The Older I Get

Photo Credit: howard.hall via Compfight cc
Photo Credit: howard.hall via Compfight cc

I listen to a lot of podcasts.  They’re an entertaining and informative way to pass time in the car, on a run or even if you can’t sleep. “q” on CBC is one of my go to’s. I’ve stuck with it through the scandals this past year, and I’m enjoying the new host, Shad. I listened to an April 22 episode where Shad was interviewing David Shore, canadian writer and producer. It was a great interview.  Shore said, somewhat tongue in cheek, that the older he gets, the more he likes people who agree with him and make him laugh. That made me smile. It’s so true!

There’s tremendous comfort in having people around who agree with your beliefs and ideas. Constant struggle can be tiring, especially as I get older. So I get where Shore is coming from. Still, I don’t want to be someone that only surrounds themselves with like minded people at work, at leisure and at home.  Diversity of opinion does make my life richer. I know it’s important to continue to engage with those who may disagree with me so we can understand each other better. I just need a break now and then!

And that break can come with the other half of that statement. Laughing is awesome! I so value the people who provoke giggles. Silly jokes, physical comedy, bad puns – they all make me laugh! The more you laugh, the better you feel and the happier you are. I recently wrote another post about laughter because the older I get, the more I believe in the power of laughter. It can save you. It definitely saves me.

 


Comments

4 Responses to “The Older I Get”

  1. Sue, I totally agree with what Shad said and with your thoughts. I also like the learning that comes from engaging with people that see things differently than me, but I think that the problem is sometimes if our views and approaches are different than others, we can quickly feel alone. And sometimes even if we think that what we’re doing is right, it’s hard to feel alone. So even if we find these like-minded people at different schools, online, or in different grades, divisions, or positions, it’s very nice to have these connections. Like you too, I love to laugh, and appreciate those that make me laugh. At stressful times, the laughter is needed even more. I must admit though that I’m very lucky to have students that know how much I enjoy a good chuckle, and never fail to provide belly laugh moments every single day. There’s nothing better than that!

    Aviva

    1. Yes, feeling alone is never easy. It’s always wonderful to be around those who love us and get us.

  2. Kristi Keery Bishop Avatar
    Kristi Keery Bishop

    A thought provoking post. It is nice, of course, to talk and learn and just hang out with like-minded people. It is so much more effortless than to feel that you are fighting a current. But, having said that, I think the older I’ve gotten, the more accepting I am of alternative ideas and opinions. I may not always agree with others but I am more willing to listen to them and consider their different ideas. I know I’m not as smart as I thought I was when I was younger. I wonder how (or if) these two seemingly contrasting ideas fit together?

    1. I love your evolved point of view and I don’t see a contradiction. I like a good discussion with people who have interesting viewpoints informed by experience and thinking, but battling can be so difficult. Interestingly enough, so can compromise. That has been surprising to me, since you’d think that it might be something people would want – a win win.

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