The Lighter Side: What Matters Most in Life? - So... - PMRGCAuk

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The Lighter Side: What Matters Most in Life? - Some Gentle Wisdom from those with Valuable Experience... ;-)

markbenjamin57 profile image
37 Replies

Greetings to All Polymylingerers and Pred Playmates - wherever you are across our (now and ever expanding) Global PMR and GCA Community.

On the prelude to another Public Holiday in the UK and after a wicked (for us here) Winter, all I can say is: Roll on Spring! (If you are not in the UK, Different Rules apply: please see the instructions on the packet..) ;-) :-D

Just a quick update on the week's events here:

First, I'm pleased to report that my Man Flu (the worst and most dangerous type) is starting to abate and I'm feeling a little more 'Normal and Human' again - Hoorah! Of course, I appreciate that the terms 'Normal and Human' might be a matter of interpretation by some of You Lot who know me, and given my often Bonkers Ramblings here :-D. Either way, I'm sure that PMR / GCA + any or all of a virus / infection / injury / stress = more discomfort and misery. But I'm sure many of Us Lot know the Plot here already...

In the meantime.. 'Teddy' (my trusted Companion, Butler and occasional Car Valeter) has savagely bitten the head-off my early Easter Gift to him of a Chocolate Bunny. I wouldn't mind, given his Bavarian heritage. All I would ask him to do is to spit-out the silver paper first. To quote the old saying: 'You can't get good staff nowadays..' :-D

But I digress. What touched my Heart most in the UK national news this week (and to eclipse even the most exciting intrigues of Brexit etc) was a report about the UK's 2 oldest men, their Philosophy on Life, and their suggested reasons for such extraordinary longevity.

One, Mr Robert Weighton age 110 (and looking about 75 !) said (q.):

"I think Laughter is extremely important, and most of the trouble in the world is caused by people taking themselves too seriously". I take my hat-off to him and couldn't have put it better myself.

Robert went on to say: (q) "I have not lived my life avoiding being run-over by buses or getting cancer, or anything else. I've done nothing to deserve or achieve this age. I'm just one of the lucky ones". This 'Lucky Ones' remark nearly brought me to tears, given the tragic and harrowing events in the international news recently that have impacted on so many innocent and often much younger victims - and all of those connected with, or who knew them. As Robert poignantly suggests: 'all a matter of Luck / good fortune, or not....?'

The other, Alf Smith, also age 110 and from Wales said (q.): "Porridge! And, keeping active of course!". Ok, so tomorrow, Porridge + keeping (even more) active for me!

Wow - such a positive and inspirational outlook on the Journey of Life from 2 Centenarians who have 'written the book' on how to do it?! For me, at least, sometimes, the most simple sentiments and messages are the most powerful of all..

By contrast, the above media stories remind me of a reported account of the (one time) World's Oldest Women - a French Lady aged 115 and still regular consumer of alcohol and cigarettes - a few years ago. Apparently, she was interviewed by a 'young' (age 65) local newspaper reporter who enthusiastically asked: "Madame Deneuville (or whatever her name was), how do you feel to be age 115 - you must be so happy!" Her distainful reply was: "Young man, if I had known I would live this long, I would have looked after myself better". With all due respect to the other Gents, I also like this alternative Philosophy and sense of Irony. Actually, I like it a lot! :-D

So folks: when we are feeling 'Down' with all things PMR / GCA and / or battling with Life in General, we can perhaps still choose whether to focus on the perceived Positives or Negatives of our situation? Yes, it can be a difficult call when seemingly doing Battle with Illness, Circumstances and Life's Twists and Turns generally.

But, with the help, compassion and moral / physical support from our Nearest and Dearest (or if not, sometimes, from others who are not so 'close'!), the resources of this forum, and with a deeper Perspective on how much worse things could be (?), we can perhaps find the important emotional 'Fuel in the Tank' to carry on and move forwards in an uncertain World.

I think Robert (age 110 and still going strong) has 'got it in one'... ;-) :-)

Wishing you all a Happy Easter, and try to keep smiling on the Journey.

'Uncle' MB :-)

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markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57
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37 Replies
Rimmy profile image
Rimmy

Thanks Mark - for your usual very entertaining and amusing post. Hope you yourself get to 'decapitate' your OWN chocolate bunny (or two) and that will finish off your 'man-flu'.

Best wishes for a relaxing Easter break

Rimmy

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toRimmy

Thanks too, Rimmy - I think the chuckle muscles are finally waking up after being bludgeoned into submission by the Man Flu and a foggy brain. I'm not really into chocolate but a glass of the red stuff will go down well! :-D

Enjoy your Easter..

MB :-)

Rimmy profile image
Rimmy in reply tomarkbenjamin57

Red it IS then Mark !!!

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

Thank you Mark, for the uplifting Good Friday message. 🌼

I am sorry you’ve been ill. You are right. Winter has been a stinker this year. Really hard to keep your pecker up. (Cheerful) for our friends across the Atlantic.

The lighter nights, the birdsong and the gentler temperatures are a big weight off. It is lovely to see the new shoots poking through the earth.

Your unfailing good cheer has been a beacon on here. 🦋

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toSheffieldJane

Thanks Jane :-)

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

Hi Mark,

Update on your gents -

bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-...

Have a happy Easter - not toooo much chocolate! Is there too much? 🤔

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toDorsetLady

Yep DL, that's where I saw the article.

Have a good one too.. :-)

allykat profile image
allykat

Happy Easter to you too Mark and thanks for the words of inspiration. Glad you are feeling better!

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toallykat

Thanks kat, nice to be back in the land of the living...! ;-)

Thank you Mark for these lovely, lovely sentiments so in tune with my own. I always look on life as my glass being half full rather than half empty and try to turn everything into a positive rather than a negative and when I hear anyone around me grumbling about the least little thing, even the weather, I always say that it could be worse and as we appreciate on our Forum. it is in many cases. Happy Easter. D

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply to

Thanks Dot, I agree :-)

MB

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply to

💖

jinasc profile image
jinasc

Read the book and burnt my toast and hard boiled an intended' dippy egg' - I was laughing.

So you are to blame for wasted food.............................I refuse to take responsibility.

PS I loathe 'battling with illness'. War takes too much out of you.................:)

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply tojinasc

Careful now jinasc, surely food always comes first? Glad you're enjoying the book ;-)

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply tomarkbenjamin57

I enjoyed it too ..... and it’s just the right weight to throw at next door’s cat when he’s stalking the 🦅 birds in my garden 🤔

Joke everybody!!!!

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toDorsetLady

Can't think of a better use for it DL.. :-D

jinasc profile image
jinasc in reply tomarkbenjamin57

Glad to see you got a proper job at long last.............or just going up in the world :)??

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply tojinasc

Ohhh, ignore that jinasc, it's only a temporary title! ;-)

jinasc profile image
jinasc in reply tomarkbenjamin57

Spider and Web comes to mind.................

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply tojinasc

Better not comment just at the mo... watch this space ;-)

Estellemac profile image
Estellemac

Your sage words of wisdom give me hope Uncle MB.

I am 3/4 of the way through my life and have lived it recklessly but it was fun getting here. Your writings keep me smiling and give me food for thought. Thanks 🙏 Guru.

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toEstellemac

Thank you too, Estelle :-).

If I can bring a few smiles here as well as some wisdom and a sense of Hope for others, 'Job's a Good Un'!

But you also do this - keep it up! :-)

'Uncle' MB x

Cyclegirl54 profile image
Cyclegirl54

Thank you for these words. They have cheered me up as I feel right fed up today . Thank you

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toCyclegirl54

All part of the service cyclegirl, keep your chin up ;-)

Mitziecat profile image
Mitziecat

Couldn’t have put it better myself. Definitely laughter, fun, and being positive must help. Was feeling sorry for myself earlier but your post have given encouragement to take back some control & make the most of what you have & what you can do.

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toMitziecat

Thanks Mitzie, we all need a bit of that sometimes :-)

Mitziecat profile image
Mitziecat

Happy Easter to you 😀

Scotte profile image
Scotte

Happy Easter... contrary to the belief around the world... here in Canada we have PROVEN that Man Flu does exist...

google.ca/amp/s/www.cbc.ca/...

"about the benefits to having a "less robust immune system." In times of illness, it allows men to conserve their energy by lying on the couch or not getting out of bed.

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply toScotte

Haha, Scotte. The corollary being, of course, that's women's stronger immune systems lead to the prevalence of autoimmune disorders in women. Is it better to have the occasional bout of man flu than year upon year of autoimmune symptoms?

Scotte profile image
Scotte in reply toHeronNS

🙁

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toScotte

Glad I didn't say that, Scotte..!. ;-) :-D

Scotte profile image
Scotte in reply tomarkbenjamin57

😊

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toScotte

p.s. It's the Spring thaw, have you got your canoe out yet..? I spoke with Jacques today... :-D

Scotte profile image
Scotte in reply tomarkbenjamin57

Spring thaw... -21C in Calgary this am... 🤠

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toScotte

Oh dear, looks like I'm going to be stuck on MV 'Nonesuch' for a few more weeks then..?

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply toScotte

Yes, I noticed the West appears to be in a deep freeze. we saw our first crocuses today! But now the farmers are saying the lack of snow cover this winter may spell trouble for the crops this summer. I wonder if a farmer is ever happy? Unlike gardeners who are eternal optimists!

Cheers!

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toHeronNS

I've never met a happy farmer yet...

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