Be Well
“No, you can’t always get what you want, But if you try sometime you might find, You get what you need…” – Rolling Stones, 1969
As old as I am, I take heart that my Stones are even older and still going strong! Among other things, the time we have been afforded lately inside our homes has allowed me to review some of my music library that gets pushed aside in the everyday events of our lives. And like all of us, our “everyday” has changed dramatically. And before I continue further, I cannot say enough about the bravery, tenacity, and dedication of our medical workers, from physicians to nurses and first responders, often working without adequate protection. Awesome is a word I seldom use but so on-point here.
Back to the Stones … or at least the lyrics! (Although one must wonder how in the world they keep going at their age – and with a past lifestyle that would have put most of us under!) I, as many of you, am not getting “what I want” these days. I want to see my family members and friends, particularly those who are not well from ailments other than COVID. I want to continue my volunteer activities. I want to do a little recreational shopping. I want to go to church. I want to teach my fitness class. Fortunately, I am retired so I don’t have to deal with working remotely or not having a job. And I, indeed, consider myself fortunate in many respects.
No, I can’t get “what I want” necessarily, but I am trying to “get what I need” as the song goes. I have the food I need (and some food items I have no business eating, true confession) and frankly have been digging out some family recipes long buried in cookbooks of yore. I have – as many of you – been organizing drawers, desk, paperwork, cabinets, etc. Participating in a bible study of my own. Going through my clothes and shoes has been almost frightening – why do I hold on to so much? Tuning up my neglected instruments has been a peaceful and enjoyable experience; challenging myself to improve my long-neglected musicianship. Exercise, of course – always.
So all things considered, I do have mostly what I need except for one important thing; assurance that the information we are receiving about this terrible pandemic is exactly what we need to know to keep ourselves and our families as safe and well as possible. I feel very badly for those who are suffering economically, and I look forward to patronizing businesses as soon as I am confident that I can do so in a safe manner. That is mostly what I need right now.
In the meantime, I will continue to explore my home and yard, donate to area food banks, keep myself and my surroundings as squeaky clean and disinfected as possible, and pray that we all can get what we “need” AND what we “want” to stay healthy, happy and productive.
Readers – I urge you to continue to exercise, eat well, take your supplements if you are already doing so, and please consider continuing to “social distance” as this is being proven to make a difference. Be Well!
Sharon McMahon, CNWC
The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace advice of your personal physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for any issues you may have related to nutrition or fitness activity.