Candle in the Wind

 Today's song is Jumping Jack Flash ... Stones

Given the choice would you rather be, 'A Candle in the Wind' or 'A Flash of Lightning in a Storm'.

For some reason my son Jaidan is always asking 'Would you rather be ... ?' questions. Some of the time it can be annoying, but sometimes they get me thinking. For me, the answer is easy ... a flash of lightning.

We are here for a short time, not a long time, and for some of us, the time is getting shorter. My Thai accomplice, John and I noticed that our age group is starting to drop. Always a good time to reflect on your life, what you accomplished, how you will be remembered, and most of all, did you make a difference in peoples lives.

We boomers where labeled the 'Me Generation'. I am not sure we warrant that label but what is done is done. To counteract that label I suggest we strive to make a difference as we sail off into the horizon. Take a risk, climb a mountain, visit the other side of the planet, or perhaps volunteer for something outside of your comfort zone.

At 72 I am coaching U19 Boys basketball. I hope I am making a difference. After coaching for 40 years, coaching over 1600 games and winning over 1,400 of them, I certainly don't do it for aggrandizement. It is to pass on knowledge that I have accumulated through experience and other coaches who shared. It is a way to acknowledge the role my own coaches, I had as a youth, played in my development. As opposed to the concept of 'pay it forward', I am 'paying it back'.

At the same time strike out against ageism and show that we older folks have something worthwhile sharing. Most of all, keep it light and make it fun and perhaps leave some memories behind.

TTYL

Life is too Short to be Grumpy

 Today's song is:

It is much better to be joyful than joyless (grumpy) It is akin to the glass being half full as to being half empty. It is not to be confused with being content which is really maintaining the status quo.

Do you know any joyful people? I find they are not very plentiful. I am lucky enough to be married to one. Thavorn is almost always joyful. When we leave our place for the 30 minute drive to her work she runs to the car with a big smile on her face despite facing a 10 day on her feet. When she exits her work at 5 pm she always has a friendly smile and welcome to Jaidan and I when getting into the car.

So how does one become joyful? I believe it begins with getting rid of the, 'I want, I want, want ...' as you will never have enough stuff to make you joyful. Think about that brand new car that brings a smile to your face when you drive it off the lot. Now think about the first scratch or dent it gets. Are you joyful or pissed off. 

Things are not important. Health is important, friends and family are important, and that sense of wonderment is important when you see or do something new is important.

Minimalism, I believe, is important. Surround yourself with only the things you need, not the things you feel you need. Hugs are important, seek them out. Surround yourself with people who are happy.

Don't ride a dead horse. Get on a new horse and go exploring, go where no grump has ever gone before ... Become Thai-like ... live in the present, forget about the past, and the future will look after itself.

Some pics of Thavorn being joyful despite being half the way around the world from her family and 3 children

embrace the cold ...

try something new

I made this ...

Children are God's gift to mankind

sometimes

good friends

Joyful in the village ... preparing a meal on the floor

The boys being joyful ... and a little bit drunk

TTYL