Knowing When to Shut Up

It's been a while since I have written anything here, and not because I haven't had something to say.  It's just that one of the benefits of becoming a "senior citizen" (other than qualifying for discounts) is that I have lived long enough to have learned the wisdom of restraint of pen and mouth - at least most of the time.

When it occurred to me to post a new entry on my blog, I intended to bemoan the difficulties of dealing with adversity vicariously.  You know, when bad things are happening to those around you about whom you care.  As I mentally began composing my lamentation, I realized that I was just climbing aboard my pity pot.  Poor me.  Bad stuff is happening to people I care about.

Truth is, it is difficult to maintain a positive outlook when those you care about are hurting.  The feeling of helplessness sometimes is overwhelming, and for me, it usually is accompanied by anger.  The important thing that I must always remember is that it is OK to be upset when people I love are facing adversity.  But I should also acknowledge the fact that, in most cases, all I can do is be present and supportive as a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Mostly though, I need to remember to keep my whining mouth shut.