ALONG OUR TRAIN RIDE OF LIFE, MAY, 2024

Shalom Dear Readers:

As we travel on this roller coaster for all of our Jewish nation, many people have hibernated by choice in their homes, both here in our homeland, Israel, and all over the world. We have been shocked beyond belief! We ache for the hostages held below the ground and pray constantly for their release.

I present here some short thoughts from a book of quotations called POSITIVE THOUGHTS: LIVING YOUR LIFE TO THE FULLEST edited by Armand Eisen. I bought this book years ago and refer to it often.

EXAMPLES:

·      “Life is a succession of moments, to live each one is to succeed,” by Corita Kent.

·      “One of the things I keep learning is that the secret of being happy is doing things for other people,” by Dick Gregory.

·      “Let us not bankrupt our todays by paying interest on the regrets of yesterday and by borrowing in advance the troubles of tomorrow,” by Ralph W. Sockman.

·      “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning,” Psalms 30:5.

·      Albert Einstein tells us three rules of work: 1. Out of clutter find simplicity. 2. From discord make harmony. 3. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.

·      “Life was meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason turn his back on life,” by Eleanor Roosevelt.

·      “Our lives are like the course of the sun. At the darkest moment there is the promise of daylight,” by the London Times.

·      “I have found that there is a tremendous joy in giving. It is a very important part of the joy of living,” by William Black.

·      “I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble,” by Helen Keller.

·      “Never mention the worst. Never think of it. Drop it out of your consciousness. I expect the best and with G.’s help will attain the best. In do so, your thoughts will turn toward the best and become conditioned to its realization,” by Norman Vincent Peale.

·      “Happiness consists not in having much, but in being content with little,” by Marguerite Countess of Blessington.

·      “We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope,” by Martin Luther King, Jr.

·      “Your success and happiness lie in you. External conditions are the accidents of life. The great enduring realities are love and service. Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow. Resolve to keep happy, and you shall form an invincible host against difficulty,” by Helen Keller.

·      “We have to learn to be our own best friends, because we fall too easily into the trap of being our worst enemies,” by Roderick Thorp.

·      “Seek not good from without: seek it within yourselves, or you will never find it,” by Epictetus.

·      “It was on my fifth birthday that Papa put his hand on my shoulder and said, ‘Remember, my son, if you ever need a helping hand, you’ll find one at the end of your arm,’” by Sam Levenson.

Looking on the bright side of things is a strategy that has been used for centuries. Is the glass half empty or half full? Becoming an optimist is a personal decision and one that has profound ramifications on how we see the world. If we think positively about ourselves, about others, and about the world around us, the world often meets our expectations. Optimistic people tend to achieve their personal and professional goals.  How does one become an optimist? It takes practice. So, the next time you’re challenged, try telling yourself, “I can do it…I will do a great job.” Before you know it, you’ll be feeling more confident, more capable. The world will become sunnier and friendlier. And you’ll be happier.

Until we meet again in June 2024.

CHW

 

Along Our Train Ride of Life - April 2024

Shalom Dear Readers:

 

I would like to recommend the book, When Everything Changes, Change Everything

by Neale Donald Walsch. I have found this book so helpful and very high in content. The author offers a workbook and Study Guide for you to ponder and consider what “talks” to you and your needs.

 

The changes in your life are not going to stop. However, what can be changed is the way you deal with change, and the way you’ve changed by the change. Change is the natural order of things. We’ve been living in a constant swirl of change from the beginning of time. What is different as we age is the amount of time that it takes us to notice the changes that are always occurring.

 

Many people feel that their way of life is threatened when they face any kind of major change, especially if is around the Big Three: RELATIONSHIPS, MONEY & HEALTH.

 

Change is scary. But that’s different from feeling like it’s “Game Over”.

When everything changes, sometimes the best thing to do is to change everything. Not just the physical, but also the non-physical. This would include your emotions, your thoughts, and even your truths.

 

Mr. Walsch claims that you can undergo change, stand in the middle of it and be ok. Dr. Walsch will guide you through more in this book of wisdom. The following are examples of changes you can make in your life:

·       Change your decision to go it alone

·       Change your choice of emotions

·       Change your choice of thoughts

·       Change your choice of truths

·       Change your idea about Change Itself

·       Change your idea about why Change occurs

·       Change your idea about future Change

·       Change your ideas about life

·       Change your identity

 

I refer back to this book When Everything Changes, Change Everything often over the years. I suggest you consider reading the book online or parts at a time.

 

I wish us all a healthy month ahead both physically and mentally, while we live with our constant challenges as a nation trying to cope.

 

Until we meet again, next month in May 2024, G. willing, I wish us all well.

CHW

 

 

 

Along Our Ride on The Train of Life – March 2024

Shalom dear readers:

 

As I mentioned on my last column, I wanted to know more about Dementia, to help myself and all of us as we ride on our train of life. People with dementia experience a range of symptoms related to changes in thinking, remembering, reasoning, and behavior. Living with dementia presents unique challenges, but there are steps you can take to help now and in the future.

 

TIPS FOR EVERY TASKS FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia get worse over time. Even simple everyday activities can become difficult to complete. To help cope with changes in memory and thinking, consider strategies that can make daily tasks easier. Try to adopt them early on so you will have more time to adjust. You can:

·       Write down to-do lists, appointments, and events in a notebook or calendar.

·       Set up automated bill payments and consider asking someone you trust to help manage your finances.

·       Have your groceries delivered.

·       Manage your medications with a weekly pillbox, a pillbox with reminders (like an alarm), or a medication dispenser.

·       Ask your doctor to provide a care plan and write down care directions (or have a family member or friend take notes during the visit).

 

SLEEP TIPS FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

Dementia often changes a person’s sleeping habits. You may sleep a lot, or not enough, and wake up many times during the night. Poor sleep quality can make dementia symptoms worse. You can:

·       Follow a regular schedule by going to sleep and getting up at the same time each day, even on weekends or when traveling.

·       Develop a relaxing bedtime routine with lowered lights, cool temperature, and no electronic screens.

·       Avoid caffeine and naps late in the day.

·       Have a lamp that’s easy to reach and turn on, a nightlight in the hallway or bathroom, and a flashlight nearby.

·       Keep a telephone with emergency numbers by your bed.

·       Talk to your doctor if you have problems sleeping.

 

HEALTHY AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLE TIPS FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

Participating in activities you enjoy and getting exercise may help you feel better, stay social, maintain a healthy weight, and have regulate sleep habits.

Here are some tips for a healthy and active lifestyle:

·       Try to be physically active for at least 30 minutes on most or all days of the week. But be realistic about how much activity you can do at one time. Several short “mini workouts” may be best.

·       Aim for a mix of exercise types – endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. For example, you could do a mix of walking or dancing, lifting weights, standing on one foot, and stretching. Even everyday activities like household chores and gardening help you stay active.

·       Your diet may need to change as dementia progresses to maintain a healthy weight. Talk to your doctor about the best diet for you, and choose nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean sources of protein and dairy products. Avoid added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium.

·       Stay social by talking on the phone with family and friends, joining an online support group, or going for a walk in your neighborhood.

 

FINDING CARE AND SUPPORT: TIPS FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA 

Many people may be able to help in different ways. These people might include family members, professional caregivers, community organizations, and others with dementia. For example, you can:

·       Ask friends or family to help with needs like cooking, paying bills, transportation, or shopping.

·       If you live alone, find people you trust who can visit often.

·       Consider letting trusted neighbors know of your diagnosis so they can help if needed.

·       Use social service agencies, local nonprofits, and Area Agencies on Ageing to connect with in-home help, transportation, meals and other services.

 

SAFETY TIPS FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

Carry identification with you in case you get lost or need help. If you drive, talk with your doctor about changes in your driving and take seriously family and friends who express concerns. Make minor changes in the home to create a safer environment to prevent falls and injuries. Good balance, a habit of standing up slowly, and non-skid shoes can also help prevent falls. You can:

·       Simplify the amount and layout of furniture and remove small rugs.

·       have a sturdy handrail on stairways.

·       Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed in or near the kitchen and in all bedrooms.

·       Install an automatic shut-off switch on the stove and set the water heater temperature limit to 120 F to avoid burns.

·       Consider safety devices, like fall monitors and emergency call buttons.

 

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE: TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA

As much as you might want to put off difficult decisions about the future, now is the time to think about health and finances to make sure you have a say and are prepared. Start discussions early with your family members while everyone can still help make decisions together. There are several areas you will want to consider, including legal and financial matters, and options for in-home care, long-term care, and funeral and burial arrangements.

G. willing, until we meet again in April 2024.

CHW

 

Along Our Ride on The Train of Life – February 2024

Shalom dear readers:

 

As I travel with you on this train of life, I find pleasure and solace by having the time to delve into many books and ideas.  Today, I will share with you a wonderful novel with many concepts on aging, whether in our changing body, our mind, or our thoughts.

 

The name of this sad, but beautiful book is And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer And Longer by Fredrik Backman.

 

We, as the travelers on the train of life, deal with many different issues, difficulties, and adaptations to changes that we see, feel and fear. This book made a big impression on me, as I am also grappling with forgetfulness of phone numbers or important vital facts.

 

The book starts off with a grandpa, a grandma and a grandson sitting on a bench, sharing jokes, and discussing whatever comes to mind. It is here that they will learn to say their final goodbye, with the scent of hyacinths in the air. For many people, the fear of getting old is even greater than the fear of dying. This tale deals with a grandfather slowly losing his great mind. He teaches that fear and love seem to go hand in hand most of the time. Grandpa asks his wife, “While we still have time, how to I tell my grandson, Noah, that I may be leaving him shortly? And my dearest wife, I miss you already.”

 

Grandma tries to explain to her grandson, “When a brain fades, it takes a long time for the body to realize.”  Grandpa looks at Noah and says, “When you grow up, I’ll be in space, my dear Noah.”  Eventually, Noah asks, “Are we here to learn how to say goodbye, Grandpa?” The old man replies, “Yes, Noah, I’m afraid we are. See all these papers in front of me. These are all my ideas, and they’re blowing away.” The boy wraps his fingers tightly around his grandpa’s. Grandpa continues, “We know so little about how the brain works. It’s like a fading star. When a star fades it takes a long time for us to realize.”

 

“I think goodbyes are hard,” the boy admits. Grandpa nods. “I’m bad at goodbyes,” says the boy. “Well, we have plenty of chances to practice,” responds Grandpa. “Almost all adults regret not saying a goodbye when they had a chance.”

“Why are you holding my hand so tightly, Grandpa?” Noah whispers. “Because my life is disappearing, Noah, and I want to keep hold of you longest of all,” answers Grandpa.

 

Later with his wife, Grandpa admits, “My memories are running away from me, my love.” “I know you’re afraid,” Grandma answers. “Death isn’t fair. It is like a low drum. It counts every beat. We can’t haggle with it for more time.”

 

Grandpa says “Noah, promise me something, one very last thing; once your goodbye is perfect, you have to leave me and not look back. Live your life. It’s an awful thing to miss someone who’s still here.”

 

Later on Noah’s dad tells him, “We need to be careful, with Grandpa. His brain is working slower than we’re used to. Slower than Grandpa is used to.” One day Grandpa wakes up and says to Noah, “I don’t know who you are.” Noah whispers while stroking his grandfather’s arm, “I’m Noah, your grandson.” Grandpa asks, “How is school? Are your teachers better now?” Noah answers, “Yes, Grandpa. The teachers are better. I’m one of them now.”

 

This novel touched me greatly. It is a gentle introduction to my next main topic: dementia. Some of us may be presented with dementia, and/or fear it. We need to come to terms with it and accept what is happening in our mind and body.

 

G. Willing, until we meet again in March 2024.

CHW