesn't.
A positive and uplifting post with useful tips especially on walking. Thank you. I decided to form my own company at age 70. It was my birthday present to myself. The business hasn’t consistently turned a profit yet but it’s great fun trying to do everything without just throwing money at lots of advertising.
As I get older, I’ve been wondering how not to turn into one of those rigid “get off my lawn” old people too stuck in their ways. I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts about it.
Try waking up every morning and practicing being grateful for all the gifts you just opened. For example, my eyes can see , my ears can see, I can taste and smell and feel. I have a family who loves me and my mind is clear. So much to be thankful for!
Hi Dan,
I'm the guy a couple of weeks ago who said on here that when a doctor told me, "when you get older" blah, blah, blah, I said I don't want to hear that shit, just tell me what to do! Anyway I just happened to be at the doctor today. He had a student in observing. We talked about shoes, exercises, etc. At the end we shook hands and doc said to the student "shake hands with him"! Doc was impressed by my grip!!
I actually do interval walking. I got the idea from a Dr. Al Sears a few years ago. He is a longevity specialist and has videos of exercises he promotes. My doc told me today that the things I have been doing for a long time will help my longevity.
Your article about Finding your Calling really had me thinking about a lot of things. I thought about answering but realized I had too much to say. I was a physical science and Dr. Ed. teacher for 39 years and enjoyed it. Through a series of events of a couple different people, one being Zig Ziglar inspired me to put together two science books for teachers and students. I went to see Zig do a presentation and to have him sign my copy of his book. We talked about my books at which time I was leery because I taught, coached football, coached track and taught Dr. Ed. in the summer. He said the book he signed, he wrote in 20 minutes a day. That got me started and once I started, I couldn't type fast enough with the ideas I already had. I started doing workshops for teachers. You talk about fulfilling!! I've probably done 50 around the country. Had to pay my own expenses, book printing, etc. so it wasn't real profitable but I did get tax deductions and got to go to a lot of interesting places. Since I only had two products, teachers only came one time so I ran out of places to go.
A long time ago, I started putting together some ideas on how to better??? A 175 things to bring happiness, peace, etc to your life. I entitled it, "The Inner Workings of Bernard" You have me thinking about an Amazon online book with this stuff. I'm not sure as my life to me, is fulfilling but you do have me thinking!
Really enjoy your articles!!
A few weeks ago, I began exercising again after a three year absence. My friend, a long term walker, stressed that I should start out slow. This was contrary to every instinct I had and in contrast to my past behavior. Older and wiser, I stuck with her advice. I walked slowly and did not push myself on the distances. That said, aches and pains still surfaced and I treated them with Voltarin, warm showers, and ice if needed. Still, I kept going with only minimal days skipped. Two months into this daily routine, I feel that I am where I would previously have expected to be on Day one. Fortunately, going slow both in speed of motion and in distance walked helped me reach my current milestone of 2.5 miles per day. Had I attempted faster increases, I would have become quickly discouraged and have stopped. So glad I stuck it out. Slow and steady wins the race. I feel stronger and better than I have in a long time. Best wishes as you consider beginning a new exercise program!
Great post Gary! I suggest adding chair yoga to your exercise routine… safe, gentle and stretches out those creaky bits! ☺️
In praise of ‘Routines’
I eschewed ‘routines’ for much of my life, thinking them markers of boredom or a lack of creativity. And while this may have been true in my 40s, 50s and even 60s it's no longer so.
In my 80s I’ve come appreciate many ordinary routines. In a world seemingly upside down, where truth is deemed fake news and lies are applauded in the politics of our culture, there's something comforting about just going about one's daily business.
For me, it starts in the wee hours, often as early as 4 or 5 am. I make contact with the outside world via an iPad. I scan headlines from major sources like the NYT, WSJ, Le Monde and others but rarely go beneath the headlines. It's simply too painful to immerse myself in the particulars of our civil society in collapse along with the values I have always taken for granted. The headlines tell the story by themselves and together they paint a despairing picture of where we are now.
To avoid headlines setting my mood and attitude for the day I do a 20 min guided meditation. That brings my worrisome mind back to neutral and ready to engage with my espresso machine. It's a daily treat to slowly pour steamed milk into intense Arabica and take that first sip.
When I get around to checking my iCalendar it's generally a relief to find I don't have any medical or other appointments, nobody I have to call and really nothing to interfere with a day of reading, writing, walking in the woods, good conversation, a fine meal and streaming content worth watching.
It's not that I don't want to take that anticipated trip to Japan or back to Paris, India or Bali because I do. And of course at my age time is of the essence. But I no longer have that sense of wanting orcravingas I had when I was younger and maybe a bit bored in one of my careers.
No doubt many routines only provide comfort zones. But they can be much more- they can be the scaffolding upon which one experiences the simple delights of daily life available to anyone paying close attention to what matters and what doesn't.
A positive and uplifting post with useful tips especially on walking. Thank you. I decided to form my own company at age 70. It was my birthday present to myself. The business hasn’t consistently turned a profit yet but it’s great fun trying to do everything without just throwing money at lots of advertising.
The legendary pianist Arthur Rubinstein gave his last public concert in 1976, in London. At that time, he was 89 years old.
Stay strong and carry on, Gary!
As I get older, I’ve been wondering how not to turn into one of those rigid “get off my lawn” old people too stuck in their ways. I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts about it.
Try waking up every morning and practicing being grateful for all the gifts you just opened. For example, my eyes can see , my ears can see, I can taste and smell and feel. I have a family who loves me and my mind is clear. So much to be thankful for!
There are way more than 5