“SO”

/ howardshapiro

I so did not want to begin this long overdue blog with “so”. But here goes.

So, what is motivating me? Why after almost a year have, I decided to go back to this blog? One reason: I got billed by WordPress.com for my annual subscription and the cost of the domain name: rabbiunplugged.com. So, (here’s that conjunction again) I said: either turn off “auto-pay” or get back in the groove and resume blogging. The other: I see this as a legacy piece – and when the years ahead of you are predictably shorter than longer, you get to think about these things – at least you do when you’re in my business. And I can’t but not admit that when you tell me that you miss my thoughts or ask me did I unsubscribe you, I can’t help (let’s be honest) but be flattered.

So, another beginning. Isn’t that the truth – there is always another beginning. It is almost my personal definition of faith. Every morning brings me another opportunity to both bless the moment and be a blessing. (I know a lot of you like the political commentary better than the religious/spiritual stuff – but hey: it’s me – rabbi unplugged writing.) Faith is knowing you have choices. Sometimes they are bright and colorful, and the pale pink of dawn gives way to a bottomless blue sky. Sometimes the choices are different shades of gray leaning away from the light. Sometimes we like the choices the moment presents; sometimes not. But here’s the thing: faith is knowing you have the power to choose how you will respond even if you do not appreciate the choices.

Like my knees. They have recently decided to tell me that they are tired – not so tired that they want “out” – not yet. But fatigued enough that they want help. So, I succumbed and got gel injections. They told me it would take about a week to begin to work and ease the pain of walking up stairs and doing squats/lunges/getting out of chairs, hiking and should last about 6 months. Although friends who are “gel junkies” report that they last 6 months cause that’s how often Medicare will pay, and the pain abates and returns, and this is no magic bullet.

But what is? Life, especially the getting older phase, is about managing your bodies’ changes. And that includes your mind and memory. And that includes your definition of good or well. It is somewhat relative. And that includes how you define your reason for being. Are you here to make yourself happy? Are you here to have as many toys as possible? Are you here to make your passage through this world a blessing? And how do you do that?

So, my knees say: it’s not by playing pickle ball. So, maybe in the next blog I’ll have a better answer. But “so” is a conjunction and it is good to be back in touch.

17 thoughts on ““SO””

  2. Howard,
    Hurray, SO, you’re back! I have missed your commentary and am touched by your honesty regarding “less time ahead than behind”.
    Keep your blog coming.
    Deanna

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  4. Rabbi Shapiro, It’s good to hear from you again. I attended your comparative religion classes at the Lifelong Learning Society, FAU Jupiter. You are a wise man and I find your comments practical and yet spiritual. Blessings to you.

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  5. Welcome back! I, for one, have missed you. I have faith in you, you will get back to being comfortable in your daily life.
    Take care of yourself and Eileen

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  11. So…as usual, your words are spot on. I am in the process of making some decisions regarding my “ process” while aging. You’ve given me much to consider. Welcome back!

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  14. Whew! It’s so good to have you back….and so good for you to BE back. You still have plenty of time to write and hopefully, I have time (and the need) to read you!

    Linda

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