✨KITTING AROUND
BLOG 384–YOUR AGING BRAIN
Keep getting better than yesterday!
This Video will give you more insight into me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr8QFnD1yGc
This Blog is Best Read on a Laptop, Rather than Your Phone.
By KIT SUMMERS — World-Class Juggler to World-Class Comeback
Once upon a life, I made gravity nervous—
Headlining at Ballys, tossing clubs with a grin.
Seven of them. A world record—
Because physics loves a good insult. 😄
Then came the truck—the coma.
Thirty-seven silent days offstage.
And here I am now—not juggling clubs.
But throwing purpose, grit, and joy.
Balancing healing, catching courage.
Tossing hope sky-high. 🤹♂️
The mission grew bigger than applause.
Now I lift humans. I write to stay connected.
I write because it’s how I breathe.
If these words help you, too?
That’s magic catching air. 🎉
What’s next on Kit’s journey through life?
Back to juggling? Back to life?
Stay with Kit and find out.
Life can get better.
Life will get better! ✨
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My new address here is >>
Kit Summers
The Legacy at Highwoods Preserve
18600 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy, #217
Tampa, FL 33647
kitsummers.com
kitsummers@gmail.com
https://www.legacypreservetampa.com/
Stop by for a visit when you can.
A love letter would be dandy.
Call me >> 610-400-3233.
READ THE WORDS IN THE BLOG SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY.
As you’ve seen, the number of words for my blog has been increasing each week.
This week, I plan to write in a tighter way–JUST THE FACTS, MAME.
The secret to good writing is to get your message across with the fewest words possible (like right there, the word ‘possible’ was unnecessary.) I decided to use it anyway. I hope you find that in this blog. So, no more writing about meals (sorry if you’re hungry.) I will only write words that will benefit you.
Every week, I try to create the very best blog I can—something that makes you laugh a little harder, think a little deeper, and step back into life carrying a little more hope than you had before. A spark of joy. A touch of wisdom. A reminder that life, despite all evidence to the contrary on some days, is still overflowing with possibilities.
I’ve also discovered one of the great secrets of good writing: REMOVE WORDS! Write a sentence. Then remove a few words. Then remove a few more. Keep trimming until every remaining word has a job to do. Ironically, the more words I delete, the more I have to say. Perhaps that’s true of life as well—sometimes, by letting go of what doesn’t matter, we finally discover what does.
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PART 1) THE BEGINNINGS
DAILY–IT’S A NEW DAY, IT’S A NEW LIFE
DON’T LIVE IN THE FUTURE OR THE PAST —
MAKE THE MOST OF THE MOMENT YOU’RE HOLDING RIGHT NOW!
Mike and Elizabeth sent me a wonderful card through the mail to welcome me to my new home. An actual card, delivered by the post office, complete with an envelope, stamp, and all—just like the old days (I remember five-cent stamps–now each stamp is 82 cents). In a world of texts and emails, there is something especially meaningful about holding a handwritten card in your hands.
Such a thoughtful and loving gesture, it brought a big smile to my face. Thank you both so much for your kindness and for taking the time to make me feel so welcome. It meant more to me than you know. Thanks so much, Mike and Elizabeth.
Words from Phyllis about my last blog >>
“Great blog as always!! I love your writings!
Especially when I take the time to sit and enjoy them without interruptions!!!
I just don’t know how the heck you keep finding things to write about!
Wonderful job, seriously!
Such great content always!!!!
Thank you!!!”
I did not write before about the friendly card I received from all my friends at NeuroRestorative–
https://www.brainline.org/resource/neurorestorative-florida-avalon-park,
who wrote me. Thank you, everyone, for your care and concern. You have helped me a lot and added much to my life. Thanks, you will always be a part of my life.
In recent blogs, I find myself writing more and more about aging and death. That is only natural. After all, I am getting older, and I have gone through a few life-changing episodes. But then again, you are getting older, too! None of us escapes the passage of time. Every day adds another page to our story, another lesson learned, another memory made, another wrinkle earned.
Hmm, death?
No more worries.
No more concerns.
No more pain.
No more heartache.
When you think about it that way, it seems inviting.
The thought of death can be liberating.
But that is what gives life its value.
As long as we are here, we still have people to love,
questions to ask, laughter to share, and stories left to write.
We may not always welcome the changes that come with aging, but we do share them. The remarkable thing is that while our bodies grow older, our capacity for curiosity, kindness, growth, and purpose need not diminish.
In some ways, aging is life’s greatest reminder that time is precious. It encourages us to stop postponing what matters, to appreciate the people we love, to keep learning, and to continue becoming better versions of ourselves.
We cannot control how many years we are given, but we can influence what we do with the years we have. That may be one of the greatest lessons that growing older has to teach us. As the years pass, we begin to understand that life is not measured simply by its length, but by how fully, thoughtfully, and joyfully we choose to live it.
Every day offers another opportunity to learn, love, grow, and make a difference. That is the true gift of growing older: not simply adding years to our lives, but adding more life to our years. As long as we remain curious, compassionate, and willing to keep moving forward, each new day becomes a chance to live more fully than the day before.
As the years pass, we begin to understand that life is not measured simply by its length, but by how fully we choose to live it—by the love we share, the curiosity we maintain, the risks we take, and the difference we make in the lives of others.
None of us escapes the passage of time. The clock keeps moving whether we pay attention to it or not. The real question is not whether we are aging, but what we choose to do with the time we still have. Will we spend it worrying about the years behind us, or making the most of the years ahead?
I have learned that life is not measured only by the number of birthdays we celebrate, but by the moments we create, the people we love, the risks we take, and the joy we allow ourselves to experience. We do not know how much time remains, but we do know that today is ours.
So yes, I write more and more about aging. Not because I am giving up on life, but because I am determined to live what remains of it as fully, boldly, and gratefully as I possibly can. I hope you will do the same.
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PART 2) THINGS THAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK
Kit’s Daily Delights — Inspiration, Freshly Served
>>>>>June 27
Breakfast was just that, I broke fast.
Now on to more important matters.
Hmm, I can’t think of any.
Can you?
Somehow, I had been marked down as needing a daily assisted shower. When she came by, I explained that there must have been a misunderstanding. I assured her, with as much confidence as I could muster while standing there discussing my bathing habits, “I really don’t need any help with that.”
SHOWER TIME
I then asked if my records could be updated accordingly. It was one of those moments that reminds you that no matter how much life experience you have, there are still situations you never quite expect to find yourself explaining.
IS THAT REALLY KIT?
Then a tiny, mischievous part of my brain suggested that having her hands all over me might have certain benefits. “Stop that, Kit,” I told myself. “This is a shower discussion, not the beginning of a romantic comedy.” Fortunately, common sense prevailed, and I asked her to change my shower schedule to something more appropriate (now that sounds downright lonely).
On to a different subject–You know, having word limits on this blog is daunting. (Wow—that may be the first time I’ve ever used the word “daunting” in my writing. Apparently, even after all these years, I’m still expanding my vocabulary.) In fact, it’s kind of haunting.
NO WASTED WORDS
As you can probably tell, I have a lot of fun with the craft of putting pen to paper—or, more accurately these days, fingers to keyboard. Once I start writing, ideas tend to multiply, stories wander off in interesting directions, and before I know it, what was supposed to be a short blog post has become a small book.
Limiting the number of words isn’t just a challenge; it’s an exercise in discipline. Still, that’s part of the fun: figuring out how to say more by writing less. I haven’t mastered that skill yet, but fortunately, I still have a few words left to practice with.
Having a limit on the number of words in this blog is daunting (woo, that’s the first time I’ve used that word, daunting, in my writings). As you can see, I have fun with the skill of pen to paper (or fingers to keys).
Just went to lunch, and it was delicious—but unfortunately, you’ll have to take my word for it. As I walked down the hallway afterward, I noticed that many of the apartment doors were open, and in most of them, the televisions were on. Lying there watching TV until death? Not for me.
It struck me as a little strange. So many different lives, so many different stories, all unfolding behind those doors, each with its own soundtrack playing in the background. Every apartment held a different chapter of a different life—one television playing the news, another a game show, another an old movie, each soundtrack accompanying a story I could only imagine.
For a moment, walking down that hallway felt like passing through a living library of human experience, with every open door offering a brief glimpse into a world entirely its own. Then came 3 p.m.—Happy Hour. And oh boy, was it ever. I found myself sitting at a table with five lovely ladies, and I have to admit, I spent most of the time smiling. All of them are older than me. What could that mean?
The conversation was lively, the company was delightful, and I thoroughly enjoyed what I saw. Growing older may come with its challenges, but now and then, it also comes with a table full of smiling women and a reminder that life can still be a whole lot of fun.
Happy Hour — oh boy. It all started innocently enough with a plastic cup of light beer. Before long, that somehow evolved into two cups of sweet wine. Yes, by that point, the ladies at my table were becoming noticeably perkier… and, if I’m being honest, so was I. Smiles were getting bigger, conversations were getting livelier, and for a little while, we all seemed to forget about our aches, pains, and birthdays.
HAPPY YOU’RE CERTAINLY LIVING UP TO ITS NAME.
Dinner was a tasty vegetable quiche with roasted vegetables. Seems that everyone here has a walker or wheelchair to help them get around. I saw a couple of people who, while seated in their wheelchairs, only pulled themselves forward with their feet, moving only about 4 or 5 inches at a time. It takes them forever to get anywhere. I do not want to end up like that; I will find a way to remain personally mobile my whole life.
>>>>>June 28
Yesterday was stormy and rainy, with dark clouds and steady downpours keeping everyone indoors. This morning, however, I looked out my window and was greeted by clear blue skies stretching in every direction. What a wonderful sight. Something is uplifting about seeing the sun return after a storm, as if the world itself has decided to start over.
Seeing that beautiful sky leaves me with only one reasonable conclusion: I have to get outside today. Whether it’s a walk, a run, or something that falls somewhere between the two, the fresh air is calling. After all, blue skies have a way of making even the best excuses suddenly disappear.
This morning, I headed out to the pond in search of deer. I had been told that someone had spotted a few there recently, and I was hopeful that I might be lucky enough to see them myself. Seeing wild animals in the wild is breathtaking (hey, where’d my breath go?)
Armed with optimism, curiosity, and absolutely no useful deer-finding skills, I made my way to the water’s edge and carefully scanned the landscape. The morning was beautiful, the air was fresh, and for a few moments, I was certain that any second a majestic deer would step gracefully into view.
Unfortunately, the deer had other plans (or perhaps left the TV on). Either they had already moved on, were hiding exceptionally well, or word had somehow spread through the local wildlife community that I was coming. (scared of little ol’ me?)
Still, the walk itself was worth the trip. Sometimes the search is just as rewarding as the discovery—and tomorrow, I may have to try again. After all, persistence remains one of the few advantages humans have over deer.
Unfortunately, the deer apparently had other plans. They remained hidden away, conducting their important deer business somewhere out of sight. I walked around the pond, kept a careful lookout, and saw absolutely none of them.
Perhaps they had heard I was coming and decided to reschedule our meeting. Tomorrow, I may have to try again. After all, persistence is one of the few advantages humans have over deer. They have perfected the art of being somewhere else whenever I’m looking for them. Still, one of these mornings, I might get lucky.
Lunch today was incredible. I had spaghetti with meat sauce and a side of perfectly cooked shrimp in a great sauce. Every meal here continues to impress me. The food is consistently flavorful, well-prepared, and genuinely delicious.
In fact, the meals served here are as good as those at almost any restaurant you might visit—yes, that good. Each dish arrives carefully prepared and full of flavor, making me look forward to every meal. The kitchen staff is great, too. Waiter here, waiter there, they are all excellent.
I certainly wasn’t expecting dining at an assisted living community to become one of the highlights of my day, but here we are. Is there any information about the food? Sorry, I can’t. I’ve been trying very hard, and they won’t give me anything to complain about.
We only have one life.
So don’t waste it worrying.
About things you can’t control.
Wake up every day thankful.
Chase what excites your mind.
Keep becoming better than yesterday.
Choose joy over drama.
Growth over comfort.
And love over hate.
Make memories that feed your heart.
You only get this one shot.
So live life with peace, passion, and purpose.
(Hmm, copy those words and put them on a poster for your kitchen.)
>>>>>June 29
A slow day today.
There is nothing scheduled that interests me.
A girl just stopped by my room to ask if I wanted
to join them for meditation. I said no.
As you see, not much today.
>>>>>June 30
As usual, I found myself awake before the sun, looking out my window into the darkness. My room overlooks the courtyard, and each morning I wait for the day to begin. The sun rises on the far side of the building, and with the sky clear and blue, I can watch the light slowly spread across the horizon. There is something wonderfully peaceful about witnessing the world wake up one moment at a time.
It is now 6:30 a.m., and since I usually don’t venture down for breakfast until around 8:00, I have a precious 1.5 hours to work on this blog for you. There is something wonderfully peaceful about being awake before most of the world, when the hallways are quiet, the coffee drinkers are still preparing for battle, and my brain has not yet become distracted by important questions like, “Should I have one banana or two with breakfast?”
Looking out at the courtyard, I notice that most of the windows have their shades down, and they will likely remain that way all day. During the 20 years I lived in my house—and nearly everywhere else I have lived or traveled—I have always opened the blinds wide to let in as much sunlight as possible. I’ve never worried about anyone looking in; if they do, they’re unlikely to see anything very interesting. To me, a room filled with natural light simply feels more alive.
I have always preferred sunlight to any artificial lighting system. It changes throughout the day, bringing warmth, color, and a connection to the world outside. Sometimes I wonder what people are afraid of when they keep their shades closed. No matter how advanced our technology becomes, nothing has ever matched the simple beauty of opening the blinds, welcoming the sun, and letting the day come inside.
Writing these blogs has become one of my favorite parts of the day. Of course, “writing” also includes staring thoughtfully out the window, rereading the same sentence six times, and convincing myself that this is all part of the creative process. Still, I consider it time very well spent—and if I happen to solve a few of life’s great mysteries before breakfast, well, that’s just a bonus.
It is now about 7 a.m., and I have already written this much today. This blog should be shorter, tighter, and more concise. Unfortunately, every attempt I make to cut words results in adding several new paragraphs explaining why I should cut words. At this point, I am beginning to suspect that I have a medical condition known as “chronic over-explanation.”
I have great admiration for writers who can write something profound in 200 words. I, on the other hand, require 600 words to explain why I admire them. Perhaps tomorrow I will finally master the art of brevity. Of course, I have been saying that for several thousand words now.
Always remember this >>
Happiness is not about getting all that you want.
It’s about enjoying all that you have.
With those words,
I am happy!
As you are, yes?
Spent the day not doing much, not good.
I found that they did have a party celebration for people born in June (4 of them). There they were with their pointed party hats on. As a group, they looked funny.
I drank a plastic cup of light beer, which was enough for me.
People were enjoying themselves, good for them.
There’s too much partying going on, so I hit the road back to my room.
>>>>>July 1
Summer is officially here. Looking out the window, I am seeing blue sky with a few clouds that should go away soon. I must make the time to get outside to juggle and to run today. Yes, it is up to each of us to decide what we do with the time we have.
TIME?
How often have we heard someone say, “I just don’t have time for that”? The truth is, we all have the same twenty-four hours in a day. The difference is not usually time itself, but how we choose to spend it. Every day, through our actions and decisions, we reveal what is truly important to us.
We make time for the things we value most. We make time for our families, our work, our hobbies, our health, our worries, and even our distractions. The question is not whether we have enough time, but whether we are using the time we have in ways that reflect what matters most to us.
DO IT NOW!
Take a moment to ask yourself >>
Are you spending your days doing what is truly important to you?
Are you investing your time in the people you love?
Are you reaching for the dreams you still hope to achieve?
Are you living the life you genuinely want to live?
Be you—because no one else can.
There are billions of people on this planet, yet there has never been another you. No one else has lived your exact life, faced your challenges, carried your scars, celebrated your victories, or dreamed your dreams. Your experiences, strengths, weaknesses, and perspective combine to create something unique.
Too often, we spend precious time trying to imitate others, measure ourselves against them, or fit into someone else’s idea of who we should be. But the world doesn’t need another copy of someone else. It needs the original version of you.
Be bold enough to embrace your quirks. Be brave enough to acknowledge your mistakes. Be wise enough to learn, grow, and keep moving forward. The things that make you different are often the very things that make you valuable.
So be you—fully, honestly, and unapologetically.
You are special — you are you.
Because no one else can do that job nearly as well as you can.
Because one day, we will all realize that time itself was never the problem. The real question is whether we used the precious time we were given to learn, to love, to grow, and to live truly. Examine your life, are you choosing correctly?
MOVIE?
As I mentioned before, a company is currently developing a television movie based on my life story. To think that my journey—the triumphs, tragedies, setbacks, and successes—might one day be shared with a wider audience is both humbling and deeply gratifying.
What an extraordinary thing it will be if this project comes to fruition. Of course, as I find myself writing so often these days, time is never guaranteed. That realization only makes me hope we can move forward quickly, making the most of the precious and limited time we are all given.
WHAT DID YOU SAY?
It comes with age, but I’ve noticed that many of the people here have trouble hearing me, even though I’m speaking loudly and clearly. More than once, I’ve found myself repeating the same sentence two or three times, each time a little louder, until I begin to wonder whether the problem is their hearing—or my confidence in my own volume control. Age — can’t wait until I get there.
It does make me curious, though. Is this one of those experiences we can all look forward to as we grow older? Will there come a day when conversations become a friendly game of repetition, guessing, and smiling politely while pretending we understood what was just said? If so, perhaps the real secret to aging gracefully isn’t preserving our hearing—it’s developing a good sense of humor about losing it.
Today, I have been in contact with people who are working to bring my life story to the screen. Thank you, Chris, for your continued belief and support throughout this journey.
YOU HELP MUCH
I hope that this film becomes more than entertainment. I want it to inspire people around the world to face adversity with courage, to discover the strength they may not realize they possess, and to understand that setbacks do not have to define their future.
If my story can help even one person find hope, discover purpose, or find the strength to keep moving forward when life seems impossible, then every challenge, every setback, and every hardship I have faced will have served a greater purpose. In the end, our struggles are not defined by the pain they cause, but by the lives they inspire and the hope they help others create.
The idea that the experiences of my life—from triumphs to tragedies, from loss to recovery—might someday encourage others is both humbling and deeply meaningful. I look forward to seeing where this journey leads and to creating something that truly benefits people worldwide.
Out in front of the buildings, there are some beautiful plants and landscaped areas, with decorative rocks placed here and there to make everything stand out. Recently, I noticed that grass and weeds had begun growing between some of the rocks. Naturally, I decided to appoint myself Director of Weed Removal and got to work clearing them out. To my surprise, it actually looks like I am making a difference.
UP AND DOWN
I hate to say it, but many of the people living here would have a difficult time getting down on the ground to do this kind of work—and an even greater challenge getting back up again. In fact, for some, the project might quickly shift from “gardening” to “calling for assistance.” As much as I believe a little physical activity is good for all of us, I suspect this may be one exercise program that would receive very few volunteers.
Still, perhaps it would make an excellent exercise program: “Senior Rock Garden Fitness.” Step one: remove weeds. Step two: successfully return to a standing position. I am pleased to report that, at least for now, I continue to pass both parts of the test.
Then, in looking around, I saw a huge mushroom. Take a look!
>>July 2
People often say, “We only live once.” But the truth is, we only die once. Until that day arrives, we are given the extraordinary opportunity to live—every single day. Each morning offers a new chance to learn, grow, love, laugh, create, and become a little more of the person we hope to be.
Never forget that the quality of your life is not determined solely by what happens to you, but by what you choose to do with what you have been given. You have the power to shape your days with purpose, gratitude, courage, and hope. Make mistakes, try again, dream bigger, and keep moving forward. In the end, the true magnificence of life is not something we discover—it is something we create.
Make each day count for something. You are unique, and the world is different because you are in it. Show that. Share your kindness, courage, creativity, and determination.
Some days will be difficult. We all have them. But one bad day does not define a life. The wonderful thing about tomorrow is that it arrives with another chance—to try again, to learn, to grow, and to move forward.
More often than not, the next day turns out to be much better than we feared. Remember that. Keep going. Your story is not finished yet. You know you got this.
The magic happens when imagination meets persistence.
Imagination gives us the ability to see what does not yet exist. It allows us to dream beyond our current circumstances, envision new possibilities, and believe that something better can be created.
Persistence, however, is what transforms those dreams into reality. It is the willingness to keep moving forward when progress is slow, obstacles appear, and success feels far away.
Anyone can have an idea. Anyone can dream about a better life, a great achievement, or a meaningful purpose. But the extraordinary moments in life occur when we refuse to let those dreams fade. Every invention, every masterpiece, every personal triumph, and every life transformed began with someone who imagined something different and then persisted long enough to make it real.
The truth is that success rarely arrives in a single dramatic moment. More often, it is built through countless small efforts, repeated day after day, fueled by hope, determination, and the courage to continue.
When imagination and persistence work together, setbacks become lessons, failures become stepping stones, and possibilities become achievements. That is where the real magic happens—not in wishing, but in believing enough to keep going.
That is one of the great advantages of where you are living now. While the Florida sun outside is preparing to turn the sidewalks into something resembling a pizza oven, inside at Legacy, the temperature remains comfortable, predictable, and pleasant.
THE TEMPERATURE
There is something to be said for having a cool refuge from the heat. At our age, battling 90-plus-degree temperatures is not always the adventure it once was. Instead, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: admire the bright blue sky and sunshine through the window, step outside briefly when you choose, and then retreat to the comfort of air conditioning before you begin to resemble a baked potato.
In a way, it is a reminder that comfort is not the enemy of living well. A comfortable environment gives us the energy to do the things that matter—write, think, learn, laugh, exercise, and continue making a difference. The temperature outside may be soaring, but your opportunities for today remain unlimited.
And besides, if the weather forecast calls for 90 degrees, staying in an air-conditioned room with a good idea, a keyboard, and a cup of tea is not avoiding life, but outsmarting it. Yet, I will be going out later to pull weeds and make improvements to the landscaping.
EARLY JUGGLING LESSONS
At 10 a.m. today, I taught three more people how to juggle. One of them was absolutely shocked at how quickly she learned—and honestly, she did very well. It’s always fun to watch that moment when someone suddenly realizes, “Wait a minute… I can actually do this!”
The other two are not juggling quite yet, but that’s perfectly fine. Juggling, much like life itself, is a lesson in patience, persistence, and being willing to drop a few things along the way. With a little more time and practice, they will get there, too.
One of the great joys of teaching is witnessing people discover that they are capable of far more than they imagined. Every successful catch builds confidence. Every dropped ball teaches perseverance. And every smile that appears after a small success reminds me why I have spent so much of my life sharing this remarkable skill with others.
Besides, if I can survive two truck accidents, a coma, and countless dropped juggling clubs over the years, we can all agree that dropping a few balls during practice is hardly a tragedy. In fact, it may be the first step toward discovering just how much we are capable of achieving.
WEEDS AND SUCH
Out in front of the building, decorative rocks border the grass. Unfortunately, the grass appears to believe that property lines are merely suggestions and has launched an aggressive campaign to invade the rocks. Since someone has to defend the territorial integrity of the landscaping, I have taken it upon myself to join the battle—one weed at a time.
So, I have taken on a new mission: reclaiming the territory, one root of grass at a time. I suspect I may be the only person here willing—or perhaps crazy enough—to do this job, which makes me uniquely qualified. Besides, if everyone waits for someone else to do something worthwhile, many worthwhile things never get done.
There is something satisfying about making a small corner of the world a little better than you found it. It may not make headlines, but when I look out and see those rocks free from their grassy invaders, I’ll know that at least one person here decided to make a difference—and that person was me.
I’m certain that, before long, I’ll have made my way around the entire building, adding a few pleasant touches wherever I can. I’ll start with the front entrance and gradually work my way around. After all, if you’re going to live somewhere, why not help make it a better place?
It may not seem like a big project to some people, but I enjoy making a place look a little brighter, a little cleaner, and a little more cared for than it was before. If I can leave behind a few improvements, a few smiles, and perhaps inspire someone else to pitch in, then I’ll consider the effort well worth it.
WORK ON MY PAST HOME
You should have seen the home where Mary Ellen and I raised our daughters and lived for 23 years. I painted every room in that house, and the entire exterior as well. It seemed I was always working on something—repairing, improving, building, or imagining how it could be even better. I rarely sat still for long when there was an opportunity to make something more beautiful, more functional, or more welcoming.
THIS IS BEFORE ANY OF MY WORK ON THE HOUWE.
Later, when Beth and I shared our home, I found myself doing much the same thing. There was always another project, another improvement, another idea waiting to be brought to Life. Looking back, it was never really about the paint, the repairs, or the projects themselves. It was about creating a better place for the people I loved.
Perhaps that has always been part of who I am: always searching for better—not because what I had was not enough, but because I believed that with a little effort, a little imagination, and a lot of persistence, almost anything in life could become something even more wonderful. (Now I wish I did that with relationships.)
Right now, I have no one.
Lonely, I am.
I don’t know what I can do.
HAVE I REACHED BOOK LENGTH YET WITH THIS SECTION?
I’ve spent most of the afternoon in my room, sitting at the computer and getting a few things done. There’s nothing wrong with that, of course, but I also know that life has so much more to offer than the four walls around me and the glow of a screen.
Somewhere beyond this room are new experiences, new people, new adventures, and new reasons to smile. I haven’t found all of them yet—but that’s okay. The important thing is that I still believe they are out there, waiting to be discovered. And one of these days, I’ll open the door, step forward, and find them.
>>>>>July 3
HAPPY THIRD OF JULY! Or, as I prefer to call it: “The Night Before Fireworks and Questionable Decisions.” Wait… am I a day early? Go ahead, make tomorrow a fantastic event!
First, remember that we have today to live. This day—right now—is a gift, an opportunity, and a chance to create something meaningful. Make today fantastic. Better yet, make it a daily habit to turn each day into a great event. Look for reasons to smile, opportunities to grow, moments to help others, and experiences that make you feel truly alive.
TIME MARCHES ON . . .
Life is not measured only by the years we are given, but by how fully we choose to live each day. Don’t wait for a special occasion to celebrate being alive. Decide that today is the occasion. Then, when tomorrow arrives, make that day fantastic, too. A life well lived is built one extraordinary day at a time.
Yes, time is coming and going. One day, I will die. (There, I said it. No great surprise—so will you.) But sometimes I wonder: when that day finally comes, who will continue writing this blog for me?
Of course, I have no intention of finding out anytime soon. My current plan is to live well beyond 100, remain curious until the end, and continue writing long after people politely suggest I take a nap instead.
THE DEATH OF KIT?
Still, it is an interesting thought. When I am gone, the keyboard will become silent. No more early-morning observations. No more stories about juggling, brain injuries, aging, happiness, mistakes, or the strange adventure of being human. Yet maybe that is not entirely true.
Perhaps the real goal was never to write forever. Perhaps the goal was to write something that lasts beyond me—to leave behind ideas, laughter, encouragement, and hope that continue traveling through other people’s lives.
If a few of my words help someone smile, persevere, dream bigger, or simply have a better day, then in some small way, I will still be writing. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I still have many years left, several thousand more words to write, and at least a few more terrible jokes to inflict upon the world.
RAIN?
Looking out the window, I see a sky full of clouds. They appear serious enough to suggest that a major weather event is imminent. Dark, dramatic, and full of attitude, they have clearly invested a great deal of effort into creating suspense. And yet, so far, not a single drop of rain has appeared.
I have to admire their commitment to theatrics. These clouds seem to be operating under the same philosophy as many people I have known throughout my life: make a lot of noise, create a lot of anticipation, and then accomplish absolutely nothing. For now, I will continue watching and waiting. Perhaps rain is coming. Or perhaps these clouds are simply enjoying the attention.
NOW?
As often happens, absolutely nothing of interest appears to be happening today. No major adventures, no exciting news, and no calls asking me to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show. I do have to get this blog out later, but “later” is still quite a distance away.
So now I face one of life’s greatest challenges: deciding what to do until then. I could exercise, clean something, or search for a new project to improve. More likely, I’ll spend the next few hours looking busy while accomplishing very little—a skill I have spent many years perfecting.
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BLOG 384–YOUR AGING BRAIN
A brain.
Yes, you have one.
It’s located right there between your ears.
The challenge is using it well—and preferably for better thoughts.
Lately, I’ve been writing about two subjects: our brains and dying. At first glance, they may seem unrelated, but they share something important: both are moving steadily forward for every one of us, and neither can be avoided.
From the moment we are born, our brains begin an extraordinary journey. They learn, adapt, create, remember, and occasionally forget why we walked into the kitchen—only to stand there staring at the refrigerator as if it might provide the answer.
Every success, failure, heartbreak, and lesson we experience becomes part of the remarkable three-pound universe we carry within our heads. Our brains store not only facts and memories, but also our triumphs, disappointments, joys, fears, and dreams. Every challenge we overcome, and every mistake we make, helps shape the extraordinary story written inside us.
This small but astonishing organ carries the accumulated wisdom of an entire lifetime. It is constantly changing, adapting, and growing through every experience we encounter. In many ways, the human brain becomes the living record of who we are, who we have been, and who we still have the potential to become.
For some of us, myself included, life takes an unexpected turn when the brain is injured. My accident completely changed the course of my life. It altered my dreams, my abilities, my relationships, and the future I had once imagined for myself, as in TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury).
And yet—and I know this may sound strange—I have found reasons to be grateful that it happened. Yes, I realize how unbelievable that sounds. How can anyone be thankful for an event that caused so much pain, loss, and struggle?
The answer is that sometimes our greatest hardships become our greatest teachers. My accident forced me to discover strengths I never knew I possessed. It taught me resilience, patience, gratitude, and compassion in ways I could never have learned otherwise.
I would never have chosen the experience, but I have chosen what to do with it. What happened to me changed the course of my life in ways I could never have imagined. It brought pain, loss, and challenges I would not wish on anyone.
Yet, in the years that followed, I discovered something unexpected: we do not always get to choose what happens to us, but we do get to choose who we become because of it. In the end, what nearly destroyed me also helped shape the person I became—stronger, more compassionate, more grateful, and more determined to help others. And for that, somehow, I am grateful.
The truth is, neither our brains nor our lives are permanent. Some people find that depressing. I find it motivating. Knowing our time is limited gives greater value to today and reminds us to spend less time worrying about things that don’t really matter.
The good news is that our brains remain remarkably adaptable. Research suggests that optimism, exercise, quality sleep, and lifelong learning help keep our minds healthier and functioning younger. Curiosity has no expiration date.
One day, every one of us will reach the final chapter of our story. That isn’t a reason for sadness; it’s a reason to live more fully. Our time is limited, and that is exactly what makes each day precious. Death doesn’t mean the end; leave memories and good things in your name.
Until the very end, we still have a remarkable brain between our ears and a life full of possibilities ahead of us. We can still learn, grow, love, laugh, create, and make a difference. So use that brain wisely, think better thoughts, and make good things happen. And if you occasionally forget where you put your keys, just consider it advanced brain training.
So stay curious.
Ask questions.
Try new things.
Tell people you love them.
Take a walk, read a book, and never stop learning.
We may not control how many pages our story contains.
But we can make every remaining page worth reading.
And if you occasionally forget where you put your keys or why you walked into the kitchen, don’t worry. I consider that advanced brain training. Besides, I’ve discovered that searching for my glasses is an excellent exercise—even when they’re sitting on top of my head.
LIFE IS WAITING FOR YOU — CATCH UP!
DO NOT SIT BY THE WINDOW —
STARING AT THE CLOCK? — STAND UP AND LIVE!
LIVE FOR NOW! NOT YESTERDAY! NOT TOMORROW! NOW IS THE TIME!
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PART 4) 🔥 A FEW SPARKS TO SLIP INTO YOUR POCKET
✨ THE MAGIC OF QUOTES ✨
Inspirational quotes are like mental spark plugs. 💥 They jolt the mind awake, shrink giant problems down to size, and give your spirit a running start. One powerful sentence can flip your thinking upside down—turning “I can’t” into “Why not give it a shot?” The right words at the right moment can become a tiny flashlight in a dark hallway. 🔦
But here’s where the real magic happens: repetition turns inspiration into identity. The more you repeat a truth, the more your mind begins to believe it… and eventually, your life begins to reflect it. A quote hanging on a wall is a decoration. A quote lived out through your actions? That becomes a transformation.
Simple truth:
A quote on a page is nice…
A quote you live by? That’s power. ✨
1. “Wrinkles will only go where the smiles have been.” — Jimmy Buffett
2. “Age is more of a mind thing.” — Kit Summers
3. “Count your age by friends, not years.
Count your life by smiles, not tears.” — John Lennon.
4. “Growing old is mandatory.
But growing up is optional!” — Walt Disney.
5. “Age is something that doesn’t matter…
unless you are a cheese!”— Billie Burke
6. “Aging is just another word for living.”— Cindy Joseph
7. “It’s not how old you are.
It’s how you are old.” — Jules Renard.
8. “When we were small children,
We all played dress-up, and everybody had a good time.
So why stop?” — Iris Apfel
9. “We are always the same age inside.” — Gertrude Stein
10. “Too many people, when they get old,
think they have to live by the calendar.”— John Glenn.
11. “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were? – Satchel Paige
12. “Those who think they have no time for bodily exercise
will sooner or later have to find time for illness.”— Edward Stanley
13. “The wise mind mourns less for what age takes
away than what it leaves behind.”— Williams Wordsworth
14. “Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be.”— Robert Browning
15. “Some people, no matter how old they get,
never lose their beauty – they merely move it
from their faces into their hearts.— Martin Bauxbaum
16. “To resist the frigidity of old age,
one must combine the body, the mind,
and the heart. And to keep these in parallel vigor,
One must exercise, study, and love. — Charles Victor de Bonstetten.
17. “Getting old is like climbing a mountain;
You get a little out of breath, but the view is much better!”— Ingrid Bergman.
18. “Aging is not lost youth but a new
stage of opportunity and strength.” — Betty Friedan.
19. “The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes.” — Frank Lloyd Wright
20. “Aging is the journey to becoming our truest selves.” — Anonymous
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PART 5—YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>>>>
Using your brain well is a skill, and like any skill, it can be strengthened through practice. Make a conscious effort to guide your thoughts in a more positive, productive direction. You have an extraordinary brain—use it wisely, use it purposefully, and keep working to use it even better.
This week, challenge yourself to improve your thought patterns. The way we think often shapes the way we live. When negative thoughts appear, don’t invite them to stay. Instead, replace them with thoughts that are more hopeful, constructive, and empowering.
Your mind is one of the most powerful tools you will ever possess. It shapes the way you see the world, influences the choices you make, and ultimately helps determine the life you create. Every thought you entertain, every belief you strengthen, and every habit you develop becomes part of the foundation upon which your future is built. 
This week, use your mind wisely–and make it a habit to do so. Fill it with curiosity, hope, gratitude, and possibility rather than fear, doubt, and negativity. Challenge yourself to learn, to smile, to grow, and to think better thoughts.
When you do this, you may be surprised by how much your life can change. The remarkable power to create a better future often begins with something as simple—and as profound—as choosing what you allow yourself to think today.
Replace bad thoughts with thoughts that encourage growth, gratitude, and possibility. Keep a smile on your face when you can—it may not solve every problem—but it can remind you that you still have the power to choose how you respond. Think right.
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PART 6) NEXT WEEK>>>>>BLOG 385—AS YOU AGE (OR, ACT YOUR AGE)
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I miss you. Write to me—kitsummers@gmail.com
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🌟 PART 7) FINAL THOUGHTS 🌟
Because the best is always still ahead.
So juggle joy like it’s the air you breathe.
The horizon holds more than you can yet imagine.
Your present moment is not the finish line—it’s your starting block.
Chase sunsets as if they’re secret treasures waiting just for you.
Laugh so loudly that tomorrow leans in to listen.
Write me today—kitsummers@gmail.com
Live as though you’ve only just begun—
BECAUSE YOU TRULY HAVE!
🌟
