2024 Lessons Learned
No resolutions here
I’m not making resolutions this year. Instead, I’m doing something that we did in the Army. Any time there was a training exercise or major event, when it was over, we automatically met and talked about lessons learned. So what did I learn from 2024?
We are not a very nice country anymore. Lies, hate, racism, insults, misogyny, and fear are all winning political strategies. And that empowers liars, haters, racists, and fear mongers. It doesn’t bode well for 2025 or for the future of our country.
Travel is still good for me. Now that I’m over 70, travelling is hard on me. It takes
longer and longer to recuperate. But I had a wonderful trip to San Francisco. Beautiful weather, great food, spectacular scenery, and precious time with my oldest son and daughter-in-law more than offset the temporary discomfort of travel and recovery. Vera and I also took a couple of road trips to Houston, where I saw family and loved ones. We took the long road home both times, and that boosted our enjoyment even more. I bounce back from road trips even faster.
I can no longer take my health for granted. I have to be aggressively proactive on blood sugar, blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol. All of these can be managed through healthy diet and exercise. But as my body ages, it becomes less and less efficient, which means I don’t get to cheat on diet or skip my exercise routine - ever.
My relationship with Vera has long been the most vital and important aspect of my life. But I see it, notice it, appreciate every day now. She’s a joy to live with, to share life with. She’s amazing.
What do I do with these lessons? Lesson 1: I will try to be kinder. I will try to do something every day to make the world a little better. I will try to see beauty. I will try to avoid the FAFO schadenfreude that will arise for the next four years. I will not respond to anger with anger, to hate with hate. Lesson 2: Already in the offing for this year is a trip to Ft. Worth to see my big sister. Vera will be going to Japan, Vietnam, and Cambodia (vicarious travel works for me). Then this summer she and I will go to San Francisco together. That might be enough for me. Lesson 3: I have to keep looking for ways to be healthier. My goal is not to live longer, but to be healthy enough to enjoy the years I’ve got. And I have to rediscover the self-discipline that served me so well in the Army. Lesson 4: Pay attention to Vera. Help her as much as I can with chores and errands. It’s not always easy, but it hasn’t been for her, either. Our trips are great ways to add adventure to our shared life. Even with all that happened in 2024, life is still good.
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