I received this message today and felt compelled to expand upon it and share it with my readers:

“Old age is not for sissies.” The fact is, life itself is not for sissies.”

I couldn’t agree more. I used to ask “Why me?”; now I’m so grateful that it was me that received so many challenges in life. Because of all these challenges/obstacles, I have learned many of the best lessons life has to offer. I recently had a health scare that set me back mentally. I responded to the news in the same manner I used to, which was getting very upset, feeling sorry for myself, and basically feeling like a victim. It took me a few days, but then the new me snapped out of it and started looking at the facts. I examined the facts as given to me by my doctor and then I begin looking for options. I went to my friend, Mr. Google, and found a plethora of information. Next, I called my friends who I knew had some expertise on the subject. By doing this, I was able to put things into perspective, so when I went to see the surgeon, I was in control and ready to discuss my options in an intelligent manner. Like Lou Tice puts it, I was then well-equipped to deal with this particular situation. The following was written by Lou Tice of  the Pacific Institute

When you think about the trials of old age, it is easy to agree that old age is not for sissies. But you know, every age has its trials. When we’re young, we face difficult decisions about education, career and marriage. We struggle to come to terms with our emotions, hormones, and identity issues.

Later, we agonize over raising our children, gaining financial security, and retirement. Life, if we are living it fully, never ceases to present us with challenges and problems to solve. The secret to successful living is not in finding an easy, carefree existence, but in being adequate for the trials that life brings.

Stanley Jones once said that we don’t break down from overwork, but from “under being.”  I agree. Most of us are not given too much to cope with. It’s just that sometimes we feel as if our inner resources are low.

A camping supply company slogan puts it this way: “See us for supplies so you can rough it smoothly.” To rough it smoothly through life, you need to be well equipped, too. You need good values, a good support system of people who care about you, a purpose you believe in strongly, an optimistic spirit, respect for others, and respect for yourself, as well.

Just like a well-supplied camper, if you have these things, it won’t matter much if the weather turns bad where you set up camp. You will come through just fine.

I now have good values, a good support system of people who care about me, a purpose I believe in strongly, an optimistic spirit, respect for others, and respect for myself. I am well-equipped to deal with anything that comes my way. I used to be a sissy, but not any longer. My sister thinks I am so strong. I wouldn’t put it that way;  I just know how to accept reality, examine the obstacles, and think through the solutions. Problems are so much easier to handle in this manner. I am very grateful for all the challenges and the problems I’ve had to solve.

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