life

Light Friday Nights

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What used to be. What yet might be.

Light and quiet is fine for now for a guy in his mid 50’s. I miss the regular outings of just a few years ago, and the semi regular game nights, and the occasional movie outings, the free outdoor concerts of the summer, and even the Sci-Fi Friday lineup of old with my bro.

Life is always changing. People get busy, change jobs, fall in and out of grace, and grow apart. Going out is also so much more expensive than it used to be. For a while, the thrift shop after work and then my workout in my basement gym followed by grilling and deck time was the routine. Now, it seems no one is available, and I’m too tired to find anything on Netflix. The night falls quickly and my energy fades quicker still.

On the upside, I’m up earlier on Saturday and there’s always something to do with the house if I’m not going out anywhere. And, either Saturday or Sunday is Mom visit day, so the weekend is quickly filled up no matter what.

Sometimes, it feels like a funny magnet I found at a local festival this year: “Another fine day ruined by adulthood.” It’s true that life gets harder and fuller of responsibilities and obligations as you get older, but you also learn that your life and your actions, your thoughts and feelings have intrinsic value even if no one seems to notice or appreciate you. It’s called independence.

It’s harder to get a couple or few friends together when you’re over 40 or over 50, but you value the times you have together, even if they’re less frequent.

Recently, I’ve done things on weeknights which I’ve been avoiding for years since I get up pretty stinking early for work. Turns out, I can still do it. as long as I pace myself through the week. Feel like I need a wink emoji after that. Sounds kind of sad, but I’m making the effort. I’m living my life. I’m still standing and I’m looking ahead while still taking care of the immediacies.

The Holy Spirit, or the Universe, however you think of it, will sustain you as long as you do the best you can and be true to yourself. So keep up the good work, my good folks.

Keeping On, Part 2: Recharging

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In part 1, I wrote about how routines can help build a foundation for action and growth. I continue striving to do that as I have for the last year plus. But some days I’m just not feeling it. Today was one of those days. I was very tired and didn’t have much positive interaction through my day. Actually, I didn’t have a lot of interaction at all. I had to get some groceries. Not my favorite chore. Still, I did all the usual stuff: feeding the critters, watering plants, devotions and all that after work and the grocery store, and checking in on my mom via text. Still, it was a nice warm late summer day and I managed to take a short walk around the neighborhood after dinner. I plan to do more of that. It’s good to be familiar with your surroundings.

Funny thing is, I didn’t plan on a walk and I haven’t been doing that. So, something new sprung up even on a day when I was just going through the motions, emotionally. I have thought about walking around here recently, but didn’t get around to it. So, I guess my subconscious nudged me where I needed to go. I’ll continue to enjoy walks at parks and other places, but walking near home is a nice way to take a breather.

Isolation is not good for our mental health, so get out there and do stuff, whatever that might be. Not every day is a thrill and we can’t feel joyful or excited 100% of the time, but by keeping on, you can make the mediocre days nothing more than that. Mediocre is way better than depressing or discouraging, and you’ll be back to joyful or at least content that much sooner because you kept up the stuff you have control over.

Hey, look at that! Tomorrow is Hump Day already. Things are moving. Keep on being you, keep on being, keep on doing, keep on.

Keeping On

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Since it’s been a while since I posted, I’m thinking I should take another look at time management and posts about being busy but in a good way. Or, reflect on the one wondering where half the summer went already. Now, basically the whole thing is gone, though not officially by the calendar and it’s a gorgeous summer day here in eastern PA today.

In fact, I did get out and enjoy a picture-perfect day with friends at Lake Nockamixon on Labor Day weekend and got to take a spin on my brother’s kayak. Today, I’m taking my mom shopping, but at least we’ll be out and about on this great day.

It’s been a little over a year since I had a health event and a break from work, after which I began a routine of daily devotions with Bible reading and the book Journey to the Heart by Melanie Beaty. I am journaling more often. (Still not daily, but working on it.) Since last October, I’ve been weight lifting three times a week, and keeping up a routine of better punctuality, tending to the garden and feeding the stray cats and the birds (after my own cats) after work, daily check-ins with my mom and all the usual household stuff.

I also make time for fun with friends and family, and getting out for a nature walk or something enjoyable as much as possible. It’s been challenging at times and I don’t always feel like doing things, but I persist. I look around me, and I realize it’s not just me. Time flies for everyone. We’re all busy and we all have to make an effort to keep on going and doing and balancing life’s obligations with fun and enjoyment. Staying connected through it all is very important, so don’t forget that. Talk to people, and share your feelings and thoughts. People are all very similar in many ways. (Except for a few psychopaths, but we won’t go into that now.)

I feel that I was put on this earth to be an encourager and a light in my corner of the world. I will endeavor to keep doing that through thick and thin. I believe that there are forces set against those of us trying to lift others up. The eternal battle of good and evil is very much active in the world today. We good ones must rise up and keep pushing forward and be ourselves and affirm others to be themselves. We’re all in this together.

Kind of a grand conclusion for a post about routines, you might think. I’m learning that the routines are just the structure to provide a base to do more. Our thoughts and feelings can flow more freely when we control the things we can and not be discouraged by all the things we can’t control. All the chaos and evil in the world at large.

Brighten the corner where you are! Be you!