Throughout our lives, especially the younger years, we rarely think about why things just seem to be against us. Some will tell you it’s because we were young and just don’t understand.
It seems like we are always aware of our mortality, but our lives take center stage.
We’re full of love for our family, our careers, the milestones within our lives and the bright future which hopefully lies ahead.
So, what exactly is a “LIFETIME”? Simply put, a lifetime is the duration of a person’s life from birth to death and is often used to describe the span of time in which we all exist. Here in early August, we are very busy with our personal lives such as vacations, the demands of our jobs and family. Preoccupation would describe it all.
Then one bright sunny day, you randomly hear about the passing of a relative, a friend, or a co-worker via social media, the obituaries or a phone call. The thought flows through your mind as you wonder what happened to them, and then you remember the nice memories you have of them before their deaths.
Then, you begin to think about your health, age and your life expectancy, which is all influenced by factors such as your healthcare access, nutrition, genetics and environment.
Today, the average human life according to surveys, facts and opinions, is in the mid 70’s.
For me, and millions like me, we have moved onto our 80’s and are just a bunch of octogenarians living day by day, amid our maladies of aches and pain and arthritis.
Of course, by the time we were basking in our 60’s, those life threating elements we didn’t expect seemingly attacked us over night.
So, aside from the facts and thoughts, what would be some relative factors that just might keep us around for a while, no matter what your age. Here are some thoughts and ideas:
• Throughout our lives, we collected a lot WISDOM. We were told to be wise, and address any of life’s trial and tribulations with good health decisions, common sense and prescribed medications. Our meds are designed to open many doors for our good health, and we should use them as prescribed.
• Make no mistake, STRESS is a vehicle that can destroy your well-being physically and mentally. Seek professional advice as soon as possible and solve it by finding the source and subsequently creating a plan for success.
• If you have recently survived a major heart attack or stroke, now more than ever, you need your “support group” to be there for you through it all.
• Adhere to the medical directions you will receive as the plan of pending physical rehab if prescribed is vitally important.
• If you are 50+ you are considered a “Senior”. You may not like it, but come on aboard, it’s good for you because your life can be enriched by Senior Citizen local groups whose prime goal is to improve your quality of life with fun and new friends.
Locally, you can join the Senior Olympics games in the winter and through the summer months. Trust me, I did that and loved it. My bet is that you will too as you’ll meet new friends and your quality of life will zoom.
Lifetime experiences
“A lifetime experience can refer to the accumulated knowledge, skills, and wisdom gained through events, challenges and personal encounters that a person has lived through over the course of their lives.” A short version of the definition would simply be: experience and knowledge gained through living.
Over our lives, we have all been involved with events and happenings that in some manner; compromise our lives as we have come to accept. I will share a few lifetime experiences I have encountered and learned a great deal of wisdom from each one of them.
• I suffered a severe heart attack that required 6 bypasses to save my life. I was 40 pounds overweight and it hit me like a ton of bricks. Extended physical therapy followed as I lost weight and changed my lifestyle to this day. I exercise in some manner almost daily and take the required meds as directed.
• I was involved in a head on collision with the impact knocking me unconscious out of the driver’s seat to under the glove box. It was 1965, the only seat belts in use were lap belts. Unlike the harness type we use today. However, I did NOT have my lap belt on. Yet, I survived with minor injuries with glass shavings in my eye and a concussion. Today, whenever or wherever I go, my car does not move until I am secured in my safety belt and passengers are as well.
• In 2016 fell off a 6-foot-high wall onto our concrete driveway attempting to install Christmas lights onto a tree. While reaching for a limb, my foot slid in the mulch causing me to lose my balance and fell onto the driveway. The instinct is to put your arm out to break your fall. I extended my left arm and as I hit the concrete disintegrating my left elbow, my head bounced off the driveway. I was rushed to the ER for treatment. My elbow was reset while I was unconscious. I suffered a minor concussion, and stitches were taken in my hand.
Lesson learned. When we advance into our senior years, we lose our sense of balance. I will never climb a wall again. The tree? No lights at Christmas ever again on that tree unless I get a volunteer.
These preceding events were life threatening experiences for sure. However, during our lives we also experience wonderful lifetime events as well.
Here are a few milestones of life we all likely have experienced and remember well:
• Opening your first paycheck
• Your first day on a new job
• Leaving home
• Falling in Love and then having a broken heart
• Surviving disappointment
• Dealing with the death of a loved one
• Hitting rock bottom
• The birthdays of your children
• Your retirement day
Our lives are a gift. During our time on this planet, we will undoubtedly encounter lifetime experiences, events and challenges.
Years ago, once upon a time, there was a radio and TV show that America loved starring the host – Groucho Marx.
At the end of every show, Groucho would exclaim to his fans. “Be sure to join us next time and remember – YOU BET YOUR LIFE!”
Mike Tussey has “retired” from a 60-plus-year career as a legendary play-by-play announcer for over 2000 football, baseball, and basketball games, including most recently for ESPN+. His career also includes a stint in law enforcement, teaching and coaching, and writing books, including the “Touchdown Saints.” He grew up in Eastern Kentucky and now lives in Florence with his wife, Jo. He has opened another “Door of Opportunity” and is now a regular columnist for the NKyTribune.