Dave Glardon

Even a Violin Eventually Sounds Good

April 15, 2024April 15, 2024 by Dave Glardon, posted in Uncategorized

Good morning! I hope your day is off to a great start.

Did you do anything fun over the weekend? I usually ask that question with no idea what response I’ll get, but some of them are well worth the effort. Which is why I don’t ask my oldest grandson, because I may get an answer I didn’t want. I have to remind him every now and then that, although we’ve always been best friends, I’m still Grandpa. We’ll just leave it at that.

My weekend revolved around a pair of high-school performances. My oldest granddaughter (16) was in a production of Beauty and the Beast. The sets, the music, the singing, and especially the acting, were all worthy of a lot more than the $10 admission price. The acting was so good, I didn’t really notice the part of Gaston was played by a young lady. I’m not sure she did, either.

Then yesterday I got to see my “bonus” granddaughter (also 16) in her school’s show choir final performance. To see so much talent on the same stage, especially at an age where a lot of kids are thinking of anything but school, was inspirational. And if I’m allowed to say it, our girl was amazing. She stopped hearts with her two solos. I know because mine was one of them.

I was telling a friend yesterday I insisted my daughters would do some kind of extracurricular in school. Band, choir, sports, chess club, it didn’t matter. And I made sure that any time one of them was onstage, we were in the audience. Sometimes, that takes a lot more love than we realize – band parents, especially. If you know, you know. Some things take a lot more practice than others.

But the day comes when they’re making actual, recognizable music, and the cat no longer hides behind the couch when they play. And that glow on their face at the end of a performance is worth all the hours spent silently nodding our approval while trying to hide the earplugs. It takes time and effort to master a skill. Thankfully, these kids have plenty of both.

I saw a poster once that showed a baby bird peeking out of the nest with a caption that read, “It flies because it thinks it can.” We’re all born with no sense of limitations. It’s how we learn to walk, and talk, and hold our own bottle. And we carry those skills all through adulthood, though I do still spill a little sometimes. I think I need more practice. Walking, that is.

Children’s minds are the epitome of imagination and possibility. Sadly, both start to fade through the teenage years. By adulthood, most of that magic is gone, which is why we have life coaches and motivational books to help rebuild what should never have been torn down in the first place. If only we could nurture more of what was already there, there’s no limit to what they could accomplish.

We’re no different. If we can remove the barriers that were put in place by people and events though our formative years, we can achieve any goal. And, as a good friend used to ask, what would your dreams be if you knew you couldn’t fail? Food for thought.

That’s all for now, friends. Have an awesome day!

It Ain’t Over Til the Fat Lady Sings

April 12, 2024April 12, 2024 by Dave Glardon, posted in Uncategorized

Good morning, and happy Friday! I hope you’ve had an incredible week.

We got lucky here in southern Ohio and had a spectacular view of Monday’s solar eclipse. It was just like the book said it would be … a shadow from the bottom-right slowly spreading across the sun until suddenly, it got almost dark, a good bit cooler, and eerily calm. Two minutes later it was over, and the moon continued its journey. And I went back to work, so the cycle is complete.

Two things stand out that I’ll never forget. First was the naked-eyed view of the corona at the point of totality. It was a clearly visible ring of light around the moon’s shadow – just a reminder that our sun was still there. The other was how much the sun lit the earth up to the point of totality. With even a sliver of sun still showing, it was full daylight. Simply amazing.

We never did see complete darkness. It was inspirational, in the sense that if the sun can continue to provide that much light when it’s completely covered, we’re in good hands. Clouds will come and go, but nothing can block the light completely. Even when it sets in the west for an evening of darkened slumber, we know it’s just waiting to peek through again from the other side.

Which, if you think about it, is pretty much the cycle of life. You go to sleep, you wake up. You cut your finger, it heals. The light turns red, then it turns green. There are more, but you get the point. Nothing in this life is permanent, and if you miss an opportunity, odds are it’ll come back around again. If only Mrs. Kellogg had felt that way about missing homework assignments. “It’s coming!”

For more than ten years, I’ve messed around with a business that could be much more profitable with just a little effort. Several times over the years, I’ve made a declaration: “This is it! Time to get busy! I’m serious this time!” Yet, here I sit with more potential than I can ever appreciate, and a stack of bills growing faster than my excuses. If only I could sell them. The bills, not the excuses.

But here’s the thing. The factors that led me to start a business in the first place are still there. The dream hasn’t faded, and the opportunity I was so excited about is still there, quietly waiting for me to get off my keister and do something about it. And I can do that today. I can choose to pick up where I left off and start chasing that dream. Thankfully, the dream is waiting, too. It knows I’m old to keep up.

Goals have an expiration date. Dreams don’t. And whatever means you found to make those dreams come true ten years ago is probably still valid today. You just have to make the decision and stick with it. And there’s no better time than the weekend to reflect on your dreams, solidify a plan, and put it into action. Not Monday morning or next week or next month – now.

Take time this weekend to reimagine your dreams and commit to achieving them. And if you don’t mind, take a moment to share those dreams with me. You may just light a fire under my butt.

That’s all for now. Have an awesome day and an even better weekend!

Don’t Blink!

April 8, 2024April 8, 2024 by Dave Glardon, posted in Uncategorized

Good morning! I hope your day is off to a great start.

Today is a special day for much of the United States. In a few hours, most of us will be able to see the sun and the moon at the exact same place in the sky at the exact same time. Granddaddy used to always say it’s a lazy man who can see the moon in the daytime. Well, if it blocks out the sun completely, does that still count? I think nature has to take some of the blame for this one.

And if you think a full moon brings out the best in people, imagine a dark full moon in the middle of the day. People are traveling from around the country and spending more than $1000 for a single night in a fleabag motel to find a coveted spot in the roughly 110-mile-wide path of totality, where the moon will completely block the sun … for exactly four minutes. I get to see it for free.

Of course, based on the price of these high-tech disposable viewing glasses, it may be one of the last things I’ll ever see. I take some of the best vitamins known to man to help keep me from getting sick, but apparently my eyes are only worth $1.99. For the record, I spent six times that much on lottery tickets this weekend. Hey, you’ve gotta have priorities.

My grandson was asking why it’s such a big deal. Okay, he’s 24 and will likely live long enough to see another one. Odds are, I won’t. So, at the appointed time, I’ll be standing in my front yard with my $1.99 glasses protecting my eyes from what could be my last chance to view such an amazing event. I’m sure I won’t be alone.

Between inflated gas prices, astronomical lodging rates, and all the extras (tee shirts, anyone?), some of these people are paying a lot of money to watch a cloudy sky do what it does every night. According to the Carly Simon song, an egotistical acquaintance once flew his Learjet to Nova Scotia for the same view. Hopefully he was equally dedicated to his other endeavors.

I guess the question that comes to mind is, how many of these people would be willing to invest a fraction of the time, money, and effort, to build an income that would allow them to fly their own jet to the next one? How many, while driving days to witness four minutes of darkness, will pass the time sharing dreams and discussing ways they could work to achieve them?

We all like to say we’re too busy to take on anything new, but when something like an eclipse comes along, time just seems to materialize. And that’s okay, for a once in a lifetime event. But what about when the moon moves on, and the sun comes back out? Will we find the time to chase some of our own dreams? Or will we go back to whatever we’ve been doing all these years?

Thankfully, most dreams don’t come with an expiration date. You’re never too young or too old, and plans we made ten years ago can still be put into place. We just have apply the same sense of urgency with which we’d chase an eclipse. Or a new romance. My grandson has mastered that one.

That’s all for now. If you have the chance, get outside and enjoy the view. It’s an experience you won’t forget. Meanwhile, have an awesome day!

It’s a Puddle – Step Over and Move On

March 25, 2024March 25, 2024 by Dave Glardon, posted in Uncategorized

Good morning! I hope your day is starting off well. For those of us in the northern hemisphere, spring is almost here!

It’s been a while since my last post. I know, that happens now and then (more now than then, it seems). I’ve had lower back pain for several years and, the end of January, it paid me back for all those decades of abuse. Well, I should say it began to pay me back. The punishment lasted close to a month, and any time I tried to work around it, I found out real quick who’s boss. Here’s a hint – it’s not me.

Thanks to modern medicine, I’m about back to normal, or my interpretation of the word. I can sit and stand and walk, which is something I’ll never again take for granted. And thanks to modern insurance, I get to do it all again. Back pain can come from a lot of sources, and apparently one wildly successful pain injection doesn’t prove a thing. We have to prove it twice. Fun.

We were supposed to leave this frozen tundra a week after I went down, but it’s hard to drive 1800 miles when you can’t sit upright more than 3 minutes. And my wife refused to drive that distance with me laying across the back seat. One trip to the doctor was enough for her. Okay, so I complained about her acceleration and braking and turning and her uncanny ability to find every single bump in the road. Sue me.

But, when life hands you lemons, you make whatever drink takes your mind off the fact that you’re not where you want to be and way too old to throw a tantrum. Alcohol may have been involved. And in case you’re wondering how much bourbon it takes, don’t even try. I’m told there’s a limit, and it’s not nearly enough.

Since we couldn’t leave for warmer weather, we improvised. Which means we kept the blankets out a while longer. Meanwhile, my wife was able to reschedule her second hip replacement for last Thursday. With two brand-new hips, she’ll be running circles around me in no time. Actually, I’m okay with that. I can just sit there and watch. If she starts running in a straight line, it’s all over.

Life doesn’t always go the way we’d planned. I’ll wait while you pick yourself up from the floor. But following a plan is easy. It’s when the brakes go out that you prove your worth as a driver. You don’t cancel the trip. You change your pants, fix the car, and get back on the road. The destination hasn’t changed. Just your means of getting there.

We all have visions of where we’d like to be and how we’d like things to go. Call it what you want, but at its very essence, that’s a dream. It’s an imagined outcome we hope to achieve. That may be as complex as building a second income or as simple as getting to work on time. Regardless, there will be obstacles. But obstacles were made to be overcome. And with each one, you get stronger.

As you start your day and your week, expect the unexpected. Come to terms with the fact that, no matter what, the unexpected will not change your goals. The dream is still alive. You just may have to take a different path to get there.

That’s all for now. Follow your dreams, no matter what stands in your way. You’re bigger and stronger – trust me. Have an awesome day!

Want a Little Cheese With That Whine?

January 15, 2024 by Dave Glardon, posted in Uncategorized

Good morning! I hope your day is off to a nice start.

Depending on where you are in this country, the weather outside is somewhere between freezing and words you’d rather I don’t use here. Believe me, the neighbors have heard them, probably the last time I worked on my truck. Let’s just say I don’t have a lot of patience for things that don’t go according to plan. Or split knuckles. Vehicle maintenance involves both.

We all get frustrated. And when we do, it’s easy to say things we wouldn’t say in church. Oh, we may utter God’s name, but more as a hyphenated adjective. And loud. Nothing eases frustration like announcing our displeasure to the entire neighborhood all at once. Just one more reason I no longer work on my own cars. The neighbors took up a petition. I lost.

Okay, there’s another reason. I’ve found that life is a lot more pleasant when I’m floating in a swimming pool, playing with my grandkids, or simply gazing across the desert at the beauty of nature. Besides, my cardiologist suggested I find more ways to avoid stress. He didn’t exactly prescribe the bourbon, but I’ve been running my own tests. So far, the data is leaning my way.

We’ve all met people who go through life as if every waking moment is another reason to complain. It’s too hot. It’s too cold. Gas is too expensive. The boss is too cheap. And everybody and everything in this world exists for the sole purpose of ticking them off. Do yourself a favor. If you’re around these people when the news comes on, find the nearest exit and run!

I’ve always been into motivational reading and positive thinking. I can’t say it’s always shone through in my daily life, but I try. And I used to think I could spread some of that positivity to those who seem to have been cheated at birth. But the fact is, angry people aren’t born that way – they’re miserable by choice. It’s like a menu item that nobody wants, so they swallow everybody’s share.

In our discussions about living our best life, it should be obvious that this mindset doesn’t fit. You can’t enjoy life if you’re unhappy with everybody and everything life has to offer. To live that way is more crippling than a crushed spine. There is no joy, because that would only remind them of what they’ve been missing their entire life. There’s only misery. And it’s always somebody else’s fault.

Bitterness is a poison. We all know how it affects us emotionally, but the physical effects are even more damaging. It causes headaches, high blood pressure, and all manner of illness. In fact, the National Institutes of Health noted that 75-90 percent of illness is caused by anger and stress. And the effects on the heart are even more devastating. Seems like a lot of misery for … well, you know.

None of us are immune to disappointment. That’s just a part of life. It’s what we do with that disappointment that counts. We can keep it in perspective and focus on things that offer a higher level of serenity. Or we can nurture it and allow it to grow into the cancer of resentment. Choose happiness. Our days on this planet are numbered, anyway. We might as well enjoy the ride.

That’s all for now. Have an awesome day and an even better week!

Sour Grapes Don’t Make Sweet Jam

January 8, 2024 by Dave Glardon, posted in Uncategorized

Good morning! I hope your day is off to a great start.

So, here we are a week into the new year, and already planning next year’s resolutions. Just me? It’s not that I’m suddenly so proactive – just that I’m not ready to completely give up on the ones I’ve already blown out the window this time. That’s the way this works. If you really, really want to lose weight, you don’t just give up on the idea. You set a new date. That way, you keep the dream alive.

Okay, we all have our weaknesses. Mine, apparently, is buttered popcorn. And candy. I went six months without touching a piece of candy, and then found a recipe to make one of my favorites at home. It’s made from marshmallows, white chocolate chips, butter, and gum drops. And I only have two pieces each day. Then I have two more, just to keep it from going to waste. Can I get an amen?

We’ve been talking about things that hold us back in life, and I’ll be the first to admit my greatest limitation is between my ears. I can do anything for a week. Beyond that, all bets are off. I thought intermittent fasting was the key. And it works! But it doesn’t do much good to put off your first meal until noon if you eat a water buffalo for lunch. I’m sure I read that somewhere.

You ever feel like you just need an attitude adjustment? You ever feel like somebody else does? I know I’m failing in my goal of losing weight, but that doesn’t mean I have to be miserable about it. You see, that’s the part about goals they never tell us. It’s okay to feel discouraged, even upset, about our failings. But we don’t have to share them with the entire world.

We’ve all met people who couldn’t be happy if you handed them a bag of cash. “Thanks! Sure, it’s a lot of money, but the government is going to take it all in taxes. And, what are all these ten-dollar bills doing in here? Did the bank run out of fifties? This won’t even buy a pound of bacon! And now the whole family will want some, too. See what you started?” Sound familiar?

Nothing can get in the way of our happiness quicker than a sour attitude. We all know that. Yet, some people not only embrace negativity, they buy it in bulk. And when that runs out, they make more. Misfortune is the only thing that makes these people happy. And if you weren’t aware of just how sad their life is, pull up a chair. They’ll be happy to enlighten you.

Then there are the others – people facing insurmountable odds, yet somehow, they never got the memo. I’m often reminded of a woman in our church who faced terminal illness with such grace and positivity, cancer didn’t stand a chance. Della didn’t stop living until her eyes closed for the last time. And knowing how she lived, I’m sure she left this world with a contented smile on her face.

I’m not sure every cloud has a silver lining, but if you look high enough, they’re all puffy and white. Our choices is to sit here in the darkness or reach for something better. We can’t change the challenges we’ll face, but we can change our response to them. And if an octogenarian can face terminal cancer with such grace, I can handle pretty much anything life throws my way. So can you. That’s all for now. Put on a smile and have an awesome day!

Confidence is So Under-Rated

January 5, 2024January 5, 2024 by Dave Glardon, posted in Uncategorized

Good morning, and happy Friday! I hope your day is off to a great start.

As we move into the new year and toward the goals we’ve set for ourselves, it’s important to identify what’s standing in the way. It’s not so much about avoiding obstacles, but kicking them in the shins and showing them who’s boss. Now, if you have any ideas for making winter more accommodating to an old guy who needs to get out and walk, I’m all ears.

Today is my oldest granddaughter’s 16th birthday. Yes, I’m that old. She was born when I was 12. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Like most her age, she’s struggling to plan her path in life. What I wouldn’t give to be that age and have all those choices again. Okay, I’d probably end up right where I am, but hopefully with a smaller waistline. Hey, a man can dream!

Watching her navigate this phase of life, the things that stand out most are her creativity, sense of adventure, acceptance of others, and ability to find amusement in the simplest things. All those things will carry her far in this life. She just needs to know that. Of all the assets we can impart to our kids (and one another), none is more important than self-confidence.

Okay, my oldest grandson sometimes takes that to an extreme. It’s hard to control my facial expressions when he’s talking about buying a $150,000 sports car and can’t even afford a bicycle. But I have to remind myself, that’s his dream, not mine. Besides, there may be a reason he wants a car I couldn’t possibly fit into. I wouldn’t want to ride with me. Not with this attitude.

I try as hard as I can to be supportive, and to remind myself that they don’t have to live my life – my job is to help them live their own. Do I think my grandson will own a “Lambo” in the next twenty years? Not for a second. But I don’t have to share that sentiment. His bank will handle that all on their own. Right after they stop charging him overdraft fees.

But you know, I made some of the same mistakes when I was his age. Or five years ago, take your pick. I’m sure my dad would have advised me against spending six figures on a motorhome at this age, but I didn’t ask. We made our own decision based on our own goals in life. I’m such a rebel. Next thing you know, I’ll be tying my own shoes.

I’ve accomplished a lot in life, and I’m happy to be where I am. This is all I want for my kids and their kids. And I did it because my parents gave me the most wonderful gift of all. They believed in me and, as a consequence, I believed in myself. I never heard the words, “You can’t.” The worst Mom ever said was, “Go ahead – I dare you!” But that’s for another day.

Everybody, from the youngest child to the oldest senior, needs to believe in themselves. It’s as important as oxygen. And we are the ones who can inspire that confidence in them. If a simple smile can make a homeless person feel important, imagine what we can do with a few words of encouragement to those we love most. Friends, we could literally change the world.

That’s all for now. Have an awesome day and an even better weekend!

It’s Your Year – Make it Count!

January 1, 2024January 1, 2024 by Dave Glardon, posted in Motivational Humor

Good morning, and happy New Year! I hope wherever you are, your day is off to a blessed start.

I know, I don’t usually write posts on holidays. But, being relegated to my own little corner in my own little chair (at the kitchen table) because of Covid, I find myself with all this creative energy and the need to do something constructive with it. I just hope this continues throughout 2024. The creative energy, not the Covid. All I can say is thank God for modern medicine. I’m much better.

I used to tell everyone my only New Year’s resolution was never to make another New Year’s resolution. It seemed to be the only one I could actually keep for 12 months. Over the years, I’ve resolved to get healthy (does surviving a stroke count?), write a book (don’t rush out to the store just yet), build my business (okay, laugh), and lose weight. That last one is the biggest joke of all.

I still want to do all those things, but I’ve learned you can’t just make a wish and expect those things to happen. Believe me, I’ve rubbed the finish off enough lamps over the years to realize there’s no genie waiting inside to magically grant my wishes. The only way for any of this to happen is for me to get up a little earlier each day and make it happen. So far all I’ve done is eat an earlier breakfast.

But you know, it all starts with a mindset. We can’t simply want to succeed; we have to focus on the reasons we want to succeed. Change for the sake of change is doomed to fail. I have a few bosses who could stand to learn that one. But change, based on a clear understanding of what was wrong in the first place, at least stands a chance. I’m not buying bigger pants. How’s that for motivation?

The other thing to keep in mind is that you can’t torment yourself to the achievement of a goal. You have to lighten up. That’s why I try so hard (and not always so successfully) to inject a little humor in what would be an otherwise boring message. It’s impossible to be miserable when you laugh. Okay, abdominal stitches aside. A comedy club is not the place to be right after hernia surgery.

But as a standup comedian, I usually ended my show by reminding my audience of the importance of laughter. I once did a tour with gout in both feet so bad I was nearly crippled. But from the start of my shows until the end, there was no pain – just exhilaration. Sure, the pain came back later, usually with a vengeance. “I’ll teach you to ignore me!” Oh well. It was worth it.

The point is, no matter what your goals for the coming year, face them with a sense of humor. Get rid of that contorted face and stop telling everyone how hard you’re working and what you’re giving up. Nobody wants to hear it, and it’s not doing you any favors, either. Just focus on the reason and enjoy the journey. Who knows? You might even make a few new friends along the way.

I have some dear friends whose health challenges this past year make mine look like a walk in the park. Some of them have no idea what the future may bring, but they’re still out there making the most of each day, because they can. So can you. No matter what 2023 threw your way, you made it this far. So, put a smile on your face, a song in your heart, and get on with life. You ain’t dead yet.

That’s all for now, friends. May 2024 bring you all peace, prosperity, health, and happiness. Have an awesome day!

P.S. Those of you who have been with me over the years know how much I love hearing from you. I don’t write these posts for me – it’s all for you. Your feedback helps keep me inspired and on track. And if you know anybody who could use a little more positivity in their life, please share this link and invite them to come along. Together, we can make this thing rock!

Opportunity Knocks, But it Won’t Kick the Door Down

December 29, 2023December 29, 2023 by Dave Glardon, posted in Uncategorized

Good morning, folks! I hope your day is off to a great start.

Mine could be better, but that’s how it goes. The guy who NEVER gets sick woke up yesterday with an intense upper respiratory infection and, by the end of the day, testing confirmed Covid. I’ve had it twice before, but this one is absolutely the worst. No, I didn’t get the new vaccine yet. I was planning on it, but you know what they say about good intentions.

I’m not going to dwell on this. If it’s the worst thing that happens this year (you know, over the next two days), I’ve got it made. The only reason I mention it is to remind you all that vaccines are available, and this is a WHOLE lot worse than a sore arm. Not trying to tell anyone what to do, but I hope you’ll all give it some consideration.

We’ve talked a lot these past two weeks about not crawling into a grave before it’s time. Mostly, we talked about physical limitations and how we build them up in our mind. It’s hard to enjoy an active life when you hurt, and even harder when you convince yourself it’s worse than it is. Take it from someone who avoided energetic activities twenty years before he had a heart attack.

Another limitation has nothing to do with our physical condition, or our perception of it. In my business, I ask people all the time to dream a bit – make a list of things they’d like to do if money were no object. It’s amazing how quickly we all start to pare that list back, based entirely on our current financial resources. It’s almost impossible to see past the roadblocks right in front of us.

And when you press the matter further, they can all come up with a dozen reasons they’ll never have the money to do half the things they want. Born into a poor family, dead-end job, too many bills, no money to invest – the list goes on and on. And no matter how hard you try, some people just can’t accept the fact that every one of those challenges can be overcome with one thing – more money.

Yeah, I know. If earning more money would fix their problems, wouldn’t they be doing it? You’d think. But five years later, they’re still sitting there whining about their lot in life and how opportunity never knocks. Well, get a clue, knucklehead! It does knock, probably more than we think. But opportunity is not like a bill collector. If you don’t open the door, it moves on.

Take a few moments to think of all the times in your life you had the opportunity to increase your income. That may have been as simple as learning a new skill at work, applying for a new job, moving to a city with better opportunities, whatever. Do not … and I can’t stress this enough … do not try robbing banks. On the other hand, you don’t need a lot of money in jail. I’m just saying.

The point is we’ve all been faced with opportunities that we may have quickly dismissed or didn’t recognize in the first place. Most times, it’s just a mental block. “What would my friends say?” Are they paying your bills? “I don’t know anybody.” That’s a lie. You know me. “If it was that good, everybody would be doing it.” If you believe that, read these past few paragraphs again.

The new year is upon us, and resolutions are a traditional way to take our mind off the cold weather and mounting holiday bills. If you want to lose weight, you can. If you want to exercise, do it. And if you want to be able to afford those things you couldn’t until now, fix it. Will another year of doing the same thing magically turn things in your favor? Something to think about.

That’s all for now. Remember, the simplest ideas can often be the most profitable. Sometimes, it really IS that easy. You just have to take a gamble and put yourself out there. Have a safe & happy New Year!

Act Your Own Age, Not Mine

December 26, 2023 by Dave Glardon, posted in Uncategorized

Good morning! I hope you enjoyed the best of whatever you celebrate this holiday season and are eagerly anticipating the start of what could very well be your best year ever. You just have to want it.

Some of you have noticed a change in my approach to these messages. Based on comments, both online and in person, I think I may be onto something. It’s really simple. No matter what life has thrown your way, the very fact that you’re able to read this proves one thing – you ain’t dead yet.

These words aren’t only for old folks who, like me, wake up every day with body aches and a foggy brain that remind us we’re not as young as we once were. Okay, I really don’t need the daily reminders. Yes, I’m old enough for Medicare. I know that. My eyes aren’t as good as they used to be, but the bathroom mirror doesn’t lie. Neither does the scale, but that’s another story.

Living in a 55+ community, I’ve come to realize that living your best life isn’t something we trade in for a senior discount card. We still party. We still dance. And we’re known to sip an adult beverage or two. It doesn’t matter. In a park where most people travel by golf cart, nobody cares if you can balance on one foot as long as you can find your own driveway. So far, I’ve only missed once.

You know what we don’t have? People sitting around, commiserating about their gout and goiters. I’ve seen people who are nearly crippled out there walking the streets with friends every morning. I’ve seen them wood carving and quilting in spite of their arthritis. And I’ve seen old men flirting with great-grandmothers. Sometimes it even works. I won’t lie – I’m taking notes.

Yet, living among all those old farts, I have to travel outside our gates into the “real” world to find people who are truly handicapped. I’m not talking about the stuff that gets you a special parking spot. Those are at least real. I’m talking about the handicaps living in a dark place in our mind that we don’t discuss with professionals who could at least slap some sense into us.

Let’s face it, some people are miserable simply because they choose to live that way. They couldn’t get invited to a funeral if they were the guest of honor. Nobody wants to be around them. Ever heard of RBF? It’s a clinical term for a face that scares the preacher, makes small children cry, and prevents unwanted sexual advances. Okay, it gets in the way of the other ones, too.

I feel bad for anybody who truly wants to enjoy a more fulfilling life and can’t. Yet, in a way, I feel even worse for those who could do better but find an excuse not to. Age has nothing to do with it. I’ve been there. It wasn’t a happy time, and I still struggle with it occasionally. We all do. The trick is to remind yourself it’s only a resting place, not a destination. Dust yourself off and move on.

That’s all for now. We’ll talk about this more in the coming weeks, but as you plan your New Year’s resolutions, here’s one we could all try – living life to its fullest. This is my wish for each of you. Have an awesome day!