Shocked by aging process

I don't do drama, but this one was a life changer. Sharon was a Sabra and an officer in the Israeli army. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, and an inspiration to our local community.
Her body hosted cancer and everything that goes with it for many years. Shortly before she died she gave a speech. NEVER RING THE BELL.
In their training to be Navy Seals, the recruits are taken beyond any limit of ordinary endurance. If a recruit can't take it, there is no formal protocol.
There is a bell in the parade grounds. The beaten recruit goes out rings the bell and leaves.
Sharon's message
NEVER RING THE BELL.

@gussie Thank you so much, I feel very blessed to have been her daughter.

...am coping at 82 and ill.. thing is I just don't have the physical energy and mental capacity left to deal with it all... but I "do" think of others worse off, I do think of those who did not make it to adulthood or have lived with pain and illness since being young: what isnt helping is insomnia and cant take sleeping pills due to eye pressure etc and while awake alone during night think of my childhood, my parents long gone in another country, the things i wish I had done, sad times and am finding it a bit difficult to reflect on happier times - although looking at photos from holidays etc helps a bit during day but I did have some horrible times I coped with and when I do sleep my dreams are visit and usually stressful: but I am doing my best. I envy seniors who seem much happier than me!

Yeah, aging can hit all at once sometimes. I remember a phase where my hair and nails felt off and I was like… wait, when did this start happening? It’s rough mentally.

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I have felt the same way. I learned about Radical Acceptance and I accept the inevitable changes going on in my body and my mind. However- your nail and hair issues sounds like thyroid- have you had it tested? I try and focus on what I can do rather than what I cant. Hey I just started lifting weights. Im 72. I also decided to buy a wig cause my hair is thinning. Read the book, When I'm an Old Lady, I Shall Wear Purple. Be well.

For protective reasons the human system is wired to retain (imprint) "bad" experiences rather than good ones-so we don't grab the hot handle again. "Nice" experiences fade because they have no information about danger to us.
So you have to "dig" for the good memories.
I don't remember the bird singing, but the bee sting?

Thank you.

@shmerdloff Thank you for the sober advice and for the Leonard COHEN lyrics. He’s my favorite lyricist and I’m so thankful to have his music to remember and reminded of his wisdom and humor. Have a good one!

@shelmadine
ring the bell that still can ring🔔🔔🔔