I was commenting to a friend on a comment that someone who is from the older generation had done, and my friend said in reply, ‘That’s you.’ My instant reply was, ‘No it’s not, I’m not that old.’ In fact, I was older!
But it was something about their behaviour that made me think they were old and as a result of what my friend said, it made me consider my own recently developed patterns of behaviour. My reflections came as part of the lockdown process, the drawing in of horizons, the need for self-protection as well as considering the protection of others. The limitation of browsing the shops, the beginning of self-delivery, and engaging in internet shopping for my food and other needs/wants. My conversations became stilted and virus led – a circular endless commentary of the current crises. I had to learn to deal with long-distance commentary on family events; as well as dealing with the many missed birthdays, family anniversaries and the growing up into adulthood of the grandchildren – oop’s, I didn’t mean to say I had grandchildren; maybe I’ve let the cat out of the bag? But, I still think of some people who may be younger than me, as actually older than me!
I think someone once sang a song; ‘Young at heart…’
Just before Christmas, I thought I would invest in one of the leading sports channels and watch some of the football over the next couple of months. It was great, but eventually, I can’t say I continued to enjoy the experience. Mostly it fuelled the emptiness that was sterile football played without fans and commentary that constantly reminded the viewer of the big C (Covid) crisis. And because of the big C, the football schedules were overcrowded, and I became a bit disillusioned with it all. It stopped being enjoyable and became just a space-filler helping another day to go by.
I like mushy peas… fish and chips with mushy peas. Yummy! Some people like a curry sauce with their fish and chips, you may have your own preference. I even make mushy peas at home. I have a recipe and regularly cook up a batch. I don’t seem to be able to get my mushy peas’ to taste the same on each occasion, probably just one of those things, or I’m a rubbish cook, or maybe I’m getting old?
This last year, with all my commenting on an ‘old person’, watching too much football, being covid bound, bemoaning my lot, limited travel, missing so much family time; I felt like I had become a carton of mushy pea’s. Every day things had taken on a similar feel, it was all the same. Okay, I had become ‘green’. As I began to look more closely I think society had also taken on the aspects of mushy peas’. Masks, social distancing, cravings to go on holiday, the desire – just to pop to the pub, stand on the touchline, have a proper conversation… we have become a mushy pea society. Hang on; this is not how I was created to be. I’m meant to be a single pea, in a bag with other single peas’, (a bit cold, obviously, if you are kept in the freezer compartment). But I have a superpower to help me along and who gives me a world view on things, I’m not tied to a meaningless squashed up confined tin of mushy peas’.
I am bound to one who says, ‘Go into all the world – and make a difference’. So I do, I, with the help of my superpower, make sure I look at people, not as mushy pea’s, but as the most loved people on earth and deserving of my attention. I know a man who stood up to make a difference in the lives of others; his name is Jesus: My superpower.
Ah Yes, a bit of Frank Sinatra.
Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you
If you’re young at heart.
For it’s hard, you will find, to be narrow of mind
If you’re young at heart.
You can go to extremes with impossible schemes.
You can laugh when your dreams fall apart at the seams.
And life gets more exciting with each passing day.
And love is either in your heart, or on it’s way.Don’t you know that it’s worth every treasure on earth
To be young at heart.
For as rich as you are, it’s much better by far
To be young at heart.And if you should survive to 105,
Frank Sinatra
Look at all you’ll derive out of being alive!
And here is the best part, you have a head start
If you are among the very young at heart.
Writer(s): Leigh Carolyn, Richards Johnny
Image Credit: Caroline Attwood
