Fear. How many of our decisions are driven by this unpleasant emotion that often controls our lives? Afraid of seeing the doctor about a persistent cough, fearing a terminal diagnosis. Afraid of telling our adult children what we actually want, because it may hurt their feelings. Afraid of starting a new activity because we might look silly or inept. Afraid of making an emotional commitment because it might not be shared — or last. And afraid of the unknown when an overzealous imagination conjures up only the worst that could happen.
So, what are you afraid of? What are those often-unconscious fears that keep you from doing what you really want to do in order to make the most of each day?
Our lives are full of fears. But it is important to distinguish between what we may be afraid of and what is truly dangerous. I may ride an e-bike even if I’m anxious about falling, but I don’t think I will try a “backside heelflip” on a skateboard. And I still cautiously use a step stool, but you won’t see me climbing 15-foot ladders anymore. We are old enough to know where the line is between being fearless and just plain stupid. (Now let me point out that wearing a bright pair of lime green pants is not fearless or stupid — it is just showing really bad taste!)
So, know the true risks. Don’t make your fear of what could happen make nothing happen. Because of our unwarranted fears, we may miss meeting new friends, exploring new hobbies, or experiencing new adventures we never even imagined!
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Last week, I wrote about the grief you experience when you lose someone you care about: your spouse, a child, or even your four-legged companion and comforter. No matter the cause of your grief, remember grief is normal, natural, and necessary.
One of the best ways to deal with grief is to talk about it. In the Gorge, there are many grief support groups and grief therapists. Here are a few of those resources:
Providence Hospice of the Gorge Grief Groups. Free, professionally facilitated grief support group for adults. In-person, outdoor, and virtual groups are currently offered. Registration required. For more information or to register, call Haley at 541-387-6449.
Circles of Solace. Hosted by Riverside Community Church and Maggie Converse. A 4-week group is offered every season. The circles offer a safe and sacred place to share your grief, not as a problem to be solved, but as a vital and healing encounter with an essential experience of being human. Registration required. Email office@riversideucc.com or call 541-386-1412.
Grief Share. A faith-based, peer-led grief support group that meets in person. Go online to www.griefshare.org to find local groups, including the support group at the Covenant Christian Church in The Dalles, which meets on Sundays from August through November.
Grief Therapy. Find local therapists by location, availability, or topic search by going to the Therapy in the Gorge Directory at therapyinthegorge.com.
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Brain Tease: Can you uncover what each group of three has in common?
1. doughnut, notebook, golf course.
2. turtle, peanut, oyster.
3. brown, polar, Kodiak.
4. cough, tear, rain. 5. soap, granola, candy.
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The flying beetles I chased as a child in hot and humid Indiana were called lightning bugs or fireflies. I received correct answers from Doug Nelson, Bruce Johnson, Judy Kiser, Tom Schaefer, Donna Mollet, Rhonda Spies, Dave Lutgens, Lana Tepfer, Tina Castanares, Pat Evenson-Brady, Rebecca Abrams, Julie Hoffman, and Donnamae Craber Grannemann, this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.
And last week, I was surfing with Rhonda and missed Patty Jo McCarthy, Jess Birge, and Shelly Hinatsu.
This decorative lamp was invented in 1963 and consists of water and a transparent, translucent, or opaque mix of mineral oil, paraffin wax, and carbon tetrachloride inside a glass vessel. They were popular in the ‘60s and ‘70s, and I’ve read they are still popular in retirement homes in San Francisco. Okay, I don’t know if that’s true, but it could be!
For this week’s “Remember When” question, what is the name of this type of glass lamp that was more for setting a mood than illumination? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message on my cell phone at 541-980-4645, or send it with a bottle of patchouli oil.
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Well, it’s been another week, waiting for a good idea to tickle my fancy. Until we meet again, find time to share your stories.
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“I’ve finally come to the conclusion that my highest ambition is to be what I already am.” — Thomas Merton
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Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.
Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) — Wednesdays with music on second and fourth Wednesdays; Mt. Hood Town Hall (541-308-5997) — Tuesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333).
For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services: Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).
Answers:
1.They all have holes.
2. They all have shells.
3. They are all kinds of bears.
4. They are all kinds of drops.
5. They are all kinds of bars.
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