Thoughts>Feelings>Actions
I personally am striving to incorporate the Latin principle “Cogito, ergo sum” (I think, therefore I am) less as a philosophical proof of existence. I want this motto instead to be my way to achieve better thinking. It is really more like- As I think, therefore I am. My thoughts, good or bad, come first. My thoughts order my feelings, and then my actions. I must recognize my thoughts, and make literal thoughtful changes (regarding my ongoing retirement and aging).
Thoughtfully Choose Thoughts
I am striving to choose my thoughts wisely- truthful and positive ones. In Christianity, this process is not just some choice I merely make in my own human strength-and then I must struggle to accomplish with my own human energy. No, I believe as a Christian that this process is part of being renewed in the spirit of your mind (thoughts and attitudes). This process is spoken about in Ephesians 4:23. (“…to be made new in the attitude of your minds…”). God spiritually empowers and changes the thinking of His followers as we let him.
I Battle Depression
Particularly during covid isolation, I fought depression and struggled to maintain my emotional positivity. My faith was instrumental in this- knowing that my life has many purposes kept me emotionally grounded. I am aware of some of these purposes, and some purposes are unfolding and being revealed to me over time. And as I have said previously, during covid, I watched the amount of time I spent on TV, internet and social media- so as not to indulge in too much criticism, negativity, and pessimism. Toxic subject matter leads ultimately to toxic thinking- impacting life, health, sleep, and relationships.
“The More That You Learn, The More Places You’ll Go” (Dr. Seuss)
I also continue to keep reading- to keep sharp, to learn, to get new ideas and positive perspectives. No weird dark fantasies or horror books for me right now- I need a more hopeful thoughtful perspective on life. Though I must confess here that I cannot abandon my beloved science fiction author Ray Bradbury. I am still re-reading his “The Martian Chronicles” and “Fahrenheit 451” with great joy.
I Keep Laughing
Humor books are my dependable go-to- there’s truth in them, along with some wit and laughter (e.g. books by Dave Barry or Erma Bombeck). I can now thoroughly relate to Dave Barry’s age-related books about turning 50 or 60 (e.g. “Dave Barry Turns Fifty”). His “Lessons From Lucy: The Simple Joys of an Old, Happy Dog” illustrate that a critter can deal with old age much better than many supposedly smarter humans.
I Keep Solving
Then there’s my fave New Mexico mysteries by Tony Hillerman and his daughter Anne- they transport me to a land of desert enigmas. Classic Queen of Crime Agatha Christie is back on my list, inspired by recently seeing the movie of her book “Death on the Nile”. Histories such as US travel tale “On the Road with Charles Kuralt” or US history of the West “Blood and Thunder” by Hampton Sides fill in when I need some non-fiction.
The New Stage
Furthermore, there are so many books on my list that sound interesting for my new stage of life! One such book is “Somewhere Towards the End” by British author Diana Athill. I hear that she provided clear-sighted views of her aging journey (which was a long one, as she lived to 101). “The Art of Growing Old: Aging With Grace” by psychotherapist Marie de Hennezel is on my reading list too… There are many others as well- so many books, so little time.
“Without libraries…we have no past and no future.” (Ray Bradbury)
I found it sad that most public libraries were shuttered due to covid. This was when we all needed the input found in good books the most! Of course, you could still order library books online and pick them up remotely out front. But this distant processing does not fully substitute for the wonderful freedom of perusing library shelves inside an actual brick-and-mortar library building. There a searcher can find unanticipated reading treasures, or stumble into unexpected research directions with some newly-discovered topic. Inspiration and knowledge always await inside a library.
Back to Thoughts>Feelings>Actions
But back to the betterment process in my thinking. (As) I think, therefore I am…changing.
