Cant is speech without thought

CaroleKI61 · 01-21-2007, 02:21 PM

Sunday, January 21, 2007
It is a bitterly cold day. Frank has all the sausages put away and everything cleaned up nicely. I am using all of my determination to confront the pain in my left hip and knee.
My conscience is nagging away in my mind- playing on my sense of guilt and responsibility. I have been ignoring the promptings – for the sake of some passing satisfaction. I know I must eat healthier, quit smoking, drink more water and do some exercise and by ignoring this voice as a reliable moral compass, I am not able to chart a true course in my weight loss journey. So many times, I use the word cant. Cant is speech without thought, and judgement without evaluation. I am thinking and acting incorrectly, the truth is more apt to be I won’t instead of I cant. I have certain wishes and plans in my heart to reach my goals I have to change my foolish desires. I have to be sixty-four years old but I do not have to be stupid.
Sometimes I shy away from people; usually it is because I am not keeping pace with them. Perhaps it is because I am genuinely different and hear a different drummer. I step to the beat I hear, however measured or far away. Though my urge to conform is strong, I will continue, even if others see me as being out of step. I am not going to burden my heart with judgements.

When all is said and done, I will be judged by my deeds, not by my appearance, weight, or size. However, that does not mean that I should give up and accept whatever comes. I am facing up to my personal struggles because everyone I meet is fighting a hard battle. Most everyone I know is suffering, not only ones with superficial problems like illnesses and injury, but to the fact that our dissatisfied nature of the mind itself is suffering. No matter how much of something we have, it never satisfies our desire for better or more. There is also the hunger for sensual pleasures, even for wisdom and knowledge- which warps our minds and distorts our understanding.

I am grateful for my body, for all the wonderful pleasure, it has given me. I still need my body so I must give it what it needs. I want out of the flood of discontentment. Learning how to control my cravings is the raft that will carry me over this flood to the shore of insight and peace of mind.

The painstaking completion of this difficult task is necessary in the relentless pursuit of my goal. Sometimes I lack the patience to keep going in the face of setbacks, but the prospect of ultimate reward-the satisfaction of success- is a powerful incentive. I am learning how to deal with unruliness in my mind, much in the same way I dealt with many naughty children- with cheerful patience. The biggest problem is that my ability to be patient with children, and myself has greatly diminished with age. However, I am adopting patience and wisdom making them my companions, together they will kick, drag, or push me to the finish line.
My new motto is hasten slowly and you will soon reach your destination. I am beginning to see things as they really are. Like a caterpillar, I will move slowly and patiently wait, happily knowing that one-day I will become a butterfly.
Love Carole

skinhealth · 01-21-2007, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaroleKI61

My new motto is hasten slowly and you will soon reach your destination. I am beginning to see things as they really are. Like a caterpillar, I will move slowly and patiently wait, happily knowing that one-day I will become a butterfly.
Love Carole

That's beautiful

- such a wonderful attitude to adopt. Thank you for sharing that. I always enjoy reading your inspiring posts. You have such a wonderful way with words.
We'll all be here to help you to your destination.

rett · 01-21-2007, 04:07 PM

Carol
I enjoy your writing.....and believe me you are not alone. I am 59 years young but my body sure tells me different. I just got off work and I just got home....I was coming up the steps and thought ....darn this makes me tired.....I just have to start exercising so I won;t be so tired! I am staying on
my woe ...low carb but this exercise thing has to get going.
Thanks for all you input...you can really write.
Rett

t'ann · 01-21-2007, 04:09 PM

Carole, I believe you already are a butterfly. With a heart like your's you will find your way to that wonderful weight loss finish line.

ny_shelly · 01-21-2007, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaroleKI61

I am grateful for my body, for all the wonderful pleasure, it has given me. I still need my body so I must give it what it needs. I want out of the flood of discontentment.

Hi Carole,
I never thought about needing my body before. I always looked at it as something in the way of what I want to do. I guess God gave me this body so I can do what I want. I've been treating it as the enemy, not something that needs to be cherished and taken care of.

I hope I can think about this more and really consider it as it applies to my life.

thanks for the nice thoughts!

CaroleKI61 · 01-21-2007, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skinhealth

That's beautiful

- such a wonderful attitude to adopt. Thank you for sharing that. I always enjoy reading your inspiring posts. You have such a wonderful way with words.
We'll all be here to help you to your destination.

Thanks so much dear, from the looks of things under my arms I have a good start at growing my wings

I'm grateful for your encouragement, love Carole

CaroleKI61 · 01-21-2007, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rett

Carol
I enjoy your writing.....and believe me you are not alone. I am 59 years young but my body sure tells me different. I just got off work and I just got home....I was coming up the steps and thought ....darn this makes me tired.....I just have to start exercising so I won;t be so tired! I am staying on
my woe ...low carb but this exercise thing has to get going.
Thanks for all you input...you can really write.
Rett

Well thanks Dear, at least you are working and out of the house, I'm proud of you! I am doing great on my food plan but am not losing right now, I hate the waiting............... Take care love Carole

CaroleKI61 · 01-21-2007, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ny_shelly

Hi Carole,
I never thought about needing my body before. I always looked at it as something in the way of what I want to do. I guess God gave me this body so I can do what I want. I've been treating it as the enemy, not something that needs to be cherished and taken care of.

I hope I can think about this more and really consider it as it applies to my life.

thanks for the nice thoughts!

Thanks Dear, do me a favor, next time you get naked, think about the parts of your body that you hate most. I think you will find that they are the same parts that hold the most fat and probably pain too. I have started to treat my ugly parts with tender loving care, rubbing with lotions and gentle massage. Just like babies we thrive with loving care, so I'm faking it till I make it a reality. Our bodies are our friends not our enemies, I would never treat my friend's body as bad as I have mine it the past. No more though!!!!!!!!!!!! I need this body for many more years it ain't ready for the junk yard yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! love Carole

FaithM. · 01-21-2007, 05:01 PM

Carole! I love reading your posts. You have a way with words that gives you the ability to put things into perspective for so many, not least of all myself. So much of what you shared here I have personally felt. I don't think you realize how inspiring you are and have been. Even when you may think no one is listening!

That Girl · 01-21-2007, 05:32 PM

i can't, means i won't..... you have done so well so far... don't give up, you and i know everyday is a gift..and the best gift we can all give to ourselves and our families is to be the healthiest we can be. and lets face it, being smaller will allow all of us to probably live longer, heathier, easier to breathe lives. hang in there, one day at a time, my fellow butterflies...we all can do it..

jokath · 01-21-2007, 06:35 PM

Beautiful Carole...

CaroleKI61 · 01-21-2007, 07:08 PM

Continuation of Sunday, January 21, 2007 6:52 PM
Tonight I am deciding which is better pleasure or happiness. Right now, I am craving the bucket of ice cream down in the freezer. Let me be honest, I doing more than am almost drooling just thinking about it. It would be pleasurable to eat it, and might give me a happy feeling, but it would not last long as I would get to feel guilty and then very unhappy. I dislike the mental store of hidden memories and desires, which influence my thoughts and actions in ways I cannot wholly control.
Pleasure can be supported by an illusion; but happiness rests upon truth.

I asked for some sugar free Jell-O and whipped cream, it satisfied the desire for cold, sweet and creamy too.

I was watching a movie where the men were diving for pearls in the deep sea. It looked like very hazardous work. They dove several times but did not find the pearls. However, they did not conclude that the sea was without them. They dove and dove again and were rewarded in the end. So, it is with this weight loss journey. Many of my attempts were fruitless, but I did not lose heart, I have jumped off the wagon so many times, and climbed back on carrying many extra pounds, greatly increasing the duration of my journey. However, by persevering in my efforts, I will reach my goal at last. Love Carole

Goldenrod · 01-21-2007, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ny_shelly

I never thought about needing my body before. I always looked at it as something in the way of what I want to do. I guess God gave me this body so I can do what I want. I've been treating it as the enemy, not something that needs to be cherished and taken care of.

I'd never thought of it this way, either. Anything I'm ever going to do in life, I'm going to do from inside *this body,* so I'd better start taking care of it! (And I better start being more grateful for the fact that it's carried me along, so far! All the places I've been, all the things I've seen and done, and this amazing machine is still going.)

Carole, your words of wisdom and inspiration mean more than you know. I'm struggling with a personal issue right now that is not related to weight, and so much of what you've been saying about attitude and perspective applies perfectly.

CaroleKI61 · 01-21-2007, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goldenrod

I'd never thought of it this way, either. Thanks Dear I've learned to respect this body, it is my home away from my real home in heaven. This body was a gift to be appreciated, not abused .Anything I'm ever going to do in life, I'm going to do from inside *this body,* so I'd better start taking care of it! (And I better start being more grateful for the fact that it's carried me along, so far! All the places I've been, all the things I've seen and done, and this amazing machine is still going.)

Carole, your words of wisdom and inspiration mean more than you know. I'm struggling with a personal issue right now that is not related to weight,Honey I'm sorry you are having problems but whatever they are you will benefit from taking care of yourself. and so much of what you've been saying about attitude and perspective applies perfectly.

Take care love Carole

walkingwoman · 01-21-2007, 09:50 PM

Carole, I adore you and your insight

Thanks so much for sharing with us.

TexasKitKat · 01-21-2007, 10:05 PM

Carole, my heart always does a little leap when I see there's a new post from you. As always, I am not disappointed.

Even when you are down and discouraged, I am SO happy to see your posts. It means you are still in the race. I KNOW you WILL make it, dear Carole, and we are all here cheering you on!!

CaroleKI61 · 01-21-2007, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walkingwoman

Carole, I adore you and your insight

Thanks so much for sharing with us.

Thanks so much Dear, your resonses mean so much as it helps me decide which pages are worthy of putting in my book. I trust my friends here and use the feedback to decide if it eill be suitable for other readers. I'm considerin adding some of the best replies as quotes but would remove the person's name to protect their privacy. Some of the resonses are too good not to share, love Carole

CaroleKI61 · 01-22-2007, 08:21 AM

Monday, January 22, 2007Darn, I am having trouble breathing this morning and experiencing horrific pain in my hip, I have been awake for most of the night, I t could not seem to get to sleep no matter what tricks I tried. Frank fell asleep quickly and I glad as he has work early this morning, He brought me a steaming cup of espresso wearing that appealing partly bashful, partly goofy smile of his, the one I had fallen for, maybe on the very first morning I ever met him in 1961. We met at a buss stop on our way to work. When we arrived at my place of employment, Frank gave me that goofy smile of his and a wink. We both knew that morning that we had found our life mate. I was eighteen Frank was twenty-three. He looked like Elvis and still wears sideburns. He would not let me leave until I agreed to go out on a date with him. He did not speak English and I did not speak Italian but somehow we found a language that worked for us. We will celebrate our forty-fifth wedding anniversary on May 5, 2007. I am hoping to have a party with our seven children and their families. Frank is a wonderful dancer and I want to be well enough to enjoy our celebration. I began to gather my papers for the day; I hope I can get some writing done today. Jersey came into our room wagging his tail, making his first appearance of the day. My Aunt called last night; the dear soul is suffering with diverticulitis and is preparing for surgery. She is eighty and I am concerned about the surgery. She speaks so calmly about being ready to go to heaven, “ The angel of death knocks with an impartial hand on the doors of the poor and the palaces of kings.” My aunt takes care of thousands of birds and little critters, neighbours call her Mother Nature, She has taught me to not make ‘death’ into some great tradgedy, but tell it as it is: The time has come for the matter of which we are formed to be returned to the elements from which we came. Now what is so terrible about that? Truly the ‘terrible’ is for the grieving ones.It is not possible for me to ignore the sufferings of others, whether physical, mental or emotional. My response to suffering is to make the most of every opportunity to show compassion wherever it is needed. I find that we can help each other not only by discussing their problems but also by offering a distraction from them. I have let my friends down by not being available when they needed someone and I no doubt deserve my enemies; but I do not believe I deserve my wonderful friends. My friends are those whose love and reassurances help me to retain a positive belief in myself in times of difficulty or self-doubt. Thanks Friends!Love Carole

rett · 01-22-2007, 08:51 AM

Carole
Thank you so much for your posts, you would be a wonderful councelor..matter of fact you are hired! You have a wonderful perseception of life. God did give us our bodies and you really made me realize that negative attracts negative....the parts of my body that are fat...I hate...I am going to start loving them....thanks to you.
I have nerve damage from shingles, the pain is bad sometimes. I picture in
my mind that God puts a Gold shining light starting at the top of my head and I breath very slowly as I picture the light going through my body and the pain.
I breath through the pain...and it usually helps alot. Just a suggestion, meditation has helped me alot.
I hope you are feeling better.
Your love story is so great....I would love to meet my soul mate.
Much light to you.
Rett

CaroleKI61 · 01-22-2007, 09:07 AM

AGING IS NOT AWFUL!

It is difficult to hold on to
One’s own sense of self
To one’s own dignity
When all around you-
There is no affirmation of you
At best there may be
A patronizing acknowledgement
At worst,
You simply do not exist

To be with younger people
Is so often to be invisible,
To be treated as irrelevant
And peripheral,
And sometimes
Even as disgusting.

It is not aging that is awful,
What is awful is how
Society treats old people-
To the degree that-
We accept and allow
Such treatment-
We buy into the age-old assumption
That permits this treatment

As an older woman
In my life-
I cam now explore what is
Important to me-
Allow me to do it-
With dignity!

Love Carole

speedymagee · 01-22-2007, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaroleKI61

Sunday, January 21, 2007
I have to be sixty-four years old but I do not have to be stupid.

Mind if I quote you? I have to be 38, but I do not have to be stupid.

Your writing is really beautiful, are you a writer by profession?

Thanks for posting this, really inspiring.
sandy

ixtapacheryl · 01-22-2007, 10:09 AM

Dear Carole:

Just beautiful and so true! What an inspiration you are to me! Thank you....

jokath · 01-22-2007, 10:53 AM

Carol that brings back such memories of my mother as she aged. I look back now to when I had her with me and wish that I had had the wisdom back then that I do now and I would have viewed her so much differently. I wish I had taken the time and effort to really listen to what she had to say.

Your a beautiful writer. Everything I read of yours takes me back and makes me think, I like that...thanks for posting.

Sharon1 · 01-22-2007, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedymagee

Your writing is really beautiful, are you a writer by profession?

Thanks for posting this, really inspiring.
sandy

I was just about to ask the very same thing. You're beautiful Carole, thank you so much. May you receive every gift you have ever longed for in life.

CaroleKI61 · 01-22-2007, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FaithM.

Carole! I love reading your posts. You h

01-21-2007, 02:21 PM	#1
CaroleKI61 Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 14,719 Blog Entries: 1 Gallery: CaroleKI61 Stats: 414/now 280 /goal weight 199 WOE: Dr. Atkins- I love you! Start Date: February 14 2003	Cant is speech without thought Sunday, January 21, 2007 It is a bitterly cold day. Frank has all the sausages put away and everything cleaned up nicely. I am using all of my determination to confront the pain in my left hip and knee. My conscience is nagging away in my mind- playing on my sense of guilt and responsibility. I have been ignoring the promptings – for the sake of some passing satisfaction. I know I must eat healthier, quit smoking, drink more water and do some exercise and by ignoring this voice as a reliable moral compass, I am not able to chart a true course in my weight loss journey. So many times, I use the word cant. Cant is speech without thought, and judgement without evaluation. I am thinking and acting incorrectly, the truth is more apt to be I won’t instead of I cant. I have certain wishes and plans in my heart to reach my goals I have to change my foolish desires. I have to be sixty-four years old but I do not have to be stupid. Sometimes I shy away from people; usually it is because I am not keeping pace with them. Perhaps it is because I am genuinely different and hear a different drummer. I step to the beat I hear, however measured or far away. Though my urge to conform is strong, I will continue, even if others see me as being out of step. I am not going to burden my heart with judgements. When all is said and done, I will be judged by my deeds, not by my appearance, weight, or size. However, that does not mean that I should give up and accept whatever comes. I am facing up to my personal struggles because everyone I meet is fighting a hard battle. Most everyone I know is suffering, not only ones with superficial problems like illnesses and injury, but to the fact that our dissatisfied nature of the mind itself is suffering. No matter how much of something we have, it never satisfies our desire for better or more. There is also the hunger for sensual pleasures, even for wisdom and knowledge- which warps our minds and distorts our understanding. I am grateful for my body, for all the wonderful pleasure, it has given me. I still need my body so I must give it what it needs. I want out of the flood of discontentment. Learning how to control my cravings is the raft that will carry me over this flood to the shore of insight and peace of mind. The painstaking completion of this difficult task is necessary in the relentless pursuit of my goal. Sometimes I lack the patience to keep going in the face of setbacks, but the prospect of ultimate reward-the satisfaction of success- is a powerful incentive. I am learning how to deal with unruliness in my mind, much in the same way I dealt with many naughty children- with cheerful patience. The biggest problem is that my ability to be patient with children, and myself has greatly diminished with age. However, I am adopting patience and wisdom making them my companions, together they will kick, drag, or push me to the finish line. My new motto is hasten slowly and you will soon reach your destination. I am beginning to see things as they really are. Like a caterpillar, I will move slowly and patiently wait, happily knowing that one-day I will become a butterfly. Love Carole __________________ 414--290-- working towards 199 I'm back in the race!

01-22-2007, 08:51 AM	#19
rett Senior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: IL Posts: 176 Gallery: rett Stats: 238 on 6/3/06 - 06/18/08-220lbs...goal ..130 WOE: low carb Start Date: 6/15/06 made committment	Carole Thank you so much for your posts, you would be a wonderful councelor..matter of fact you are hired! You have a wonderful perseception of life. God did give us our bodies and you really made me realize that negative attracts negative....the parts of my body that are fat...I hate...I am going to start loving them....thanks to you. I have nerve damage from shingles, the pain is bad sometimes. I picture in my mind that God puts a Gold shining light starting at the top of my head and I breath very slowly as I picture the light going through my body and the pain. I breath through the pain...and it usually helps alot. Just a suggestion, meditation has helped me alot. I hope you are feeling better. Your love story is so great....I would love to meet my soul mate. Much light to you. Rett __________________ "I CAN'T BUT WE CAN! 06/03/06 238 02/21/07 228 218, "FAILURE" IS NOT FALLING DOWN, IT IS STAYING DOWN! Rett

01-21-2007, 04:07 PM	#3
rett Senior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: IL Posts: 176 Gallery: rett Stats: 238 on 6/3/06 - 06/18/08-220lbs...goal ..130 WOE: low carb Start Date: 6/15/06 made committment	Carol I enjoy your writing.....and believe me you are not alone. I am 59 years young but my body sure tells me different. I just got off work and I just got home....I was coming up the steps and thought ....darn this makes me tired.....I just have to start exercising so I won;t be so tired! I am staying on my woe ...low carb but this exercise thing has to get going. Thanks for all you input...you can really write. Rett

01-21-2007, 04:09 PM	#4
t'ann Margarita tart Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: arizona Posts: 17,062 Gallery: t'ann WOE: with silverware Start Date: 01-2006	Carole, I believe you already are a butterfly. With a heart like your's you will find your way to that wonderful weight loss finish line.

01-21-2007, 05:01 PM	#9
FaithM. MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Central Texas Posts: 1,958 Gallery: FaithM. WOE: Basic LC Start Date: 1/10/06	Carole! I love reading your posts. You have a way with words that gives you the ability to put things into perspective for so many, not least of all myself. So much of what you shared here I have personally felt. I don't think you realize how inspiring you are and have been. Even when you may think no one is listening!

01-21-2007, 05:32 PM	#10
That Girl MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 1,473 Gallery: That Girl	i can't, means i won't..... you have done so well so far... don't give up, you and i know everyday is a gift..and the best gift we can all give to ourselves and our families is to be the healthiest we can be. and lets face it, being smaller will allow all of us to probably live longer, heathier, easier to breathe lives. hang in there, one day at a time, my fellow butterflies...we all can do it..

01-21-2007, 06:35 PM	#11
jokath MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: We're Freakin' Drowning in Oklahoma!!!!! Posts: 2,015 Gallery: jokath Stats: Then 190/144/144...Now 190/163/150 WOE: South Beach Diet Start Date: January 2003	Beautiful Carole...

01-21-2007, 07:08 PM	#12
CaroleKI61 Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 14,719 Blog Entries: 1 Gallery: CaroleKI61 Stats: 414/now 280 /goal weight 199 WOE: Dr. Atkins- I love you! Start Date: February 14 2003	Continuation of Sunday, January 21, 2007 6:52 PM Tonight I am deciding which is better pleasure or happiness. Right now, I am craving the bucket of ice cream down in the freezer. Let me be honest, I doing more than am almost drooling just thinking about it. It would be pleasurable to eat it, and might give me a happy feeling, but it would not last long as I would get to feel guilty and then very unhappy. I dislike the mental store of hidden memories and desires, which influence my thoughts and actions in ways I cannot wholly control. Pleasure can be supported by an illusion; but happiness rests upon truth. I asked for some sugar free Jell-O and whipped cream, it satisfied the desire for cold, sweet and creamy too. I was watching a movie where the men were diving for pearls in the deep sea. It looked like very hazardous work. They dove several times but did not find the pearls. However, they did not conclude that the sea was without them. They dove and dove again and were rewarded in the end. So, it is with this weight loss journey. Many of my attempts were fruitless, but I did not lose heart, I have jumped off the wagon so many times, and climbed back on carrying many extra pounds, greatly increasing the duration of my journey. However, by persevering in my efforts, I will reach my goal at last. Love Carole

01-21-2007, 09:50 PM	#15
walkingwoman Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Paradise Posts: 6,938 Gallery: walkingwoman Stats: 12/4/2-4 WOE: Who knows? Start Date: every day is a new day	Carole, I adore you and your insight Thanks so much for sharing with us.

01-21-2007, 10:05 PM	#16
TexasKitKat Senior LCF Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 734 Gallery: TexasKitKat WOE: LC for Type 2 diabetes Start Date: June 2006	Carole, my heart always does a little leap when I see there's a new post from you. As always, I am not disappointed. Even when you are down and discouraged, I am SO happy to see your posts. It means you are still in the race. I KNOW you WILL make it, dear Carole, and we are all here cheering you on!!

01-22-2007, 08:21 AM	#18
CaroleKI61 Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 14,719 Blog Entries: 1 Gallery: CaroleKI61 Stats: 414/now 280 /goal weight 199 WOE: Dr. Atkins- I love you! Start Date: February 14 2003	Monday, January 22, 2007Darn, I am having trouble breathing this morning and experiencing horrific pain in my hip, I have been awake for most of the night, I t could not seem to get to sleep no matter what tricks I tried. Frank fell asleep quickly and I glad as he has work early this morning, He brought me a steaming cup of espresso wearing that appealing partly bashful, partly goofy smile of his, the one I had fallen for, maybe on the very first morning I ever met him in 1961. We met at a buss stop on our way to work. When we arrived at my place of employment, Frank gave me that goofy smile of his and a wink. We both knew that morning that we had found our life mate. I was eighteen Frank was twenty-three. He looked like Elvis and still wears sideburns. He would not let me leave until I agreed to go out on a date with him. He did not speak English and I did not speak Italian but somehow we found a language that worked for us. We will celebrate our forty-fifth wedding anniversary on May 5, 2007. I am hoping to have a party with our seven children and their families. Frank is a wonderful dancer and I want to be well enough to enjoy our celebration. I began to gather my papers for the day; I hope I can get some writing done today. Jersey came into our room wagging his tail, making his first appearance of the day. My Aunt called last night; the dear soul is suffering with diverticulitis and is preparing for surgery. She is eighty and I am concerned about the surgery. She speaks so calmly about being ready to go to heaven, “ The angel of death knocks with an impartial hand on the doors of the poor and the palaces of kings.” My aunt takes care of thousands of birds and little critters, neighbours call her Mother Nature, She has taught me to not make ‘death’ into some great tradgedy, but tell it as it is: The time has come for the matter of which we are formed to be returned to the elements from which we came. Now what is so terrible about that? Truly the ‘terrible’ is for the grieving ones.It is not possible for me to ignore the sufferings of others, whether physical, mental or emotional. My response to suffering is to make the most of every opportunity to show compassion wherever it is needed. I find that we can help each other not only by discussing their problems but also by offering a distraction from them. I have let my friends down by not being available when they needed someone and I no doubt deserve my enemies; but I do not believe I deserve my wonderful friends. My friends are those whose love and reassurances help me to retain a positive belief in myself in times of difficulty or self-doubt. Thanks Friends!Love Carole

01-22-2007, 09:07 AM	#20
CaroleKI61 Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 14,719 Blog Entries: 1 Gallery: CaroleKI61 Stats: 414/now 280 /goal weight 199 WOE: Dr. Atkins- I love you! Start Date: February 14 2003	AGING IS NOT AWFUL! It is difficult to hold on to One’s own sense of self To one’s own dignity When all around you- There is no affirmation of you At best there may be A patronizing acknowledgement At worst, You simply do not exist To be with younger people Is so often to be invisible, To be treated as irrelevant And peripheral, And sometimes Even as disgusting. It is not aging that is awful, What is awful is how Society treats old people- To the degree that- We accept and allow Such treatment- We buy into the age-old assumption That permits this treatment As an older woman In my life- I cam now explore what is Important to me- Allow me to do it- With dignity! Love Carole

01-22-2007, 10:09 AM	#22
ixtapacheryl Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 5,932 Gallery: ixtapacheryl Stats: 183/147/130-135 - 5'7.5" WOE: '72 Atkins	Dear Carole: Just beautiful and so true! What an inspiration you are to me! Thank you....

01-22-2007, 10:53 AM	#23
jokath MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: We're Freakin' Drowning in Oklahoma!!!!! Posts: 2,015 Gallery: jokath Stats: Then 190/144/144...Now 190/163/150 WOE: South Beach Diet Start Date: January 2003	Carol that brings back such memories of my mother as she aged. I look back now to when I had her with me and wish that I had had the wisdom back then that I do now and I would have viewed her so much differently. I wish I had taken the time and effort to really listen to what she had to say. Your a beautiful writer. Everything I read of yours takes me back and makes me think, I like that...thanks for posting.