What shall I do with the rest of my life?
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Martha and Elizabeth
Martha was born at home in a little town in southern Oregon on April 21, 1926. She grew up in the Pacific Northwest, went to school, eventually married and had four children, three girls and a boy. Martha lives in a residential facility for people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. She usually recognizes family members, but sometimes it takes a while for her to remember their names.
Nearly fifty years ago, one of the books Martha gave her daughters to read was The Little Princesses, about Elizabeth and Margaret, the daughters of British royalty.
Elizabeth was also born on April 21, 1926. She was born in her grandfather's home in London, received an education, and grew up to be Queen Elizabeth II. She also married and had four children, three boys and a girl. Today she lives at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and other British royal homes. She is looking forward to her grandson William's wedding in the near future.
These two women who became 85 years old on Thursday led very different lives. My mother, Martha, has always been very proud of the fact that she was born on the very same day as Queen Elizabeth II and has reminded us of it throughout the years. We maintain that Mom may not be royalty, but she will always be our "Queen Mum."
Nearly fifty years ago, one of the books Martha gave her daughters to read was The Little Princesses, about Elizabeth and Margaret, the daughters of British royalty.
Elizabeth was also born on April 21, 1926. She was born in her grandfather's home in London, received an education, and grew up to be Queen Elizabeth II. She also married and had four children, three boys and a girl. Today she lives at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and other British royal homes. She is looking forward to her grandson William's wedding in the near future.
These two women who became 85 years old on Thursday led very different lives. My mother, Martha, has always been very proud of the fact that she was born on the very same day as Queen Elizabeth II and has reminded us of it throughout the years. We maintain that Mom may not be royalty, but she will always be our "Queen Mum."
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Back To My Sixtieth Year
After a weekend of obsessing about 60 Minutes and Three Cups of Tea, I think it's time to re-focus on my sixtieth year. My attention belongs not on a television program, an author, or a nonprofit organization - it belongs on what I am doing with my own life.
Am I doing what is mine to do? That is the question that I have to answer every day; there is nothing or no one who can do it for me.
I started writing this blog over six months ago. No one told me to do it, how to do it, when to do it. By looking within, I was guided to start blogging, and I'm trusting I'll know when to start a new blog - or stop blogging - or whatever comes next.
Am I doing what is mine to do? That is the question that I have to answer every day; there is nothing or no one who can do it for me.
I started writing this blog over six months ago. No one told me to do it, how to do it, when to do it. By looking within, I was guided to start blogging, and I'm trusting I'll know when to start a new blog - or stop blogging - or whatever comes next.
Monday, April 18, 2011
60 Minutes Last Night
I watched the 60 Minutes report on Three Cups of Tea last night with mixed feelings. I felt I had been misled about how many schools were being built and how many children were being reached by Greg Mortenson and the Central Asia Institute. I felt disappointed in the reports of questionable financial practices. I felt a sense of futility when I saw school buildings that were currently being used as storage sheds. And, I felt sadness as I thought about how many children do not have the chance to go to school - something I tend to take for granted.
Yet even those who criticized Mortenson and the CAI had to admit the impact that has been made on the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Author Jon Krakauer, who vigorously criticized Three Cups of Tea and the CAI's financial practices, also said of Mortenson, "He has done a lot of good. He has helped thousands of school kids in Pakistan and Afghanistan....He has become perhaps the world's most effective spokesperson for girls' education in developing countries. And he deserves credit for that." (http://www.cbsnews.com/)
Whatever the "facts" of the matter, Mortenson could have done some things differently. What strikes me, however, is that he did something. He did something in a difficult place at a difficult time. Geographical, political, and many other factors were not favorable - but Mortenson took action. He may not have done it right - if there even is one right way to do something - but he did it.
Stay tuned.
Yet even those who criticized Mortenson and the CAI had to admit the impact that has been made on the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Author Jon Krakauer, who vigorously criticized Three Cups of Tea and the CAI's financial practices, also said of Mortenson, "He has done a lot of good. He has helped thousands of school kids in Pakistan and Afghanistan....He has become perhaps the world's most effective spokesperson for girls' education in developing countries. And he deserves credit for that." (http://www.cbsnews.com/)
Whatever the "facts" of the matter, Mortenson could have done some things differently. What strikes me, however, is that he did something. He did something in a difficult place at a difficult time. Geographical, political, and many other factors were not favorable - but Mortenson took action. He may not have done it right - if there even is one right way to do something - but he did it.
Stay tuned.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
60 Minutes Tonight
I've heard that CBS' 60 Minutes will have a report on Three Cups of Tea and its authors tonight. Apparently, there are some doubts about the veracity of the book and even about the management of the related charity, Central Asia Institute.
Because reading this book has been on my "to do" list for several years - and I finally read it late last year - the announcement of this upcoming program feels disturbing. Have I been hoodwinked into reading a book that is a pack of lies? Is the 60 Minutes segment going to attack someone who has been painted as a crusader for education, especially the education of girls, in central Asia? Or, is it going to reveal a hoax that has greatly exaggerated and/or distorted the activities of Greg Mortenson and the Central Asia Institute?
The feelings and the questions that come up for me almost make me doubt my own ability to formulate meaningful goals. Was I completely misled in making this book a priority read for myself? Was I totally naive to believe most of what I read?
I remind myself that I believe in lifelong learning. Most of what I've learned in the past holds true, but being open to new information and experience may change or even disprove what I think I "know."
Stay tuned.
Because reading this book has been on my "to do" list for several years - and I finally read it late last year - the announcement of this upcoming program feels disturbing. Have I been hoodwinked into reading a book that is a pack of lies? Is the 60 Minutes segment going to attack someone who has been painted as a crusader for education, especially the education of girls, in central Asia? Or, is it going to reveal a hoax that has greatly exaggerated and/or distorted the activities of Greg Mortenson and the Central Asia Institute?
The feelings and the questions that come up for me almost make me doubt my own ability to formulate meaningful goals. Was I completely misled in making this book a priority read for myself? Was I totally naive to believe most of what I read?
I remind myself that I believe in lifelong learning. Most of what I've learned in the past holds true, but being open to new information and experience may change or even disprove what I think I "know."
Stay tuned.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Let It Be
Sometimes I like to know things: the ingredients to make something delicious, when a special event is happening, how the detective in the story solved the mystery. Making a dish that tastes good, having the opportunity to participate in something I enjoy, understanding how someone moves from confusion to clarity -- for me, these are good.
Sometimes I need to know things: how to keep my car running, how to fill out my tax forms, how to successfully pass through airport security. I can't say I like stopping at gas stations, submitting government paperwork, or taking my shoes off at the airport -- however, these are still good for me to know.
Sometimes there are things I want to know, but I just don't take the trouble. Sometimes there are things I don't want to know.
And, sometimes there are things I will never know. Last week, a friend took her own life. I don't know why. All I can do is be at peace with not knowing, accepting what is without explanation. All I can do is let go and let it be.
Sometimes I need to know things: how to keep my car running, how to fill out my tax forms, how to successfully pass through airport security. I can't say I like stopping at gas stations, submitting government paperwork, or taking my shoes off at the airport -- however, these are still good for me to know.
Sometimes there are things I want to know, but I just don't take the trouble. Sometimes there are things I don't want to know.
And, sometimes there are things I will never know. Last week, a friend took her own life. I don't know why. All I can do is be at peace with not knowing, accepting what is without explanation. All I can do is let go and let it be.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Twelve Month Plan IV
In my last blog entry, I said I felt like I hadn't "done a whole lot" since October 8, 2010. Maybe I should have given myself more credit. Here is what I found as I reviewed:
I am glad I took the time to create a page for my "Twelve Month Plan." Not only does it list some of the goals and intentions I have for my sixtieth year, I have noted some of the activities I've done in support of those goals and intentions. This is in itself has been valuable - both to help me keep focused and to record my progress.
The big "aha!" moment for me was the realization that there are more words in the Plan describing what I DID do than what I DIDN'T do. It is so easy to look at - and brood over - what I haven't done or where I think I've fallen short. But, when I read my Plan, I can see the steps I've actually taken (with substantiating evidence!).
I can scold myself for what hasn't happened and feel discouraged or guilty. Or, I can appreciate what has happened and feel pleased and thankful. (And, I can use this information to update my Twelve Year Plan as I enter the second half of my sixtieth year.)
Stay tuned.
I am glad I took the time to create a page for my "Twelve Month Plan." Not only does it list some of the goals and intentions I have for my sixtieth year, I have noted some of the activities I've done in support of those goals and intentions. This is in itself has been valuable - both to help me keep focused and to record my progress.
The big "aha!" moment for me was the realization that there are more words in the Plan describing what I DID do than what I DIDN'T do. It is so easy to look at - and brood over - what I haven't done or where I think I've fallen short. But, when I read my Plan, I can see the steps I've actually taken (with substantiating evidence!).
I can scold myself for what hasn't happened and feel discouraged or guilty. Or, I can appreciate what has happened and feel pleased and thankful. (And, I can use this information to update my Twelve Year Plan as I enter the second half of my sixtieth year.)
Stay tuned.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Halfway Through?
I started this blog with the idea of recording my sixtieth year, starting with my 59th birthday on October 8, 2010, and ending with my 60th birthday on October 8, 2011. So, that would make April 8 (today!) my halfway point.
Do I feel like I'm even close to doing half the things I wanted to do in my sixtieth year? Well, no. I feel I've accomplished a few things, tried a few things, researched a few things - and thought about a lot of things. But, I don't feel like I've done a whole lot.
I think this is the weekend to pull out my Twelve Month Plan, along with all my other lists, and check off what I've done and add whatever I hadn't thought of before. Then, to look at my Twelve Month Plan, and prioritize the items to be carried forward into the second six months of this project.
Stay tuned.
Do I feel like I'm even close to doing half the things I wanted to do in my sixtieth year? Well, no. I feel I've accomplished a few things, tried a few things, researched a few things - and thought about a lot of things. But, I don't feel like I've done a whole lot.
I think this is the weekend to pull out my Twelve Month Plan, along with all my other lists, and check off what I've done and add whatever I hadn't thought of before. Then, to look at my Twelve Month Plan, and prioritize the items to be carried forward into the second six months of this project.
Stay tuned.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Look For The Good
With all of the healthcare debate, not to mention the people who are losing their jobs and their insurance coverage, I feel very fortunate to be covered by a good - although rather expensive - healthcare plan.
Last month, I received a notice that my premiums were rising $125/month. This caused some concern (nobody had sent a notice that my income was rising $125/month!).
What is interesting is that my insurance company has expanded their coverage to include "alternative" healthcare providers such as naturopaths, chiropractors, and acupuncturists. This will help pay for the acupuncture treatments that relieve my sore thumb joints and provide more options for other problems that "conventional" medicine has not been able to solve.
I'm still not thrilled that my insurance premiums are rising. But, after some consideration, I can see that there may be some advantages to the broader coverage that is now in place. I might even be able to find ways to save on my healthcare to help offset the increase.
In our nation's current healthcare crisis, it sometimes seems difficult for me to see anything good. However, the more willing I am to look for it, the better my chances of finding it.
Last month, I received a notice that my premiums were rising $125/month. This caused some concern (nobody had sent a notice that my income was rising $125/month!).
What is interesting is that my insurance company has expanded their coverage to include "alternative" healthcare providers such as naturopaths, chiropractors, and acupuncturists. This will help pay for the acupuncture treatments that relieve my sore thumb joints and provide more options for other problems that "conventional" medicine has not been able to solve.
I'm still not thrilled that my insurance premiums are rising. But, after some consideration, I can see that there may be some advantages to the broader coverage that is now in place. I might even be able to find ways to save on my healthcare to help offset the increase.
In our nation's current healthcare crisis, it sometimes seems difficult for me to see anything good. However, the more willing I am to look for it, the better my chances of finding it.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
April Showers
March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers. (Mother Goose)
I've enjoyed the cheery yellow daffodils over the month of March and the breaks in the weather when the sun peeks through. However, the thought of a month of April showers is dampening (ooooh).
Sometimes I like to remember the realization I had on my first airline trip. Once we rose above the layer of clouds, the sun shone radiantly. There is always a bright spot - even if I can't see it.
I've enjoyed the cheery yellow daffodils over the month of March and the breaks in the weather when the sun peeks through. However, the thought of a month of April showers is dampening (ooooh).
Sometimes I like to remember the realization I had on my first airline trip. Once we rose above the layer of clouds, the sun shone radiantly. There is always a bright spot - even if I can't see it.
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