Anxiety, Anger and Apathy

Three of the big time injuries often self inflicted, particularly among the aging, are anxiety, anger and apathy. To be sure there are contrasts in these states of mind, but also clearly they are loaded with such inordinately negative ammunition to be killers.

Each of these emotions work negatively on the heart, body, soul and spirit. They go further for they alienate perfectly good and well meaning friends from the stable of those who are best equipped to offer you solace when you need it.

Anxiety is probably the most critically dangerous of the three, particularly when/if it is harbored quietly and daily. Anxiety may or may not be detectable by others. Sometimes, the victim knows when it is taking over and needs to be checked. Often, little or no strategic response is introduced. Anxiety is like termites in a house. It eats at you, the inside of you, until the damage may be beyond repair.

Anger is more blatant and less subtle. It is visible and dramatic. It is fed by guilt and fear and vulnerability and anxiety. As a matter of fact, anxiety enjoys anger, for it allows the full blown expression of anxiety and anger to make themselves known to all in their way.

Anger is also troubling physically. Its influence on the health of body and spirit can be frightfully damaging. Anger is, for some, often difficult to control. Some persons suffer from something called "intermittent rage disorder" which is chemically prompted and cannot be self disciplined. Therapy and medication are both useful methods for governing this behavior.

Apathy, at last would seem almost a cure for the two previously discussed conditions. However, apathy has the reverse effect of anxiety and anger. Apathy can be a serious depression which contributes to loss of energy, interest and involvement in everything beyond yourself. Such loss steals your vitality and uniqueness. It creates a sense of non-worth. It is uncomfortable to be in such a state and to be around someone going through it. Needless to say, it affects the body and spirit of the one going through it. It is a way of putting walls up between yourself and healthy interactions, just as anxiety and anger may.

These three states of mind require passports that you create and stamp when you decide to travel across their boundaries. Use your perseverance to be on the alert when any of these behaviors begin to threaten your well being. If you drink alcohol, resist it, for most of these behaviors are exacerbated by drinking.

Decide that these three A's, fed by a fourth, alcohol, may introduce you to more rapid and unhealthy aging.

Tomorrow's Post: The After Effects of Cancer

Why Didn't Somebody Tell Me?

There are so many adjustments in aging that, as it happens, we seem always to be surprised with the next one. Our despair is we wonder why someone didn't warn us. Why didn't someone, anyone, give us a hint of what was ahead?

Of course, they did. Of course, we didn't listen or assumed it just didn't apply to us. The adolescent tendency to assume that rules just don't make any difference to us seems to tarry longer as we grow older.

To be fair, some do listen and with that begin to equip themselves with the armor necessary to meet aging. Some continue regimens of exercise and activity to keep the body in shape; others work on mental acuity; still others do yoga and other disciplines which seem to head off the invasion of
growing older.

Perhaps, since we are at the age we are and, it may be a bit late to listen to others and their counsel, it would be well to start listening to ourselves.
Surely our bodies are sending us signals. Certainly our minds are trying to communicate. Of course, if our hearing (internal) is shot we may be immune to input even from ourselves.

Here are some of the qustions that may be trying to get through:

*How are you coming on your attention to healthy foods?

*Are you keeping your weight in check?

*How is your blood pressure?

*When did you have your last Breast or PSA exam?

*Is it time to schedule a colonoscopy?

*When is your annual physical due?

*Have you checked for strange bumps and growths and mysterious spots?

*Incidentally, how is your hearing?

These are just a few of the haunting questions which may be trying to make connections with you. Maybe, if reading these prompts others, you need to make a plan for responding, and soon!

Looking for a Piece of Heaven?

The time has come to make a major life change. After deliberate and extensive conversation, much grooming and primping, our Texas estate is on the market. It may be seen in full splendor at http://www.texas-country-estate-for-sale.com/. I invite you to take a virtual tour.

This wonderful dream haven requires more of me than I can any longer give, even with yard and pool help. Couple that with our having identified a second home, with family nearby, and you have the reasons for our selling this magnificent house of memories. It has been the palette on which we have created a masterpiece. As with all houses, it may have a few features that others would not find so much to their liking, but overall it rates superior compliments. It offers tranquility, privacy, an ecological paradise, a wild life refuge, a luxurious pool with waterfall, a place where deserved relaxation is a daily gift. With assistance, as we have had, both with the pool and grounds, it is not too much to manage.

Thus, we invite you to take a look and, if interested, make the necessary inquiries as outlined in our website. Our caretakers are busily keeping it manicured with all the summer growth and occasional rains helping as well.

Perhaps you will know someone who would find such a location intriguing for retirement, second home, a family residence with lots of play room and nearby lakes and streams and recreational options.

Choosing life's options as they are presented to us is just another part of our maturation. This is one of our steps, which we hope we are taking with adequate care and appropriate insight. It isn't easy, but life closes one door only to open another.