An anniversary of sorts. Six years ago I received a stent in my heart...or right outside it I guess. The LAD artery feeds the heart muscle itself...and apparently mine had all but disappeared.
So since then I've dutifully taken my cardiac drugs. I went through the Ornish rehabilitation program, with diet, exercise, meditation and support group. I kept at some of those for a few months, gradually going back to some of my old ways. Mainly diet. A plant based diet used to be more fun, for me at least. First I had to return to having fish weekly. Then chicken and pork came back. I seldom eat beef even now though.
And I've been able to lose 40 pounds over the 6 years. Well, most of that in the last couple of years. I could stand to leave behind a few more as most people my age think.
I returned to the exercise program at the Senior center here last week, and went again today. I left before the cardio part. I like strength training. For my breathing to get back to normal, just walking is still my cup of tea.
But enough about the physical being. My emotions are doing ok. Not outstanding. I avoid looking at news stories on TV or in newsletters. I still get them. But am just not interested in the continuing attempts to stress out all the observers. I guess that still sells products, as there are still commercials on TV. Newsletters not so much.
So living in a crazy world is ok for me. The stress is kept beyond my consciousness at least. I glimpse the sad decay of our civilization and climate change. And get angry, of course.
But there's little I can do about either. Sure I'll vote. But I'm not able to march at this point. And when I blog about some news in combating the climate crisis, I know only a few people are interested.
I've been spending the few minutes of empty consciousness each day...you know, when waking or going to sleep, trying to remember some wonderful things that have happened in my life.
I think in many ways I've had a lot of grace embrace my life. Three healthy sons with just 2 miscarriages. Surviving childhood without any medical treatment due to religious limitations. My sons all married and I have 6 grown grandchildren.
I've moved all over the country mainly the southeast. I've had some great friends, and lost a few. One doesn't get to live this long without sad things like that.
Well, I'm not touching much on any inner considerations today. Just gratitude at living each day.
May 20 2020
May 20, 2026