The times are a-changin'

I was at work today bored out of my gore when i began to think…
heres the story.

I was thinking about life and in particular my parents. Im still young and my parents are relatively young as well. I began to think about the years that have past and suddenly I began to focus on the future. I couldnt stop thinking how weird and suddenly tragic it will be when my parents get old…Old as in weak, fragile, helpless, slow and in a state of simple deterioration. an inevitable happening.

Its hard for me to grasp this concept but it seems almost unbearable. I sat there thinking about this for almost an hour. I feel like im obliged to do something, though capable of doing nothing. I dont know. Any one already experience these “times” ?

I think the whole process will go smoother in time considering aging is not sudden. I will grow with them and time will take them …then me. But anyways What are some ways to cope with this ??

All comments welcomed

The Times are a changin ha ha

Youngman18,
other than a few examples I can give you that I think may ease your worry, I don’t think I hold the wisdom to help you. Though, I do think you should be helped. So, one of my all time favorite poems came to mind. It is called ‘Desiderata’, it is because of this poem that I became familiar with this word and it’s definition. The word has stuck with me since. It means, something that is missing but felt needed. The poem is by Max Ehrmann, it goes as follows…

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive God to be. And whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

My prediction is that the poem will help your worry. But it will only help you for awhile. You have to come to understand the poem on your own terms, only then will you be helped for the rest of your life.

What’s your take?

Thanks for the poem/advice…

I didnt mean to come off as emotional. The realization i had was more mind-boggling than life-altering as you can imagine…

Thanks again, take care