I’ve Tempered my Temper; A Continuing Series on Aging

Page 6: It’s not Worth the Spike in My Blood Pressure

I wouldn’t say I was a bitch in my younger days, although plenty of other people would, I am sure. That never bothered me though. I knew the people who loved me loved me and that’s all I ever really cared about. If I found you a little bit dull or annoying I would most likely let you know with my sharp tongue and my icy glare. That was all it usually took to keep a lot of people out of my personal space; and I liked it that way.
With my friends and family I always spoke my mind holding little back.

What I deemed as stupidity by others I found intolerable and would often let them know. It rarely did any good other than to strengthen my reputation as a (see above).

I don’t know why I was like that. Looking back now with the wisdom of age and more importantly the calmness that has overcome me these last few years I can’t help but think I sure did waste a lot of time; I burned a lot of bridges and I hurt a lot of people’s feelings.

These days when I find someone who I can’t seem to communicate with I simply smile and walk away. It’s a lot better for all of us.

Bigotry and ignorance are also high on my irritant list but arguing with people whose views so greatly differ from mine and being combative with them, I have found does nothing to further my cause. They simply dismiss me as being a (see above).

So my strategy recently has been to look at the different points of view and when I care enough to do so I try reason with people using their own logic. I know what you’re thinking, and you are right it is still very frustrating because I find so much of it illogical. But at the same time, although it’s a bit scary it’s also enlightening. The things that some people believe are astounding. I am still a little rusty at when to walk away but my aging body lets me know by heart palpitations and the ole blood pressure spike that goes straight to my temple. It’s an internal Pavlov’s dog and I’m getting better at anticipating it.

Oh sure I still fuss at some of the stupid drivers, and I often find myself cursing at how I always pick the wrong line but all that is more from habit than my temper. My temper, which used to be feared has become a bit of a joke in my old age. And that doesn’t bother me either, although I might pretend it does from time to time.

And you know what, I am happier now. I make an effort to be nice to people just because it’s the right thing to do.

Sometimes it comes naturally and sometimes I have to remind myself it’s not worth that spike in my blood pressure.

Any more I am as calm as the still waters at sunset.

For other posts in this category see the menu above or click the links below

Page One; A Wrinkle in time

Page Two; Life in the Mirror

Page Three; Fashionably Late

Page Four; Aches, Aging and AARP.

Page Five; To Tweet or not to Tweet; that is the Question

Page Six; It’s not Worth the Spike in My Blood Pressure

Page 7: Life Goes By Too Fast

Page 8: I Can’t Taste This