As a general accepted philosophy regarding the things in life that are broken or sick, it is almost always better to prevent a problem than to fix it once it has become a problem. This is true in medicine, mental health, car mechanics, and probably most other considerations. If it’s not broke, sick or a problem there is no need for a fix.
The dynamics of our lives can usually be divided into three groups:
• Things we can control.
• Things that we have some control over.
• Things over which we have absolutely no control.
While this is probably a great over simplification of how we may comfortably address our complicated lives, it does put an interesting spin on the old saying “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it”. Just as emergency room medicine has historically used the “triage” philosophy to save the most lives in any given situation, so too, we can pick our battles and concentrate our energies on the things that can do us the most good. We should focus our efforts and time of those things we can control. Healing is not necessary when a state of health is maintained. Cars don’t’ need overhauled if the oil is changed regularly.
Sadly, most of us are not sufficiently wise nor do we exercise the appropriate discipline to monitor and adjust our life styles in time to thrive up to our fullest potential. So what can we do?
• Listen; really listen, to what older people have to say about just about anything and everything. Digest what they say and look for how it may speak to your perspective. Treasure the good, discard the worthless, and seek the wisdom to know the difference.
• Control what you eat consistent with what your physician recommends and what your informed and basic instincts tell you.
• Limit your exposure to deprecating environments and people.
• Consciously seek to increase your positive experiences and minimize your negative experiences.
• Be proactive and persistent about pursuing your goals but don’t obsess over unworthy or unrealistic goals.
• Embrace peace in whatever forum it may present.
• Control what you can and accept what you can’t.
Westmoreland County
Area Agency on Aging
Information Line
200 South Main Street
Greensburg, PA. 15601
Contact: Mark Hanna
Ph: (724) 830-4444