Have you ever experienced a special moment when you said or wrote something really extraordinary, something gloriously creative, and you thought the world must learn of your wisdom? Maybe you are blessed with the humility and intelligence to recognize the probability of this …
In a wonderful new book, “Elderhood,” Louise Aronson, MD, delves into aging that’s “neither nightmare nor utopian fantasy – a vision full of joy, wonder, frustration, outrage and hope…” I was captured from the first chapter, titled “Life,” through the final page. It’s not …
My watch tells me what time it is – and who I am. The watch is an ACQUA Indiglo, and it belonged to my father, Vern. He wore it for many years as a salesperson crossing Midwestern states in search of high-rising grain elevators needing aeration systems. It was with great …
I get tangled up over the silliest of circumstances. I’m sure you would handle this one better than I did – but how? Here’s the scenario: I’m leaving a Kohl’s department store, and two women are about to enter. I graciously open the door for them. As they are midway through …
Well into my seventies, I wish I could say I’ve become a patient guy. But little things still bother me, and I can get in a bad mood over the smallest matters. However, I’ve discovered the perfect spot to practice being a better person. It’s my local Starbucks. Throngs of …
Since age 50, I’ve lived in some nice houses. But houses don’t matter much. It’s what goes on inside. When I was a junior in college, I lived in the Broom ’n Spoon. Built years before as a cheap office for used-car salesmen, the structure sat in the middle of a parking lot. …
It ticks me off when mental health experts use the bubble bath as an example of a reward or special treat. What’s more, this message is often directed exclusively to women. My bubble bath is an essential part of a full day. It’s not a luxury or a reward. I do not need to …
Not too long ago, I attended a conference at a huge Hilton property in Chicago. At this time, I was using my cane a good chunk of each week. The first two days of the conference, I tried to get by without it. Then I said to myself, “Hey Don, who are you trying to …
My German shepherds rarely follow my instructions. Simple orders like, “Don’t chase the cat” or “Bring me the newspaper” are ignored. No matter how rational my commands, I get nothing but blank stares. Trying to command behavior from others has never gotten me far. When my …
As I age, I fear I’m getting more wishy-washy. I keep going back and forth on decisions that younger folks make in an instant. For example, I eat a lot of cheese. I’m particularly fond of aged cheddar – but blue, Swiss, provolone, mozzarella, pepper jack and Parmesan also …