Tomorrow is my birthday. I normally take stock on these occasions. This year the report is encouraging.
I'm working out regularly and improving my physical health. I've learned how to function with limited vision (20%), discovering dozens of techniques to compensate for bad eyesight. I'm also active mentally, reading abstruse work with glee.
Best of all, my enthusiasm has returned. After last year's set-back I've re-discovered joy. Simple pleasures delight me. Staying in touch with friends is a priority. And unexpected experiences pop up frequently. Let me describe a recent one.
A few days ago I was waiting at the light to cross a busy four-lane street. There was lots of traffic. A frail old lady with a cane approached me and asked if I'd help her cross the road. She said she walks very slowly and wasn't sure she'd reach the other side before the light turned. Of course I volunteered to be a tutelary. I didn't mention to her that her eyesight is way better than mine.
I escorted her across. As she predicted the light changed before she could reach the other side. I stopped traffic with my hand and protected her with my body; this enabled her to continue and reach the sidewalk.
I felt unexpected emotions afterward. Surprise that I'm able to help others, not just be a recipient of assistance. And pride at using Badass Biker Confidence to stare down large threatening road-bugs. The only way to safely deal with aggressive motorists is to intimidate them so they back off. And when you're vulnerable on two wheels or two legs, the way to do that is with ATTITUDE. Leonine aplomb.
In the past year I've started to feel younger, so this birthday isn't bad news.
Many happy returns on your big day, SB. I hope you feel proud and kind for helping another person out. That's really cool of you 🩷
ReplyDeleteThanks, pal. I did feel good -- and what surprised me is I didn't think I had this capacity left after losing most of my vision.
DeleteHappy Birthday! Many happy returns!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear you're living an active and fulfilled life despite losing so much of your vision.
Confidence goes a long way. I find myself more and more confident as the years go by. Aging is a blessing in many ways. Sure, there are hard days, but experience does make it easier to navigate this world! As The Little Prince said, the most important things are invisible to the eyes!
That's a wonderful quotation! I've never heard it before. And your words are full of wisdom. Thank you, friend, for the support and encouragement.
DeleteHappy Birthday Ally! Keeping our sense of purpose and usefulness is key as we age. How wonderful to be able to help someone in need.
ReplyDeleteI love that quote from Le Petit Prince, one of my all time favourite books,
"On ne voit bien qu'avec le cœur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux."
Suzanne
DeleteThank you, sweet friend, for everything.
DeleteBest wishes for your birthday.
ReplyDeleteEnthusiasm is one of the best treasures we have to cultivate.
And what I particularly like in your post is the term and the attitude to life: "Leonine aplomb" - beautiful.
Wishing you all the best.
p.s. I really like riding my bike :-)
Hug
Thank you so much, Viola. Best wishes to you.
DeleteHappy birthday Ally! I am in admiration of your attitude. If you've got any surplus, please send it to Belgium :-) xxx
ReplyDeleteAnn! So good to hear from you. So sorry you're going through difficult times. I know what that's like. Try to stay positive and remember things will get better. They will. I wish you the best.
DeleteIs like they say, in helping others we help ourselves. Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteThanks, buddy.
DeleteHappy Birthday, Ally! Sending you all the best! <3 Thanks again for the Fluevog link - I MET the newlyweds at John's Place on the weekend! What a small world.
ReplyDeleteYou go, girl, and give those cars the business! Yes to "Get the f**k out of my way" energy!
Wow, what a small world. Thanks for the feedback.
DeleteI hope you had a great birthday and excellent dinner at your favorite restaurant. Time keeps passing and it surprises me every year. We'll sneeze and it'll be Christmas lol!
ReplyDeleteYup. I was 52 years old, sneezed and here I am. :)
DeleteYou beautiful wonderful person!!!! Happy Birthday to you!!! I send you many best wishes and hugs.
ReplyDeleteSo lovely of you to help that lady and I am glad it felt good!
It's funny what you say about feeling powerful stopping traffic. When I take children out on a school trip, I often have to march out into the road and authoritatively block the traffic with my hand and allow some 35-90 children to scurry across. You just have to be bold and eyeball them and then graciously thank them. Of course, there's always some schumuck who tries to squeeze through but I get in their way and they will have to mow me down before they get to my children!x
Exactly! You do the same thing. I'm proud of you, Kezzie, you're a badass!
DeleteI know that when we get to a "certain age" some people can find Birthdays a bit of a trial, a reminder that we are getting ever closer to a final point ~ I think we still have plenty of life left to live, tunes to play and rides to take, enjoy all of it.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!
I agree. Thanks, friend.
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