My two-cents worth and then some. An online journal by LP Brown.
If you are a Baby Boomer who has found yourself wondering whether your memory has gone south like the rest of your anatomy, then read Nora Ephron’s hilarious book, I Remember Nothing and Other Reflections. It may not lessen your disdain for age-related memory lapses, aka senior moments, but it will certainly give you a lift – pun intended – by injecting you with a healthy dose of comic relief.
Born in 1941, Ephron arrived five years too soon to be counted in the Census Bureau demographic study that would qualify her as a bona fide Baby Boomer. However, since I found her book so entertaining, I am designating her on my blog, as an honorary Boomer. A screenwriter, director, and brilliant author, Ephron has written numerous books, but her most recent publication is a side-splitting hardback that pokes fun at the forgetfulness that accompanies aging. Have you ever had someone to tell you a tale and then say “You have to have been there”? Well, although anyone with an ounce of humor can relate to the material in her book, Baby Boomers — who are there — can definitely identify with many of Ephron’s witticisms and wisdoms.
The author is a clever wordsmith whose vignettes keep the reader smiling as she spins yarns about various periods of her development from childhood to her adult years; leaving you anxiously awaiting the punch line. Her humor elicits chuckles in nearly every section of the book, but I found myself laughing aloud and reluctantly agreeing with the truth of some of her profound statements such as, “It is my experience that no one, but your closest friends care anything about your children.” Or my absolute favorite, “You always think that a bolt of lightning is going to strike, and your parents will magically change into the people you wish they were, or back into the people they used to be, but they are never going to, and even though you know they are never going to you still hope that they will. “
Epron makes fun of herself as she candidly expresses her thoughts on organized religion, truth in journalism and — the recurring theme — memory loss. The book contains about 140 pages and is a fast read. I found it so enjoyable that I read it three times. Want to get your laugh on? When you are not reading this blog, read I Remember Nothing and Other Reflections – if you can remember to do so.
On the eve of the New Year, many revelers will welcome 2011, while some will look back in despair, and forward with angst. If your 2010 had more road humps than smooth highways, be easy on yourself. We all have bumpy roads. Instead of lamenting the things that you had hoped – but failed – to achieve last year, look at the approaching year as a new beginning bringing new opportunities. Reassess those waylaid plans that got squashed by forces beyond your control, and commit to success in 2011.
Many of life’s obstacles can be circumvented by drawing on inner strength and – if you have a belief system – summoning your faith. If you are a chronic pessimist, resolve “New Year, New Attitude.” Get off of the road of negativism and onto a positive path. Whenever an optical pops up in front of you – as we know it will – think back, years ago, to the story that you used to read to your children (or it may have even been read to you), and repeat the mantra of the Little Engine That Could. Tell yourself, “I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.” And if you really want to kick it up a notch, reiterate “I know I can.” That children’s story designed to teach optimism may sound like elementary gibberish to cynical adults; but believe me; it is much easier to navigate the tribulations of life with a positive attitude.
One thing that I tell people who consistently groan and complain about how bad things are is to look on the bright side. Thing can always be worse. If your house burned down, be glad that you weren’t in it. If you lost your job, be grateful that you have the mental and physical stamina to pursue another one. If a car sped pass you on the street and splashed you with rain water, be glad that the vehicle didn’t run over you. Be constantly mindful that and as long as there is life there is hope, and no matter how bleak things seem, there is always a bright side.
Fortify your mind against negativity. Read motivational books or inspirational biographies about now famous people like J.K. Rowling or Tyler Perry. They each pursued their dreams through welfare and homelessness, and were they not so humble, they could easily look back to the naysayers and ask “How do you like me now?” If television is your pacifier, then watch uplifting programs. When all else fails meditate or engage in positive self-talk. Just refuse to let negative people or circumstances sap your energy.
To the Baby Boomers, Gen Xers and all the others who have been reading my blog — thank you. I wish you all a Booming New Year!
