✨KITTING AROUND✨
BLOG 388–FRESH PERSPECTIVES

Always keep getting better than yesterday!
Learn more about me >> https://youtu.be/G4qaG2yi7hI
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— Thirty-seven silent days offstage.
Seven of them. A world record— But throwing purpose, grit, and joy.
Because physics loves a good insult. Balancing healing.
Then came the truck—the coma. 😄 Tossing hope sky-high. 🤹‍♂️
     
Bigger than applause. What’s next on Kit’s journey?
Now I lift humans. Back to juggling? Back to life?
Writing is how I breathe. Stay with Kit and find out.
If these words help you, too? Life can get better.
That’s magic catching air. 🎉 Life will get better! ✨
      =======================
My new address here is >> kitsummers.com
Kit Summers kitsummers@gmail.com
The Legacy at Highwoods Preserve.
18600 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy, #217
Tampa, FL 33647
Stop by for a visit when you can.
https://www.legacypreservetampa.com/

A love letter would be dandy.
Call me >> 610-400-3233
=========================
PART 1) THE BEGINNINGS

I FEEL THAT THIS IS MY BEST BLOG.
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!

I just heard this, and it is important >>
“Happiness is not about getting all that you want.
It’s about enjoying all that you have.”
And, do you?
==========
I heard this from my friend, Greg Jorner >>
“Hi Kit.   I just spent about 15 minutes perusing your blog. It’s far more than I have time to read completely. However, I’m interested in a few things…. The last time I really read one of your blogs, you were living in your van. I remember that you and your wife/girlfriend had split up. You are now living in a communal setting. And at a cost of almost 6K USD per month! That’s quite a change. How did you get insurance to pay for that?  Anyway, you seem happy, and that’s a good thing. I’m glad that you’re still contributing to the world. Hope that all is well with you, Kit.”
   
Good to get your words, Greg. Thanks for taking some time to. Yes, big changes throughout my life. Insurance covers the costs; that’s a good thing. My daughters, April and Jasmine, set this up for me.
===========
And, I heard from Ray Stern>>
https://ray-garden.blogspot.com 

I met Ray through gardening, who wrote:
Kit – Are you living the life you encourage others to live?
“Your last couple of blogs are about the food served, being in your room, and writing. Maybe there’s more, but it’s not being shared.  Have you been outside?  Are you taking walks? Juggling?  Meeting anyone outside the cafeteria?  Are you planning to buy a bicycle?  Doing anything about a veggie garden on the grounds?  What’s happening besides eating, typing, and watching movies or YouTube?  Is this what you left the other place for?
Are you following your own advice?”
   
Nice to hear from you, Ray. You are one of those people whom I don’t know very well, but you still write to me. How many others are there who read my words, yet they don’t send me words? I would love to hear from you — I hope I do. I’m glad you care. Living at this new place is kind of crazy for me. I’m doing what I can to fit in, but it’s difficult. Thanks for the gentle kick to get back to life. I want to build a garden, but it is hard to wait for them. I might try another way.
   
No, Ray, I’m not living the life that I write about. For now, I am mainly staying in my room to work on my writings. Thanks for caring, my friend. More people read my blog than I realize.
============================
PART 2) THINGS THAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK
Kit’s Daily Delight Inspiration–Served Playfully.

Ray’s winter garden     

Good morning! Or good afternoon… or good evening. One of the wonderful things about words is that they never complain or expire when they’re read a little late. With readers in all time zones around the world, I really don’t know what time it is there now.
   
>>>>>July 24
The blog was sent out today. I hope you liked the read.
For meals, I am eating less and less. For dinner, I asked for just 1/3 cup of milk and ate just one chicken finger (I never knew that chickens have fingers). I want to eat l just enough, I feel like I eat too much right now.
     
>>>>>July 25
Breakfast was the usual. I am not seeing much change around here. All the other people seem to run their lives without change, just forging ahead. Focusing on writing this blog takes my mind to a different place.
   
It’s 11 am now. An upcoming pizza lunch is planned for about noon. I will let you know. I am so focused on my next blog for you that it will be difficult to pull away. It is on the third floor, where I reside. I showed up in my bare feet. That upset some people. I came back and put on my slaps (flip-flops), which are about the same, but they were ok with that.
 
Pizza would have been good, but they only had large sandwiches. Even nice menus were printed. Two choices, turkey or Italian, that’s it. I had the Italian, which was a good sandwich. There is someone here who likes to print in three-color ink, which is unnecessary and wasteful.
    PIZZA?
It’s still strange to be with people who are twenty or more years older than me. There was limited seating, so I gave up my seat twice to let others sit. I brought my food back to my room and ate here. Still hard for me to eat with no lower teeth. A miserable life — humm. I really don’t know what to think, Ray.
     
I still don’t feel like I fit in here. I feel like a youngster amongst older folk. But what’s next for Kit? I just went to the happy hour they have each Saturday. It didn’t make me that happy. Once again, it made me analyze my life and wonder whether I will have a future that would be pleasing.

Every Saturday at 3 pm, they have a happy hour (which is about an hour long). I had a plastic cup of light beer. I just sat there like I didn’t fit in, drinking my beer. I had shown up barefoot, and they shunned my feet and seemed disgusted by that.
      HAPPY TIME
But you know, older people. I went and got my slaps, then they were fine with that. I have been inside; there’s nothing to get my feet dirty here. It was just too “different” for them. Yes, I do what’s sensible, but this is just a little too much for me. Perhaps another time I will just show up naked, then what will they say?
       
>>>>>July 26
Breakfast was the usual this morning, and then the day settled into its familiar rhythm. Many of the people here don’t do very much, and that’s okay. Everyone is on a different journey, facing different challenges and living with different abilities. We all move through life at our own pace, and there is no single path that fits everyone. I find purpose in writing, learning, and sharing ideas that encourage others to live a little better each day.
       
As for me, I keep coming back to this keyboard. Writing gives my days purpose. My goal is to share words that encourage and inspire you, helping you see your own life a little differently. If even one thought in these blogs brightens your day, gives you hope, or nudges you toward becoming a better version of yourself, then every hour spent writing has been worthwhile. 
      THE DAY IS STARTING
The sun is rising on the far side of the building, painting the morning with the promise of a brand-new day. From my window, I can see a beautiful, clear blue sky stretching from one horizon to the other. There isn’t a cloud in sight, and everything feels fresh, peaceful, and full of possibility.
 
Moments like this remind me that every sunrise is a quiet invitation to begin again. Yesterday is behind me, tomorrow has not yet arrived, but today offers endless opportunities. A clear sky has a way of clearing my mind, encouraging me to greet the day with gratitude, hope, and a smile. 😀
       
As I sit here looking through my writings, I notice that the pages ahead are still blank. Nothing is written there yet because those days haven’t happened. They still belong to the future, waiting quietly for life to unfold.
    WRITING
There’s something beautiful about those empty pages. They remind me that tomorrow hasn’t been decided. New experiences, unexpected friendships, fresh lessons, and moments of joy are still waiting to be discovered. Every sunrise gives me another opportunity to add a new chapter to my story.
     
I can’t write tomorrow’s pages today because they haven’t been lived. All I can do is embrace this moment, make the most of today, and trust that tomorrow will bring new adventures worth writing about. One day at a time, those blank pages will slowly fill with memories, lessons, laughter, and the life I choose to live.
TODAY, TOMORROW?
Some days remind me just how much life can change.

This morning, I went outside with three juggling clubs, looking forward to practicing and running a little afterward. But almost immediately, I knew something was wrong. 
   
I could barely keep the clubs moving. The rhythm I’ve known for so much of my life wasn’t there. Then my asthma flared up, too, and any thought of running disappeared.
      ASTHMA
I had to head back to my room and reach for my inhaler—what I jokingly call my “breath freshener.” Humor helps, but today it couldn’t completely hide my disappointment. It’s hard when your mind remembers what your body once did so effortlessly.
     
Still, I refuse to let one difficult morning define me. Life has taught me, time and again, that setbacks are only temporary visitors—they are never permanent residents. They may knock on the door, stay a while, and test my patience, but eventually they leave. What remains is the person who chose to keep going. So I’ll learn from today, get up tomorrow, and take another step forward. That’s how progress is made. That’s how better happens.
     
Today may have slowed me down, but it hasn’t taken away my determination. Tomorrow I’ll try again. If all I can do is juggle for a minute instead of ten, or walk instead of run, that’s still a step forward. Some days we celebrate progress. Other days, we celebrate perseverance. Today is one of those perseverance days. Not every effort succeeds, and not every day brings a breakthrough.
     
Sometimes the victory is simply refusing to quit. Even when the results aren’t there, showing up, trying again, and moving forward is enough. Tomorrow may bring progress, but today I’ll celebrate perseverance.
      RUNNING — JUGGLING
Juggling has been in my blood for as long as I can remember. It has been part of my identity, my career, and my joy. But today, I couldn’t seem to find it in any blood vessel. The clubs refused to cooperate, my timing disappeared, and even my body seemed to say, “Not today.”
      NOT TODAY
Days like this are humbling. They remind me that success isn’t measured only by the days when everything comes easily. Sometimes the greatest victory is simply showing up, giving it your best effort, and refusing to quit.
   
Tomorrow will bring another chance, another throw, and another opportunity to improve. And when that day comes, I’ll be out there again—with clubs in my hands, hope in my heart, and a smile on my face. With a little luck, my running will go well, too. No matter what happens, I’ll keep moving forward, one step and one throw at a time.
      TOMORROW
How will the clubs fly tomorrow? I don’t know—and that’s part of the adventure. Maybe they’ll soar with grace. Maybe they’ll tumble to the ground. Either way, I’ll be there, learning, laughing, and refusing to quit. Because the real victory isn’t in never dropping a club; it’s in always being willing to pick it up again.
        LUNCH
Lunch today was a chicken salad sandwich, and it was quite tasty. Since I don’t have any lower teeth, it was also easy for me to eat, which is always a welcome bonus. Fortunately, it’s one of the items that’s always available on the menu, so I can count on it whenever I want something that’s both enjoyable and easy to manage. Sometimes it’s the simple things—a good meal that doesn’t require a struggle—that make the day just a little brighter.

           See me? I’m right in front!

DINNER
Now it’s tomorrow morning, and I’ve already forgotten what I ate last night.
It’s something I should remember.
Do you remember what you ate last night?
How about two nights ago?
       
Most of us can’t. Our brains are designed to hold on to what matters most, and an ordinary dinner rarely makes the list. It’s a gentle reminder that much of life slips quietly into the past. That’s one more reason to savor today’s moments while they’re happening. The conversations, the laughter, the sunsets, and the people we love are the memories worth creating—because those are the ones most likely to stay with us.
     
When I went down for dinner tonight, someone was sitting at my usual table, and the place was quite full. One gentleman was already sitting there, so I asked if I could take the empty seat. He nodded, and I sat down.
   
We ate our meals just a few feet apart, yet not a single word was spoken. No “hello,” no smile, no “have a good evening.” When he finished eating, he simply stood up and walked away. It made me wonder: How do people become so disconnected from one another?

I have noticed that all the residents here are light-skinned.
You may notice I don’t write black or white, mainly because none of us is just white or just black.
We each have a different skin tone that is ours alone. Many of the staff here are darker-skinned.  Not sure what that means, but…
     
Then I reminded myself that I don’t know his story. He may be shy, struggling with his health, dealing with memory problems, or simply having a difficult day. We all carry burdens that aren’t visible to others.
     
Still, I hope I never lose my desire to connect with people. A smile, a greeting, or a few friendly words can brighten someone’s day more than we realize. Life is too short to pass one another like strangers when a simple “hello” can remind us that we’re all traveling this journey together.
     
>>>>>July 27
Up early, as usual. Today was one of my two weekly spa days—Monday and Thursday. I hopped into the shower, scrubbed away the grime, and now my skin is sending me thank-you notes. Amazing what a little soap and water can do!
     
I may only shower twice a week, but when I do, I make it count.
My deodorant is probably breathing a sigh of relief, too. 😄
Some days are filled with adventures.
Other days are wonderfully ordinary.
     
Today is one of those ordinary days. Nothing remarkable happened. No great accomplishments. No exciting stories to tell. I’m still here, still thinking, still writing, and still grateful for another sunrise and another opportunity to share a few words with you.
     
I’ve learned that life isn’t made up only of unforgettable moments. Most of our lives are built from quiet days like this one. The challenge isn’t waiting for something exciting to happen—it’s learning to appreciate the simple gift of being alive. Every ordinary day is another chance to smile, learn something new, encourage someone else, or take one small step toward becoming a better person.
   
So, if your day seems uneventful too, don’t underestimate it.
Quiet days have value.
They give us time to breathe, reflect, and recharge.
Then prepare for whatever tomorrow may bring.
Nothing much to write about today.
I’m still here.
       
>>>>>July 28
A slow start to the day, but that’s all right—the day is still young, and there’s plenty of time for something wonderful to happen.
      VOICE TYPING
This morning, I discovered Windows Voice Typing, and it’s about to change the way I write. I can’t believe I didn’t find it sooner! From now on, much of this blog may be spoken instead of typed. If you’d like to try it yourself, simply press Windows + H and start talking. It’s surprisingly easy. Give it a try and let me know what you think.
       
I’m already enjoying it. I spend countless hours pounding away on the keyboard, so this could give my fingers a well-earned vacation. Of course, now they’re looking at me as if to ask, “So… are we unemployed?” My fingers and I will just sit here together, staring at the keyboard, waiting to see if we’re ever needed again. Then again… knowing me, they’ll probably be back to work in about five minutes! 😄
     
I look out the window and see a cloudy day.  Not sure what to make of it–life will go on.  Still not sure why I’m here, or how I’ll get out.  For now, the focus is on meals, of all things. I’m using voice typing, then I have to go back and edit some words.  But that’s OK.
      ON TO CHAT
After I finish voice typing, I run my words through ChatGPT to polish them and make sure everything says exactly what I want. It catches little mistakes, smooths out rough spots, and often helps me express an idea more clearly and powerfully than I could on the first try.
     
I don’t see technology as a replacement for creativity—I see it as a partner. Voice typing lets my thoughts flow naturally, and ChatGPT helps shape those thoughts into their best form. Together, they allow me to spend less time wrestling with the keyboard and more time focusing on the ideas I want to share.
   
I’ve always believed in using the best tools available to do a job well. Whether it’s juggling clubs, writing books, or inspiring others, the right tools can make a good result even better. If a tool helps me communicate more clearly and reach more people, I’m all for it. Why make life harder than it needs to be?
      TOOLS
Right now, I want to use Windows voice typing—but there’s one small problem. I have nothing to say. It’s a funny predicament to be in. Here I am with a tool that lets me speak my thoughts effortlessly, and my mind has suddenly decided to take the morning off.
      WORDS
So, if you were in my chair, what would you write about? What topic would you enjoy reading? Your suggestion may become tomorrow’s blog post. Until then, I’ll keep talking. Sometimes the best ideas don’t appear until after we’ve started speaking. Perhaps the hardest part of writing isn’t finding the words—it’s deciding which ones deserve to come out first.”
     
It seems too long.  Now that I know about voice typing, will my blog become longer?  There is no reason to add more words. I hope it’s all right with you. It’s just so easy to use the voice type. I’ll use it often now.
      FIRE!
This morning, the fire alarm went off again. I stayed right in my room. It didn’t bother me in the least. After hearing so many false alarms during my time at NeuroRestorative, I’ve become immune to them. A little later, I went downstairs to see what had happened. As expected, there was nothing to be concerned about. Just another alarm, another interruption, and then life went on as usual.
   
Repeated experiences change us. Years ago, I would have reacted differently. Now I stay calm, assess the situation, and avoid unnecessary panic. If there ever is a real fire, I’ll deal with it then. Until that day comes, I’m not going to let every alarm set my heart racing.
     
They came to every room to test the fire alarm. I have to admit, it was a very alarming experience. The good news is that the alarm worked perfectly. The bad news is that so did my heartbeat. At least now we know the system is doing its job. I just wish it didn’t have to prove it quite so enthusiastically!
HEY DOC
Today I went to see my primary doctor. I’ll be seeing him again on September 1. He found a few things that need to be addressed, including an issue with my blood work. Right now, I don’t know all the details, but we’ll go over everything at my next appointment.
     
Like so many moments in life, this is simply another step in the journey. None of us knows exactly what lies around the next bend, but we all have a choice in how we face it. I choose to face it with curiosity rather than fear, determination rather than worry, and hope rather than doubt.
     
Whatever the doctor discovers, I’ll deal with it one step at a time. I’ll learn what I need to learn, make whatever changes are necessary, and keep moving forward. Life has taught me that every challenge carries a lesson, and every setback offers another opportunity to grow stronger.
     
My next appointment is on September 1, and after I know more, I’ll let you know what I find out. Until then, I’ll keep doing what I’ve always tried to do—live each day as fully as I can, keep smiling, and keep moving forward.
       
Like so many things in life, this is simply another step along the journey. Every challenge brings a lesson, every setback offers an opportunity to grow, and every new piece of information helps me make better decisions. This doctor’s visit is just one more chapter in a life that has already taught me the value of perseverance.
      I’LL FACE WHATEVER COMES
Whatever comes, I’ll face it the same way I’ve faced so many obstacles before—with curiosity instead of fear, determination instead of discouragement, and the belief that I can adapt to whatever lies ahead. I’ll learn what I need to learn, do what I need to do, and keep moving forward, one step at a time.
   
I’ll let you know what I discover after my next appointment. Until then, I’ll keep doing my best to live well, stay positive, and remember that progress isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about continuing the journey, no matter what the road looks like.
      LUNCH
Today I skipped lunch. I simply wasn’t hungry, and I’ve been eating more than I need lately. One thing I’ve noticed is that the portions here are almost always too large. Many people think giving someone extra food is a generous gesture, especially when they aren’t paying for it themselves. But to me, more isn’t always better.
     
I’d much rather have a meal that’s the right size than one that’s twice as big. Oversized portions often lead to food waste or to me eating more than my body really needs. I’d rather leave the table feeling satisfied than stuffed. Sometimes, less really is more.
     
Hmm, too much writing —
Let me know.
I don’t know what to leave out.
Dinner tonight was cheese tortellini, and it hit the spot. One thing I’ve noticed is that the kitchen staff has finally figured me out. They now bring me much smaller portions, and I’m happy about that.
    DINNER
When I first moved here, they served me mountains of food—far more than I could ever eat. I hated seeing so much go to waste, so I kept asking for smaller portions. It looks like my polite persistence finally paid off.
     
There are people here who gladly accept those huge servings, so it’s not surprising that many struggle with being overweight. When oversized portions become the norm and physical activity is limited, the results are easy to see. It’s a reminder that our daily choices—how much we eat and how much we move—quietly shape the lives we live.
   
It’s a good reminder that positive change rarely happens overnight. Sometimes it takes speaking up with kindness, exercising patience, and refusing to give up. Keep asking. Keep believing. Keep moving forward. Now and then, the world actually listens—and when it does, even small changes can make a big difference.
     
>>>>>July 29
Every new day gives me another blank page to fill with thoughts, lessons, questions, and discoveries. Some days, the words come easily. Other days, I have to search for them. But I keep showing up, because every day has something worth noticing, and every experience has the potential to teach us something. So, welcome to another day—and another blog. I’m glad you’re here.
     
As long as I wake up with another sunrise to greet, I’ll keep writing. I’ll keep sharing what I learn, celebrating the victories, laughing at the surprises, and finding meaning in the ordinary moments—one day at a time, one blog at a time, one life lesson at a time.
       
Looking back at yesterday’s post, I noticed I may have gotten a little carried away with the number of words. I started using voice typing to make writing easier—not necessarily longer… or did I?
      VOICE TYPING
Voice typing has simply unleashed my inner chatterbox. Once I start talking, the words line up and march onto the page without asking permission. I’ll never tell. You’ll just have to decide for yourself. If tomorrow’s post is twice as long, you’ll have your answer!
   
Today, I officially authorized moving forward with the video about my story.
    THE MOVIE !!
Watching the trailer filled me with excitement. The team did an outstanding job. They captured the heart of my journey—the struggles, the determination, and, most importantly, the hope. Seeing pieces of my life come together on the screen made me realize this dream is becoming something real.
     
I don’t know what the next steps will be, but that’s okay. Every worthwhile journey is made one step at a time. Today was an important one.
     
For years, I’ve wanted to share my story in a way that could encourage people to keep going, no matter what life throws at them. If this film inspires even one person to refuse to give up, it will have been worth the effort. If it inspires thousands—or even millions—that would be beyond anything I ever imagined.
   
The trailer is only the beginning, but it’s a very encouraging beginning. Things are moving forward, and that’s a wonderful feeling. Sometimes progress doesn’t come with fireworks. Sometimes it comes with one signature, one decision, and one more step toward a dream.

Today, that dream moved a little closer.
https://youtu.be/G4qaG2yi7hI

>>>>July 30
Today I’ve been working on a letter to publishers, inviting them to take over the publishing of my books. I’m excited about the possibilities ahead. After years of writing and building an audience on my own, the time is right to partner with a publisher who can help these books reach many more readers. Every great journey begins with a single letter, and today, that’s exactly where the next chapter begins.
      JWF
My first self-published book, Juggling with Finesse, has sold more than 25,000 copies worldwide. I’m proud of that accomplishment, but I believe it’s only the beginning. If and when a movie about my life is released, it could introduce my story to millions of people. Many of them will want to learn more, and that’s where my books come in. I see 25,000 copies not as the finish line, but as the foundation for something much bigger.
        FESTIVAL?
Today, they held what they called a “Carnival Jubilee.” It was designed more for children than for the people who actually live here. There were prizes, corn dogs, popcorn, soda, colorful decorations, and plenty of carnival-style touches. Many of the younger staff members appeared to enjoy it, and it even seemed as though a few children had been brought in to help create the atmosphere.
   
From my perspective, though, it missed the mark. Most of the residents didn’t seem especially interested, and the excitement faded quickly. The event began at 2:00 p.m. and was supposed to last until sometime after 4:00, but by about 2:30 it was essentially over.
     
As I looked around, I couldn’t help thinking about all the planning, decorations, flyers, food, and money that went into making it happen. It was clear that a lot of time, effort, and expense had gone into the event.

Yet, in the end, it seemed like a tremendous investment for very little return. I couldn’t help but wonder how much more could have been accomplished if those same resources had been used for something the residents would have truly enjoyed and remembered.
     
I wondered how those same resources might have been used in ways that would have meant more to the people who live here. Sometimes the best activities aren’t the biggest or flashiest—they’re simply the ones that match the audience’s interests. I think words need to go out to the people who live here to help plan events.
     
With magic and scarf juggling, I was ready to play my part.
But there was no one left there to perform for.
Well, there’s always next time. 

I didn’t take any photos because, honestly,
There wasn’t much I wanted to remember.
Sorry about that.
     
>>>>>July 31
At the end of each month, I wonder what the next one will bring.
New opportunities?
Unexpected challenges?
Pleasant surprises?
There is no way to know.
That’s part of the adventure of being alive.
     
Then my thoughts grow even bigger. What will the rest of my life hold? More books to write? A movie that reaches millions? New friendships? More lessons to learn? More reasons to smile? I don’t have those answers, and neither do you.
   
What I do know is this: tomorrow has never been promised, but it has always been filled with possibility, and some of the greatest moments of my life arrived without warning. The people who changed my life, the opportunities I never expected, the adventures I couldn’t have imagined, and even the challenges that made me stronger all appeared on ordinary days that began like any other. That’s why I greet each new morning with hope. You never know when the next page of your story will become your favorite chapter.
     
I never expected to become a successful author. I never imagined I would survive a coma, learn to walk and speak again, or one day travel across America living in a van. Life has a remarkable way of writing chapters we never could have planned.
     
So instead of worrying about what lies ahead, I choose to prepare myself for whatever comes. I’ll keep learning. I’ll keep writing. I’ll keep encouraging others. I’ll keep looking for reasons to laugh, grow, and make a difference.
     
The future is an unopened book, and today I get to write one more page of my story. Tomorrow, another blank page will be waiting, filled with possibilities I can’t yet imagine. None of us knows what lies ahead, and that’s part of life’s adventure.
     
One decision, one opportunity, or one unexpected moment can change everything. So I’ll keep moving forward, one page at a time, believing that the best chapter may still be ahead—and I hope that’s true for you, too.
     
PART 3–BLOG 388–FRESH PERSPECTIVES
In this section, I share thoughts, ideas, and lessons that have helped me grow through life’s successes and setbacks. My hope is that these fresh perspectives encourage you to see new possibilities, embrace each day with purpose, and discover simple ways to make your own life a little better.
     
The Empty Chair – What can an empty chair teach us about gratitude, loneliness, or opportunity?
       
The View from My Window – How the same view changes every day, even when I think nothing has changed.
     
Waiting – We spend years waiting: in lines, at doctors’ offices, for test results, for dreams. What if waiting is part of living, not an interruption to it?
       
A Smile Costs Nothing – The surprising power of greeting a stranger.
       
The Last Time – We never know when we’re doing something for the last time. That realization makes ordinary moments more precious.
     
Tiny Victories – Making the bed, walking a little far, and writing one paragraph. Small wins create remarkable lives.
     
Questions I Ask Myself – End an entry with one thoughtful question that encourages readers to examine their own lives.
       
Finding Humor in Difficulty – Like calling your inhaler a “breath freshener.” Humor doesn’t erase problems, but it makes carrying them easier.
     
Looking Forward – Instead of ending with what happened today, end with what tomorrow makes possible.
     
FRESH PERSPECTIVES
Fresh Perspectives for Better Living
Fresh Perspectives on Life
Fresh Perspectives for Today
A Better View
New Ways to See Life
Life Through Fresh Eyes
Moments of Perspective
Thoughts to Help You Grow
     
GETTING BETTER!
Before I do anything else, I like to ask myself one simple question: What does “better” mean to me? It’s a question worth revisiting because the answer changes as life changes. What mattered to me years ago may not be what matters most today.
     
Getting better can mean becoming healthier, improving my juggling, writing more meaningful words, finding greater happiness, strengthening my relationships, reducing stress, or simply appreciating each new day a little more. It isn’t about becoming perfect. It’s about continuing to grow.
     
My definition of “better” may be different from yours, and that’s exactly the way it should be. We each have our own dreams, challenges, and goals. What matters most is that we keep moving forward, one small step at a time.
     
So today, I ask myself that question once again:
What does “better” mean to me?
Then I turn that same question toward you.
What does “better” mean to you?
       
It may mean becoming healthier. It could be finding more joy in each day, strengthening your relationships, learning a new skill, reducing stress, or simply becoming a little kinder, wiser, and more grateful than you were yesterday.
     
There isn’t one right answer, because “better” is personal. It looks different for each of us. The important thing is to decide what it means for you—and then take one small step in that direction today. Those small steps, repeated day after day, have a remarkable way of turning into extraordinary lives.
     
Whatever your answer, lasting improvement rarely comes from giant leaps. It comes from small, consistent actions repeated every day. A one-percent improvement may seem tiny, but over time, those small victories create remarkable change.
     
Start by caring for your body.
Strengthening your mind.
Nurturing your relationships.
Becoming the best version of yourself.
One small step today can change your tomorrow. 

HOW MANY OF THE FOLLOWING CAN YOU DO EACH DAY? 
Whatever your answer, meaningful change rarely comes from one giant leap. It almost always grows from small, consistent actions repeated day after day. A one-percent improvement today may seem insignificant, but those tiny gains compound over time into extraordinary results.
The good news?
You don’t have to change everything at once.
Just begin.
     
WHICH ONE?–Choose one healthy habit. Practice it consistently. Then add another. Before long, you’ll discover that you are becoming a healthier, happier, stronger version of yourself.
HOW MANY OF THESE CAN YOU DO TODAY?
CLEAR YOUR MIND (for one.)
     
SIT–Sit quietly for a few minutes. Close your eyes. Breathe slowly. Your thoughts will wander—that’s what minds do. Simply notice them and gently return your attention to your breathing. Just a few minutes of stillness can reduce stress, increase patience, and prepare you to handle whatever the day brings. Sometimes the greatest gift you can give yourself is a peaceful mind.
     
GET OUTSIDE– Step outdoors.
Feel the sunshine on your face. Pull a few weeds. Watch the clouds drift by. Listen to the birds. Take a deep breath of fresh air. Nature has an amazing ability to calm the mind, boost creativity, improve memory, and reduce anxiety. Even if you live in the middle of a busy city, you can always find a tree, a flower, or a patch of green that reminds you life is still growing.
 
LAUGH!  Laughter may be one of the simplest forms of medicine.
Read something funny. Watch your favorite comedian.
Call a friend who always makes you smile.
Laughter relaxes your muscles, lifts your mood, releases feel-good chemicals throughout your brain, and reminds you not to take life quite so seriously. Best of all… It’s free.
     
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
Take a minute to write down three things you’re grateful for.
They don’t have to be extraordinary.
A good meal. A comfortable bed. A beautiful sunrise.
A kind word. A friend’s smile.
Gratitude shifts our attention away from what we lack and toward the abundance already surrounding us.
     
COUNT >>
Count What’s Good.
Take a moment to write down a few things you’re grateful for.
They don’t have to be big things. It could be a good meal, a kind word, a comfortable bed, or simply another sunrise. People who regularly practice gratitude tend to experience less stress and greater happiness. Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s missing to what is already wonderful.
     
CONNECT WITH OTHERS >>
Wish Someone Well.
Choose someone—a friend, family member, coworker, or even a complete stranger.
Quietly wish them happiness, health, peace, and success.
This simple act of compassion often lifts our own spirits as much as it benefits others. Kind thoughts have a way of improving the thinker.
     
MOVE >>
Take a Walk.
Put on your shoes and head out the door.
Walking reduces stress, improves mood, and boosts creativity.
If you’ve been wrestling with a problem, your next great idea is waiting around the corner.
Many of life’s solutions come to us as we move forward.
 
SOUNDS >>
Turn On Some Music
Put on a favorite song and let the music work its magic.
Music can reduce anxiety, ease stress, and brighten your mood almost instantly.
And if the music inspires a little dancing, even better.
     
MUSIC >>
No one ever regretted a spontaneous kitchen dance party.
TURN ON SOME MUSIC!  Play a favorite song. Sing. Dance. Smile.
Music has an incredible ability to calm anxiety, improve mood, and instantly change the emotional direction of a day. And yes… Kitchen dancing absolutely counts as exercise.
     
YOUR LIST >>
Cross One Thing Off Your List.
Pick one small task you’ve been avoiding.
Send the email. Make the appointment. Change the light bulb. Organize that drawer.
Completing even a tiny task creates momentum. Success often starts with one small checkmark.
     
CONNECTION >>
Connect With Someone.
Reach out to another person.
Call a friend. Text a family member. Invite someone for coffee.
Strong relationships are one of the greatest predictors of happiness and well-being.
Human beings are built for connection.
     
NOURISHMENT >>
Eat Something That Loves You Back.
Choose a healthy snack that fuels both body and mind.
Fresh fruit.  A handful of nuts.  Whole grains.  Vegetables.  Plenty of water.
“Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”
Healthy eating doesn’t require perfection.
     
START SMALL >>
Small improvements made consistently create lasting results.
Choose foods that nourish rather than merely entertain.
Eat a little more of what helps your body and a little less of what hurts it.
There is no single “best” diet for everyone.
Experiment, learn, and discover what works best for you at this stage of your life.
   
OTHERS >>
Do a Good Deed. Hold a door open. Offer encouragement. Volunteer.
Help someone carry a load—literally or figuratively.
Kindness creates a ripple effect that benefits both the giver and the receiver.
One small act can brighten an entire day.
     
YOUR BODY >>
Stretch–Your body was designed to move.
Take a few minutes to stretch your neck, shoulders, back, hips, and legs.
Gentle stretching improves circulation, reduces tension, and helps you feel more energized.
Think of it as a thank-you note to your body.
Move Your Body Daily — Exercise doesn’t need to be extreme.
Walk. Stretch. Swim. Juggle. Ride a bike. Dance. Lift weights.
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s consistency.
Remember: A little of something is far better than a lot of nothing.
   
TAKE A WALK >> Walking is one of the healthiest things you can do. It reduces stress, improves mood, increases creativity, and strengthens your body.
If you’ve been struggling with a problem, don’t be surprised if the solution lies somewhere between your first and last steps. Life has a funny way of rewarding forward motion.
     
YOUR SLEEP >>
Get Enough Rest (I need to do better here.)
Sleep is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Most people function best with seven to eight hours of sleep, though individual needs vary.
Try to go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time each day.
Your mind and body love consistency.
And if you need a short afternoon nap, don’t feel guilty about it.
Even race cars spend time in the pit before returning to the track.
           
LOVE >>
Hug Someone (perhaps me?)  A warm hug can do wonders.
A hug can reduce stress, increase feelings of connection, and even support overall health.
Sometimes a hug says more than words ever could.
Give Yourself a Pep Talk.
Be careful how you talk to yourself.
   
CHANGE >>
Replace: “I can’t do this.”   With: “I can handle this.”
Replace: “I always mess things up.” With: “Everyone makes mistakes.
I’ll learn from this and keep going.”
Your mind is always listening.
Make sure you’re speaking words that help rather than hurt.
     
THANKS >>
Write a Thank-You Note.
Take a moment to thank someone who has made a difference in your life.
It doesn’t have to be long.
A few sincere words of appreciation can strengthen relationships.
They remind both people of the good that exists in the world.
       
IDEAS TO HELP >>
After dinner, floss and brush your teeth, then take a short walk.
Finish eating at least three hours before bedtime.
Hang from a sturdy doorway bar if you’re able—it helps counteract the effects of gravity on your joints and spine.
Smoke less or not at all. Limit alcohol. Sit less and move more.
These habits won’t eliminate every challenge life throws your way.

THE RESULT >>
They won’t solve every financial problem, heal every relationship, or remove every obstacle.
What they will do is make you stronger, healthier, and more resilient.
And resilience is one of life’s greatest superpowers.
Take care of yourself. The world needs the healthiest, happiest version of you.
To your health, happiness, and continued growth.

GO BEYOND PHYSICAL >>
Too often, the greatest limits we face are not physical—they are the ones we quietly place on our own minds. We convince ourselves that we’ve gone as far as we can when, in reality, we’ve only reached the edge of our comfort zone. Growth begins the moment we become willing to step beyond that invisible line.
       
YOUR POTENTIAL
Expanding your potential requires three simple but powerful habits: embracing discomfort, refining your process, and steadily raising your daily goals. Progress rarely arrives in giant leaps. Instead, it comes from small, consistent improvements repeated day after day. Every challenge you accept strengthens your confidence, and every success reminds you that you are capable of more than you once believed.
       
YOUR GROWTH
Think of personal growth the same way you think of stretching your muscles. The goal is never pain; the goal is gentle, steady tension. A healthy stretch feels slightly uncomfortable, but never damaging. Push too hard, and your body instinctively tightens to protect itself, increasing the risk of injury. Your mind works much the same way. Stretch yourself enough to grow, but not so much that you become discouraged or overwhelmed.
       
YES–YOU ARE!
Never underestimate what is already inside you. You are stronger, wiser, more resilient, and more capable than you realize. Every day offers another opportunity to stretch a little farther, learn a little more, and become a little better. Don’t let yesterday’s opinion of yourself determine tomorrow’s possibilities. Your greatest potential is still waiting to be discovered.
Quietly think of someone. Wish them happiness. Health. Peace. Success.
Acts of kindness don’t always require action. Sometimes they begin with a caring heart. Interestingly, these thoughts often improve the thinker’s life just as much as the person being thought about. 

=========================
YOU ARE IMPORTANT — TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF.
WILL YOU BE THE FIRST TO REACH 200 YEARS OF AGE?
LIFE IS WAITING FOR YOU — CATCH UP!
LIVE FOR NOW!   NOT YESTERDAY!    NOT TOMORROW!   NOW IS THE TIME!
======================

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. ✨
        ==========
“A little perspective, like a little humor, goes a long way.”
—Allen Klines

“Yes, you see your potential.
Now look beyond it to the person you could become.
Your potential is only the beginning.
Beyond Your Potential — aim for it!
Look for more and become who you were meant to be.”
—Kit Summers
     
“The greatest tragedy for any human being is going through their entire lives believing the only perspective that matters is their own.”
—Doug Baldwin
     
“Empathy begins with understanding life from another person’s perspective.”
—Sterling K. Brown
     
“The joy of tasting different cultures is that it gives you a broad perspective, and you don’t judge people from stereotypical characters you see in films.”
—Henry Golding
     
“It is a narrow mind which cannot look at a subject from various points of view.”
—George Eliot, Middlemarch
     
“It’s just so cool when you meet people who are different from you. That can give you a different perspective, a viewpoint on life, or inspire you. I mean, what would the world be like if we were all the same? I think it would be very boring.”
—Ciara
     
“I just want people to take a step back, take a deep breath, and actually look at something with a different perspective. But most people will never do that.”
—Brian McKnight
     
Life is about perspective and how you look at something… ultimately, you have to zoom out.
—Whitney Wolfe Herd
     
Perspective is everything when you are facing life’s challenges.
—Joni Eareckson Tada
   
Gratitude is one of the strongest and most transformative states of being. It shifts your perspective from lack to abundance and allows you to focus on the good in your life, which, in turn, draws more goodness into your reality.
—Jen Sincero
     
“Life is about perspective and how you look at something… ultimately, you have to zoom out.”
—Whitney Wolfe Herd
     
“Perspective is everything when you are facing life’s challenges.”
—Joni Eareckson Tada
     
“Gratitude is one of the strongest and most transformative states of being. It shifts your perspective from lack to abundance and allows you to focus on the good in your life, which in turn pulls more goodness into your reality.”
—Jen Sincero
   
“It’s important to have people who are absolutely willing to say you’re wrong or who have a totally different perspective than you do on everything. Fresh ideas are hard to come by, and good ones are even harder.”
—Shonda Rhimes.
      =========================
PART 5—YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>>>>
Stretch beyond what you “think” you can do.
Many of us put limits on our own minds.
Stretching beyond your current limits requires action in three key areas.
Embracing discomfort. Refining your process. Expanding your daily goals.
     
Just like with your body, the golden rule of stretching is to stretch to the point of gentle tension, never pain. You should feel a mild pulling sensation, but it should never be sharp, stabbing, or agonizing. Pushing past your limit triggers your body’s natural defense, which tightens and significantly increases your risk of strains or tears.
     
Always know that you are better than you think you are — IN ALL AREAS.
You can be more — YOU ARE MORE!
===========================
PART 6) NEXT WEEK>>>>>
BLOG 389–YES, YOU’RE GETTING THERE!
=========================
I miss you. Write to me—kitsummers@gmail.com
========================= 

🌟 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! 🌟

✨KITTING AROUND✨
BLOG 387–IDEAS TO MAKE YOUR LIFE BETTER!
Always 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— Thirty-seven silent days offstage.
Seven of them. A world record— But throwing purpose, grit, and joy.
Because physics loves a good insult. Balancing healing.
Then came the truck—the coma. 😄 Tossing hope sky-high. 🤹‍♂️
     
Bigger than applause. What’s next on Kit’s journey?
Now I lift humans. Back to juggling? Back to life?
Writing is how I breathe. Stay with Kit and find out.
If these words help you, too? Life can get better.
That’s magic catching air. 🎉 Life will get better! ✨
      =======================
My new address here is >> 
18600 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy, #217, Tampa, FL 33647
The Legacy at Highwoods Preserve.  Stop by for a visit when you can. https://www.legacypreservetampa.com/ A love letter would be dandy.
Kit Summers kitsummers@gmail.com
     Call me >> 610-400-3233 

Here’s Kit with his young brothers
around their dad (that’s me on the left–
Have gun, will travel.) 

=========================
PART 1) THE BEGINNINGS

I FEEL THAT THIS IS MY BEST BLOG.
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!

I just heard this, and it is important >>
“Happiness is not about getting all that you want.
It’s about enjoying all that you have.”
And, do you?
   
I heard from Kim >>
“Thank you for a wonderful blog this week.
I was feeling a bit stuck this week cuz of a health issue,
but your words of inspiration gave me the lift I needed. TY.”    Kim Ranson
I’m glad I could help, my dear.
   

HERE’S KIM AND I IN BALBOA PARK, SAN DIEGO!
I USED TO PERFORM RIGHT WHERE WE ARE STANDING
AND, I RODE MY 7′ UNICYCLE DOWN THESE STAIRS

And I heard from Christopher Jones of Woodside.
They are developing a TV movie based on my story.
Take a look >>  https://woodsidemotion.com. 
I hope the movie comes to be and inspires many around the world.
Chris wrote this >>
“What stood out to me is that this blog does not just talk about recovery. It shows recovery in motion. You are not simply looking back at what happened to you; you are showing what life feels like now: the new place, the desire for more freedom, the frustration with physical limitations, the asthma, the loneliness, the humor, the small victories, and the determination to keep moving forward. That is exactly the kind of material that helps build a film’s emotional side.”
============================
PART 2) THINGS THAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK
Kit’s Daily Delight Inspiration–Served Playfully.
     
Good morning! Or good afternoon… or good evening. One of the wonderful things about words is that they never complain when they’re read a little late. With readers worldwide, I really don’t know what time it is there.
   
Every sunrise places a fresh page before me with Kit already written across the top. My past has been filled with incredible adventures, heartbreaking losses, painful setbacks, and remarkable comebacks, but each new morning reminds me that my story is still being written. I don’t need a perfect beginning to create a meaningful ending. I need to keep taking one positive step, one smile, and one hopeful day at a time.
   
When I pause to look back, I realize I’ve traveled farther than I ever dreamed possible. From moments that could have ended my journey to experiences that filled my life with joy, every chapter has shaped the person I am today. That gives me the courage to greet each sunrise with gratitude, hope, and excitement, knowing that the very best pages of my story may still lie ahead.
     
Don’t wait for life to become easier before you decide to smile. Smile first. It’s amazing how often a simple smile changes not only your attitude but also the direction of your entire day. We spend so much time waiting for the “right” circumstances to be happy, when, more often than not, happiness begins with the choice we make in this very moment.

A cheerful heart won’t remove every obstacle from your path, but it certainly makes climbing over those obstacles far more enjoyable. Even on the most difficult days, a smile reminds you that you are stronger than the challenges you face. If you have to, start by forcing that smile. Before long, it often becomes real, and you’ll notice your outlook beginning to brighten in ways you never expected.
     
One simple smile has the power to lift your spirits, encourage those around you, and quietly change the course of an ordinary day. Joy is surprisingly contagious. The more you share it, the more it grows, turning everyday moments into memories worth cherishing. So keep smiling—you never know whose day, including your own, will be made brighter because you chose to smile.
     
So go out and encourage someone today.
Hold a door.
Share a compliment.
Laugh at yourself before anyone else gets the chance.
Kindness has a funny habit of boomeranging right back to the person who threw it.
Now make today so memorable that tomorrow gets a little jealous.
   
Making your life better comes down to shifting your mindset, taking action, and embracing growth.
Inspirational quotes can serve as powerful daily anchors, guiding your decisions, boosting your resilience,
and motivating you to shape a more fulfilling Life.
     
>>>>>July 18
I was up before the sun, as usual. Another wonderful week of blog writing has come and gone, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Every Friday feels like opening a gift I haven’t unwrapped yet. I may begin with a single thought, but before long, the words seem to take on a life of their own, leading me down paths I never expected to travel.
     
That’s the magic of writing. Every page is an adventure, every paragraph a discovery, and every sentence holds the possibility of surprising me. Each blog reminds me why I still love sitting down at this keyboard before the rest of the world wakes up. There is something deeply satisfying about watching a simple idea grow into something that encourages others to smile, think, and make the most of the day ahead.
   
Right now—or is it Write now?—I’ve already written most of next week’s blog. Of course, I can’t write about the daily adventures that haven’t happened yet. Unless I suddenly develop the ability to peek into the future, life will have to surprise me first. Somehow, it always does—and thankfully, it usually comes up with better material than I ever could.
      WRITE ME
I hope you’ve been enjoying these weekly visits together. I haven’t heard from many of you lately, and I truly miss hearing your voices through your emails and comments. Your stories matter to me. If something I’ve written has made you smile, lifted your spirits, encouraged you through a difficult day, or made you stop and think, I’d love to know. Knowing these words have found a home in someone else’s heart makes every hour spent writing worthwhile.
     
So don’t be a stranger. Feel free to drop me a note whenever you have the chance. Hearing from you always brightens my day, and there’s a very good chance something you share—a memory, a challenge, or even an ordinary moment—will spark an idea for a future blog. We all have something to teach one another, and I’d love to know what’s happening in your corner of the world.
    DON’T BE STRANGE
It’s 10:20 now, and I’ve been wrestling with exhaustion since the moment I opened my eyes. Not the ordinary kind of tired that fades with another cup of tea or a short nap, but the deep, heavy kind that settles over you like a thick blanket. It steals energy, slows every thought, and makes even the simplest task feel like climbing a mountain.
     
I’ve learned there are days when this overwhelming fatigue wins. No matter how determined I am or how excited I feel about creating something new, my body quietly reminds me that it has its own timetable. My mind is eager to write, dream, create, and move forward, while my body gently whispers, “Easy there, Kit. Today is a slower day.”
               LISTEN UP
So today I’ll listen. I’ve discovered that strength isn’t always found in pushing harder. Sometimes true strength is found in giving yourself permission to rest, recharge, and trust tomorrow. Another sunrise is already making its way toward me, bringing another opportunity, another blank page, and another chance to make a difference. 
     
Until then, I’ll do what I can. I’ll give myself the grace to slow down, accept today for exactly what it is, and remember that no feeling lasts forever. Every difficult season eventually gives way to brighter days, and every weary body eventually rediscovers its strength.
     
So I’ll keep putting one foot in front of the other with hope in my heart and a smile on my face. I know brighter, stronger hours are waiting just over the horizon, and when they arrive, I’ll appreciate them all the more because I never stopped believing they would.
                           LEGACY
Life here at Legacy can sometimes feel even lonelier than it did at NeuroRestorative. During the week, there’s movement—people heading to meals, staff walking the halls, a few friendly conversations. But weekends are different. The hallways grow quiet, the doors remain closed, and it almost feels as though the entire building has decided to take a long nap. Most weekends, I stay in my room.
   
Loneliness has an unusual way of turning silence into something you can almost hear. I don’t need crowds to be happy, but there’s something comforting about a smile in the hallway, a quick conversation, or simply knowing another person is nearby. When those little moments disappear, the hours somehow grow longer.
     
Yet life has taught me something priceless. Quiet moments don’t have to be empty moments. They can become the birthplace of dreams, ideas, reflection, and creativity. Some of my very best thoughts have arrived when the world around me became perfectly still. If I can’t always find company, I can always find purpose.
      SURVIVE LONELINESS
Perhaps that’s exactly what this season is teaching me—not merely to survive loneliness, but to transform it into something meaningful. If these quiet weekends help me write words that encourage someone else who’s struggling, then perhaps this silence is serving a beautiful purpose. And who knows? Behind one of these closed doors may be another person hoping someone else will make the first move.
   
I smile and move on.
I miss traveling.
I miss the freedom of my van.
   
Not because life was perfect back then, but because every sunrise promised a new road, a new town, another national park, another unexpected adventure waiting just beyond the next curve. Those miles taught me that the greatest journeys aren’t measured by distance—they’re measured by how much they change us.
     
So I choose to smile—not because everything is easy, but because hope has always been stronger than worry. Every setback has taught me something. Every disappointment has made me wiser. Every obstacle has quietly prepared me for whatever comes next. I believe with all my heart that the road ahead still holds wonderful surprises, and I can’t wait to discover them.
    HAPPY TIME!
At 3:00 this afternoon, they held another Happy Hour. Once again, I decided not to go. It wasn’t because of the drinks or the music. I haven’t found my place there yet. Instead, I stayed in my room, where I felt perfectly at home, happily tapping away on my keyboard.
   
The truth is, writing is where I come alive. It keeps my mind stretching, my imagination dancing, and my purpose crystal clear. While others gathered for conversation, I spent the afternoon building something that might encourage a stranger I’ll never meet. That’s an amazing feeling when you stop to think about it.
   
The next blog is due on Friday, and that thought fills me with excitement. Every week brings another opportunity to tell a story, share a laugh, pass along a lesson, or remind someone they are stronger than they realize. If even one person finishes reading these words with a little more hope than when they started, every minute at this keyboard has been well spent.
     
One day, Happy Hour will feel like home. Until then, I’ll keep showing up where I know I belong—right here behind this keyboard, doing what I love most: encouraging people to believe in themselves, laugh a little more, and never stop looking forward to tomorrow.

      A GREAT DINNER
Dinner tonight was Garlic Grilled Shrimp with Potatoes Au Gratin. Once again, the meal was absolutely delicious. I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating—the food here continues to impress me. Every meal feels like it came from the kitchen of a really good restaurant, not an assisted living community.
     
It’s funny how meals have become cheerful little milestones in my day. Breakfast waves hello, lunch arrives before I know it, dinner finishes the day with a smile, and somehow I’m already looking forward to tomorrow morning’s breakfast. If it keeps tasting this good, I may start dreaming about pancakes before I even fall asleep!
     
Life keeps moving forward, and so do I. Some days are filled with energy, others with exhaustion. Some are noisy, others wonderfully quiet. Some bring laughter, while others invite reflection. But every single day offers another chance to learn, grow, write, encourage, and smile.
     
And as long as tomorrow keeps showing up, so will I.
     
Choosing what to watch tonight felt like a major life decision. On one channel, Jaws was busy convincing everyone to stay out of the water. On another, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was racing around the world in search of adventure. Naturally, I tried to watch both—flipping back and forth during the commercials like a TV channel acrobat.
     
For a while, it actually worked. I managed to dodge the shark, tag along with Indy, and keep up with both stories without getting completely lost. By the end of the evening, I wasn’t sure whether I should be looking for the Holy Grail or checking the bathtub for a great white. Either way, it made for a pretty entertaining night!
       
>>>>>July 19
Did I write too much yesterday, on the 18th? I read back through most of it, looking for something—anything—I could trim. I searched for a sentence to cut, a paragraph to shorten, even a single word that didn’t belong. But every time I considered removing something, it seemed to be right where it was supposed to be.
      WRITE–yeah, right
Boy, what’s a writer to do? That’s the occupational hazard of loving words a little too much. Sometimes the words simply refuse to leave the page. Every sentence seems to raise its hand and plead, “Pick me! I belong here!”
     
Before long, what was supposed to be a short piece had quietly grown into something much bigger. That’s the price of falling in love with writing. Still, I’d love to know what you think. How would you trim it, add to it, or change what I’ve written? I’m always looking for a better way to tell the story.
     
Lunch was a pulled chicken sandwich, and I have to admit, it was quite tasty. The kitchen here continues to surprise me with meal after meal that I genuinely enjoy. It certainly makes me look forward to what’s coming next.
      THE MEALS
Dinner is only about half an hour away. I’ll let you know what ends up on the menu—and, of course, whether it earns another thumbs-up. At this rate, I may need to start reviewing meals like a restaurant critic… though one who almost always leaves with a clean plate!
       
I have to confess something. I’ve been wearing the same clothes and skipping showers for the past three days. Since I’m by myself most of the time, there hasn’t been much pressure to impress anyone. Besides, my sense of smell isn’t what it used to be, so if there’s a problem… I’m the last one who would know!
     
The funny thing is, life goes on just the same. I still get up, write, eat, think, and smile. Would a fresh shower and clean clothes be a good idea? Absolutely. They’ll happen soon enough. Until then, I’m choosing not to let a little less polish steal my good mood.
      WHAT’S NEXT?
Sometimes we spend far too much energy worrying about being perfect. The truth is, we’re all a little rumpled now and then. What matters most isn’t whether every wrinkle is ironed out—it’s whether we keep our sense of humor, our hope, and our determination. Those things never go out of style.
   
So today, I may not be the best-dressed fellow in the building, but I’m still rich in gratitude, still filled with dreams, and still wearing my favorite accessory—a smile.

<<<THE KEY TO GOOD WRITING IS GREAT EDITING.

Tonight’s dinner was popcorn shrimp and baked ziti. Once again, it was a fabulous meal. I continue to be impressed by the quality of the food they serve here. Every meal seems to arrive with care, and every bite reminds me how fortunate I am.

      CAFETERIA OR?
Some people might call this a cafeteria, but I see it differently. To me, it’s more like a superb restaurant—except there’s never a check waiting at the end of the meal! Even better, the staff always greets everyone with smiles, kindness, and genuine warmth. They make each meal about much more than the food, and I’m grateful for every one of them (and every bite of food!)  

>>>July 20
This morning began on a high note. I finally took a shower, and it’s amazing how something so simple can make me feel so refreshed. Clean clothes, a clean body, and a fresh start have a way of lifting both spirits and outlooks.
     
As I look out my window, the sky is bright and clear. It feels as though the day is quietly inviting me to step into it with optimism. Of course, none of us knows exactly what the hours ahead will bring, but clear skies have a way of reminding me that every day arrives filled with new possibilities.
      GREETINGS
So today, I’ll greet whatever comes my way with a smile. If life hands me something wonderful, I’ll enjoy it. If it throws a challenge in my path, I’ll face that too. Either way, this day is a gift, and I intend to make the most of every minute. Here’s to fresh starts, blue skies, and another opportunity to keep moving forward.
Even while living through all this pain, I still find joy in life. Pain may slow my steps, challenge my body, and test my spirit, but it has never been able to steal my ability to smile. I’ve learned that happiness isn’t something we discover only when life is easy. Often, it’s found in the smallest moments—a warm sunrise, a kind conversation, a delicious meal, a good laugh, or the simple satisfaction of making it through another day.
      LESSONS LEARNED
Life has taught me that joy and pain can coexist. One doesn’t erase the other. The difficult chapters have given me a deeper appreciation for the beautiful ones. Because I’ve known hardship, I notice blessings that once might have slipped by unnoticed. Every new morning is another opportunity to learn, to grow, to encourage someone else, and to be thankful that I’m still here. 

HERE IS A VIEW OUT MY WINDOW AT THE COURTYARD

So I choose joy. Not because my life has been free of suffering, but because I’ve discovered that hope is stronger than hardship. My scars remind me where I’ve been, but they do not decide where I’m going. As long as I have another sunrise to greet, another smile to share, and another chance to make someone’s day a little brighter, I’ll keep celebrating this remarkable adventure called life.
      A LOSS OR TWO (or three?)
I’ve experienced SOOOOO many losses in my life. I’ve lost people I loved, dreams I once held tightly, abilities I thought would always be there, and chapters of life I never imagined would end. At times, the losses seemed endless, arriving one after another like waves crashing against the shore.
     
Yet here’s the remarkable part: those losses never took away my ability to find joy. They changed me, certainly, but they never defeated me. Along the way, I discovered that happiness isn’t something that appears only when life is perfect. It grows from gratitude, hope, purpose, laughter, and the decision to keep moving forward, even when the road becomes difficult.
   
Looking back, I don’t define my life by what I’ve lost. I define it by what I’ve gained—the people I’ve met, the lessons I’ve learned, the lives I’ve been privileged to touch, and the countless moments that made me smile. My journey has been anything but ordinary. It has been challenging, unpredictable, and sometimes heartbreaking. But it has also been beautiful, meaningful, adventurous, and filled with far more joy than sorrow.
        FIND JOY!
Loss may have been a frequent visitor in my life, but it never got to write the ending. Joy did. And as long as I wake up each morning with another day to live, another person to encourage, and another reason to smile, I’ll continue believing that life is not measured by what disappears—it’s measured by how fully we choose to live.
     
Oh no—I see I’ve done it again. Somehow, a few simple thoughts turned into a small novel. I sat down planning to write just a little, but the words apparently had other plans. They kept marching onto the page as if they were afraid they’d miss the bus if they didn’t all show up at once.
      WRITING
That’s one of the occupational hazards of being a writer. We don’t just collect words—we enjoy spending time with them. Trimming them down can sometimes feel like asking a room full of enthusiastic friends to go home early. Still, I’ll sharpen my editor’s pencil and see what can be tucked away for another day. After all, if I don’t use those extra words this week, they’ll be more than happy to volunteer for next week’s blog!
   
For meals, each day, I arrive with a smile on my face and usually settle into the same seat. Before long, I begin saying hello to the people around me. All of the residents are older than I am, and I enjoy those small moments of connection. A smile, a friendly greeting, or a brief conversation may seem like little things, but they can brighten someone’s entire day.
        LIVE UNTIL YOU DIE
For many who live here, this is where they will likely spend the rest of their lives. The routines rarely change, and one day often looks much like the one before it. That’s one reason I make it my goal to bring as much joy and encouragement as I can.
     
If I can leave someone smiling, laughing, or simply feeling noticed, then my day has been well spent. Sometimes the greatest difference we make isn’t through grand gestures—it’s through the simple kindness we share with another human being.
      DINNER
Dinner tonight was a half bowl of creamy tomato bisque soup and just one chicken tender—exactly what I requested. I’ve been making a conscious effort to eat less, and the staff has been wonderfully supportive by helping me keep my portions smaller.
     
It’s a simple change, but one that makes me feel like I’m taking another positive step toward better health. Big transformations rarely happen all at once. More often, they’re built through small, consistent choices, and those little decisions will add up to something wonderful over time.
     
It was a full crowd tonight. The table I normally sit at and eat alone was occupied. Near where I sit was a woman who normally sits along there. I asked, and she allowed me to share her table. She is from Russia, and her English was quite limited.
    RUSSSIAN
She talked a lot, and I could hardly understand a word.
I did a lot of nodding and saying yes.
She said she has been in the US for a few years.
She is not picking up the language very well.
Спокойной ночи. (Who knows what that says?)
 
>>>>>July 21
And on we go—another day—another opportunity to fill the page with thoughts, lessons, and a little encouragement. Every sunrise hands us a fresh beginning, no matter what happened yesterday. That’s one of life’s greatest gifts: we always get another chance.
   
So begin today with a positive, joyful heart and an open mind. Embrace the possibilities waiting just beyond your next step. Don’t underestimate the power of small actions. A single kind word, one healthy choice, one page written, or one goal pursued may seem insignificant in the moment. Still, those little victories have a remarkable way of growing into extraordinary achievements.
    THINK
Your future isn’t built all at once. It’s created one decision, one smile, one step, and one day at a time. Every positive choice you make today becomes another brick in the foundation of the life you’re building tomorrow.
     
So lift your head, believe in yourself, and move forward with hope.
Your life doesn’t begin someday—it begins right now!
     
One of the greatest decisions you’ll ever make is deciding what to do with the time you’ve been given. You don’t get to choose how long you’ll be here or how many sunrises remain. You can’t erase the past or pretend it never happened. Instead, let it become your teacher, shaping you into someone wiser, stronger, and more compassionate.
   
All any of us truly have is this moment. Right now. That’s where life is lived. That’s where dreams are pursued, kindness is shared, and new beginnings are born. So make today count. Smile often, love deeply, and take that next step forward. Your best chapter may be the one you’re starting today.
        YOU ONLY HAVE “THIS” MOMENT
You are going to do really well today. Every step you take is a step forward, even if it doesn’t always feel that way. You might think you’re simply making it through another ordinary day, but don’t underestimate what you’re accomplishing. Every choice to keep going, every challenge you face, and every smile you share is moving your life in a positive direction.
     
Now carry that same mindset into every day that lies ahead. Don’t wait for life to become perfect before believing in yourself. Trust that each sunrise brings another opportunity to learn, grow, and become a little stronger than you were yesterday.
     
Progress isn’t measured only by giant leaps. 
It’s built from countless small steps.
Taken with hope and determination.
Keep moving forward.
Believe in yourself.
Remember that your best days are still being created—one joyful step at a time. 

THIS IS YOUR ONLY LIFE!
START LIVING IT TODAY!

This afternoon at Happy Hour, we were treated to a wonderful performance by John Provenzano on the saxophone. He was terrific! From the very first song, he had everyone’s attention. It was fun to watch, even more fun to listen, and you could tell he genuinely enjoyed performing. Take a look >> https://johnprosax.com/
     
Most of us here are from an older generation, and John knew exactly how to connect with the audience. Before long, people were smiling, singing along, tapping their feet, and joining in. It wasn’t just a performance—it felt like a room full of friends sharing memories through familiar songs.
      SAX TIME
John is a gifted saxophone player with a warm stage presence that makes everyone feel welcome. If you ever have the chance to see him perform, don’t miss it. You’ll leave with a smile on your face and a tune happily stuck in your head.
       
Yes, there is an older generation here. I still don’t fit in, but little by little, I’m catching up. At 67, my body occasionally reminds me of my age, yet in my mind, I still feel like I’m in my 20s or 30s. Curiosity still pulls me forward, I still wake up excited to write, and I still find myself looking for the next adventure waiting around the corner.
      OLD AGE          
I’ve noticed that many of the people here are in their 70s, 80s, and even their 90s. For many, this is likely where they will spend the rest of their lives. At first, that thought felt a little sobering. But the more time I spend here, the more I realize something important. They are surrounded by kind people, good meals, beautiful grounds, laughter, music, and opportunities to connect with others. There are certainly worse places to write the final chapters of a life.

Watching them has also reminded me that.
Growing older doesn’t have to mean growing smaller.
A smile still matters.
A conversation still matters.
Learning something new still matters.
Whether we’re 27, 67, or 97, every sunrise
offers another chance to make someone’s
day a little brighter—and our own as well.

      IT MATTERS
I may fit in after all. Not because I feel old, but because I understand that every one of us is simply traveling a little farther down the same road. Until my own final chapter arrives, I’ll keep writing, keep smiling, keep encouraging others, and keep making the most of every day I have been given.
         

>>>>>July 22
What should I write about today? That question visits me every single morning. You would think that after writing for so many years, finding something to say would become difficult. Oddly enough, the opposite has happened. I sit down at the keyboard with little more than curiosity, and before long, the words begin arriving one after another, almost as if they’ve been patiently waiting for me to wake up.
    WRITING
I’ve learned not to force the words. Instead, I simply begin typing, trusting that the journey will reveal itself. Somewhere along the way, an ordinary thought begins to grow into something worth sharing. One sentence leads naturally to the next, and before long, an idea I never expected quietly steps onto the page. That gentle surprise is one of the greatest gifts writing has given me.
     
Every blank page holds the promise of a new adventure, and every sunrise offers another opportunity to discover what was patiently waiting inside me all along. I never know exactly where the words will lead, but that’s part of the magic. Each time I sit at the keyboard, I set out on a journey of discovery, grateful that there are always new thoughts to uncover and new stories waiting to be told.
   
Writing must be in my genes… or maybe it’s in my jeans. Either way, once I start typing, the words multiply like rabbits. I tell myself I’ll write just a few paragraphs, but before I know it, I’ve wandered into another page, then another. It’s a wonderful problem to have—unless you’re the one trying to edit it all back down again!
      READING
You are the one reading these words, and that means more to me than you may realize. Every time you stop by to spend a few moments with me, I consider it a gift. Out of all the things you could be doing today, you’ve chosen to share a small part of your time with my thoughts, and I truly appreciate that.
   
Each story, each lesson, and even each little bit of humor leaves your life just a little brighter than it was before. If something I’ve written makes you smile, encourages you to keep going, or helps you see a challenge from a new perspective, then every minute I’ve spent at this keyboard has been worthwhile.
       
Life gives us countless voices competing for our attention. These words become one of the voices that gently remind you of your own strength, your ability to grow, and the wonderful possibilities that still lie ahead. Sometimes all it takes is one encouraging thought to change the direction of an entire day.
        LAUGH!
If my writing helps you laugh a little more, worry a little less, or believe in yourself a little more deeply, then together we’ve accomplished something meaningful. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey. Each time you visit these pages, you leave with a little more hope, a little more joy, and a renewed desire to make your own life the very best it can be.
LUNCH
Many were there for lunch today. I sat at a guy’s table and asked first if I could sit there. He sat there and did not say a word the whole time, then I just got up and left, nothing. It was a sad thing. The chicken sandwich was good, though.
   
Watching YouTube videos filled much of my afternoon. Was it the most productive use of my time? Probably not. Yet every day doesn’t have to be packed with accomplishments or major achievements. Sometimes the mind needs a chance to slow down, wander a little, and enjoy a few moments without pressure.
     
Watching YouTube videos filled much of my afternoon. Was it the most productive use of my time? Probably not. Yet every day doesn’t have to be packed with accomplishments or major achievements. Sometimes the mind needs a chance to slow down, wander a little, and enjoy a few moments without pressure.
      YOUTUBE?
As I watched one video after another, I realized that even a quiet, uneventful afternoon has its place. We all need time to recharge before tackling the next challenge or chasing the next dream. Tomorrow will bring fresh opportunities to write, learn, create, and make a difference. Today was one of those days where I let myself relax, and perhaps that’s not such a waste of time after all.     
       
Watching YouTube videos filled much of my afternoon. Was it the most productive use of my time? Probably not. Yet every day doesn’t have to be packed with accomplishments or major achievements. Sometimes the mind needs a chance to slow down, wander a little, and enjoy a few moments without pressure.
       
As I watched one video after another, I realized that even a quiet, uneventful afternoon has its place. We all need time to recharge before tackling the next challenge or chasing the next dream. Tomorrow will bring fresh opportunities to write, learn, create, and make a difference. Today was one of those days where I let myself relax, and perhaps that’s not such a waste of time after all.
      SELECTIVE INSURANCE
I recently found out that Selective Insurance is paying $5,950 every month for me to stay here. When I heard that number, I just sat there for a moment, letting it sink in. Nearly six thousand dollars a month is an astonishing amount. It certainly made me look at this place in a different light. The meals are excellent, the staff has been kind, and I appreciate the care I receive, but that price tag is enough to make anyone’s eyebrows climb toward the ceiling.
     
I’m going to see if there’s a way to reduce the cost or find another solution that still gives me the support I need. I don’t know yet what the answer will be, but it’s worth exploring. At nearly $6,000 a month, every option deserves a careful look. Yes, the food is delicious, the room is comfortable, and many things here are very well done—but at that price, I suppose I should expect a chef to juggle flaming spatulas while serving dessert! For now, I’ll keep smiling, keep asking questions, and see what possibilities might be waiting just around the corner. >>
legacypreservetampa.com
     
>>>>>July 23
Today would have been my brother Gary’s birthday. Sadly, he was killed years ago when the off-road truck he was riding in rolled over. My nephew, Josh—my older brother Mike’s son—was with him, and Josh also lost his life in that tragic accident.
   
Gary had a joyful spirit that seemed to brighten every room he entered. We were different in many ways, yet we always shared the special bond that only brothers can understand. I still miss him, and I know many others do as well.
      GARY AND JOSH
Our family has experienced more than its share of heartbreak. My older brother, Mike, was hitchhiking from Oregon to San Diego when he was struck by a vehicle and killed. Years later, my brother Gary, as well as Mike’s son, Josh, was taken from us in another vehicle-related accident.
<<<   THAT’S GARY
Then there was I. I, too, was involved in devastating truck accidents–twice. The first left me in a coma for 37 days and changed my life forever. The second changed my life all over again. Somehow, I am the only Summers brother still here.
     
Days like today remind me that life is both fragile and precious. I often wonder why I survived when those I loved did not, but I know the best way to honor Gary and Mike is to live fully, keep smiling, keep encouraging others, and make the most of every day I’ve been given. Their lives mattered.

    A HARD LIFE?
Their memories continue to shape the person I am today, reminding me of where I’ve been, what I’ve endured, and the love we’ve shared. Though they are no longer here to walk beside me, they remain woven into the fabric of my life—in my thoughts, my choices, my laughter, and even in my tears.
   

HERE’S THE WHOLE FAMILY. AN LOOKIE THERE——IT’S CHIZ (BUT NO GARY)

As long as I have breath, a part of them travels with me wherever I go. They live on in the stories I tell, the lessons they taught me, and the kindness I try to share with others. Time may soften the pain of loss, but it never erases the love.
      THEY ARE STILL HERE
In that way, they are never truly gone. They continue to journey beside me, quietly encouraging me to keep moving forward, to keep smiling through both the sunshine and the storms, and to make this one precious life the very best it can be.
   
Their love, their laughter, and the memories we shared remain woven into who I am, reminding me every day to live with purpose, gratitude, and joy. As long as I have breath, a part of them will always walk with me, guiding my steps and inspiring me to live a life they would be proud to see.
      HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GARY
Happy birthday, Gary. You are remembered with love, gratitude, and a smile. I hope that the joy you brought into this world continues to ripple outward through those of us fortunate enough to have known you. I’m so happy to have had you as my brother.
 
Now there are just my sisters, Kath and Sandy, left from the family I grew up with. Time has quietly changed our family tree in ways I never imagined when we were young. The years have a way of reminding us that nothing stays the same, and each season of life brings both joy and loss.
      EVERYONE WILL DIE
Parents, brothers, nephews, and others I deeply loved have taken their final journeys, leaving behind memories that remain very much alive within me. Although our family circle has become much smaller, the love we shared has never disappeared. It still travels beside me, encouraging me to keep moving forward with gratitude and hope.
GARY THE FISHERMAN  

THIS PHOTO IS OF ME, MY SISTER, AND OUR TINY GRAMA NAKAGAWA 


At the same time, my family has grown in beautiful new ways. My daughters, Jasmine and April, have brought incredible love, kindness, and strength into my life. Through life’s twists and turns, they have stood by me, offering encouragement when I needed it most and reminding me that I have never truly walked this journey alone.
           
Then there’s my sister Kath, who prefers to go by her middle name, Willow. She has enriched my life in more ways than I could ever count. Through the years, she has offered love, encouragement, and a steady presence that has meant far more to me than words can express.
      MY SISTER, KATH
Kath and I share the same mother but have different fathers, yet our bond has never been defined by biology. It has been built through a lifetime of love, shared memories, laughter, and unwavering care for one another.
     
Family isn’t measured by matching DNA but by the countless moments we have shared, the support we’ve given each other, and the love that has remained constant through every season of life. I have always been grateful to call Kath my sister, and that bond has only grown stronger with the passing years. I’m not as close with Sandy, but the love is strong.                                                                                                                     HERE ARE BOTH OF MY SISTERS,
SANDY AND WILLOW

      MY SISTER, SANDY
We share the same father but have different mothers, and we grew up in different households. Even though our family tree has a few unusual branches, the roots of our love remain strong. Life has taken each of us down different paths, but I have always been grateful to call you both my sisters. Willow and Sandy, I love you more than you will ever know, and I treasure the place each of you holds in my heart.
       MOM
In 2014, my mom was facing the final and perhaps most difficult chapter of her life. As my sister, Kath, sat faithfully by her bedside in the hospital, holding her hand with quiet love, I found myself reflecting on all that Mom had endured throughout her remarkable journey.
   

THE SUMMERS’ FAMILY–IN THEIR FORMAL DRESS
(Who’s gettin’ married in the mornin’?)

She had known joy and heartbreak, triumph and sorrow, and had carried burdens that would have broken many people. Yet through it all, she remained a woman of strength, intelligence, and deep love for her family.
     
At the age of 82, Mom quietly slipped away. Kath was still there, holding her hand as she took her final breaths, offering the same love and comfort that Mom had given to so many throughout her life. I will always miss my mom.
     
It is a moment I will always picture with gratitude. Although her life came to an end that day, the lessons she taught us, the memories she created, and the love she shared continue to live on in all of us. In that way, she never truly left us.
     
She had known more than her share of heartache. No parent should ever have to bury a child, yet she experienced that unimaginable loss twice, saying goodbye to two of her sons. And, she sat by my bedside while I went through the 37-day coma.
     
Through those tragedies and countless other hardships, she continued to love deeply, give generously, and care for those around her. Life tested her in ways that would have broken many people, yet she kept moving forward with remarkable strength.
      SMART, TOO
Mom also possessed a brilliant mind and a wonderful sense of curiosity. She had a way of making people feel valued, and her wisdom often appeared in the simplest conversations. Looking back, I realize that many of the lessons that have guided my own life were quietly planted by her long before I understood their importance. 

MOM WAS AN AVID READER,
CONSUMING PARAGRAPHS THE WAY
I LOVE FORMING THEM. 

Although those days in the hospital were filled with sadness, they were also filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the years we shared, for the love she gave so freely, and for the countless memories that still bring a smile to my face. She may no longer be here, but her courage, her kindness, and the example she set continue to live on in all of us who were fortunate enough to call her Mom.
      DEATH OF A CHILD
No parent should have to experience the heartbreak of losing a child, yet she lived through the unimaginable pain of losing two of her sons before she left this world. Even in the midst of such profound sorrow, she carried herself with a quiet strength that continues to inspire me.
     
My mom possessed a brilliant mind. She had a wonderful way of looking at the world, and she taught me lessons that have remained with me throughout my life. She didn’t simply pass along knowledge—she passed along wisdom, compassion, resilience, and the importance of loving your family no matter what life brings.
      MEMORIES
When I think of mom today, I don’t dwell only on the sadness of those final days. Instead, I remember her laughter, her intelligence, her determination, and the countless moments we shared. Those memories have become treasures that time can never erase.

MOM AND HER KIDS
MOM, ME, GARY (peeking), CURLY KATH, AND STRONG MIKE
Although she is no longer here, a part of her lives on in me, through the way I live, the kindness I show, and the words I write. I honor the remarkable woman who gave me life. Her love helped shape the person I became, and for that I will be forever grateful.
DAD
My dad worked for the Oregon Fish Commission, a job he truly enjoyed. One day, while flying in a helicopter for work, it crashed. He lost his life in that accident, and I lost my father when I was only six years old.
       
I was named after my father. My full name is Virgil Carson Summers Jr. My dad was Virgil Carson Summers Sr. Everyone called him Virgil. Because we shared the same name, I became known as “Kit,” a nickname that came from my middle name, Carson.
     
I have always liked that arrangement.
My father carried the name Virgil, while I grew into Kit.
Even though I lost him when I was only six years old,
I have carried a part of him with me every day since.
Few know my real name is “Virgil” — you do now.
     
His time with me was far too short, but his influence has lasted a lifetime. In many ways, a small piece of him still lives on in the life I have chosen and in the person I continue to strive to become: few memories, but strong ones.
     
His name reminds me of where I came from, while Kit has become the name people know through my juggling, my writing, my speaking, and the life I have been fortunate enough to live. In a way, I have spent my life honoring my father—not only by sharing his name, but by doing my best to live a life that would make him proud. (Is it working?)
     
At six years of age, I was far too young to understand the full weight of that loss. I only knew that someone I loved was suddenly gone. Growing up without a father changed the course of my Life in countless ways, leaving questions that could never be answered and moments that could never be shared.
     
Yet even though his life was cut tragically short, his memory has remained a part of me. In many ways, his legacy has quietly traveled with me throughout my own journey. In fact, I live at the Legacy. I don’t know how the two connect, but there you go.
      LIFE GOES ON . . .
Watching my daughters build their own lives has become one of my greatest blessings. My family may look very different today than it once did, but love has a remarkable way of growing new branches. As long as we continue to love, encourage, and care for one another, our family never really becomes smaller—it simply grows in new and wonderful directions. 

MY DAUGHTERS, JASMINE AND APRIL
APRIL WITH MY GRANDDAUGHTER,
PENELOPE, IN HER TUMMY. 

I actually slept in this morning—until about 4:00 a.m. Sure, yeah, that’s funny. When I first looked out my window, the world was wrapped in darkness. Everything was quiet, still, and waiting patiently for another day to begin.
        A BRIGHT MORNING
Now it’s 6:24 in the am, and the sun is slowly making its appearance on the horizon. The sky is clear, the first rays of light are chasing away the night, and everything seems fresh and full of promise. It looks like it’s going to be a superb day, and I intend to greet it with a smile. After all, every sunrise is another reminder that we’ve been given one more opportunity to learn, to laugh, to love, and to make this day count.
       
On schedule today is >>
10:00 Chair Zumba
10:00 Communion
10:30 Bible Study
10:30 Daily Chronicles & Chat
11:00 Color me Calm
12:30 Gorgeous Grandma Photos
1:00 Dear Abby Discussion Group
2:00 Tai Chi
3:00 Tech Class
6:30 Fun with Jason
7:00 Poker (poke who?)
There are a couple of things I will look into, but not much for me, like most days.
   
The bowl of chili for lunch was delicious.
With vanilla ice cream afterward—it was perfect.
A good crowd was there, eating.

LOOK WHO HATCHED!
IT’S PENELOPE!

>>>>July 24
This morning, I am finalizing this blog post and arranging the photos.
Too many shots I want to include, which makes it hard to fit them all in.

Today I spent time putting the finishing touches on this blog post. With every blog I write, I strive to make it my best one yet. That’s the beauty of writing—and of life itself. There is always another lesson to learn, another dream to pursue, another smile to share, and another opportunity to become a little wiser, stronger, and kinder than we were yesterday.

As long as we’re still breathing, our story isn’t finished. Every sunrise offers a fresh chance to grow, improve, and make a positive difference in someone else’s life. Tomorrow isn’t just another day on the calendar—it’s another opportunity to become the very best version of ourselves.

Each week, I like to share ideas that have helped me through life’s twists, turns, setbacks, and surprises. Some are lessons I learned the hard way. Others came from watching people, reading,  thinking, or simply paying attention to the little things most people rush past.

Examine your own life, and you read the words below. Take what helps you. Leave what doesn’t. There is no single path to a better life, but there are countless small steps that move us in the right direction. You are on your way; keep going. Things will get better and better.

PART 3—BLOG 387—IDEAS TO MAKE YOUR LIFE BETTER!
A collection of thoughts and ideas to add to your life.
     
Every one of us is a work in progress. None of us has learned it all, reached the finish line, or become the very best version of ourselves. And that’s wonderful news, because it means there is always room to grow. Every sunrise gives us another chance to learn something new, become a little wiser, show a little more kindness, and take one more step toward the person we are capable of becoming.
   
Don’t be discouraged by how far you still have to go. Instead, celebrate how far you’ve already come. Every challenge you overcome, every lesson you learn, and every smile you share help shape a stronger, wiser, and more compassionate version of you. Keep believing in yourself, keep moving forward, and never stop growing, because your very best days may still be ahead. 

  
Here are a few ideas to think about and do daily >>

• Smile more—It changes both your face and your attitude.
• Read more—This stretches your thinking. 
• Write more—Something that challenges your mind. 
• Move your body more—It was designed to move, not decorate a chair. 
• Encourage—Spend more time encouraging people than criticizing them.
• Worry less—It’s about being impressive—and more about being kind.
• Learn something new—Your brain loves the challenge. 
• Laugh often—especially at yourself—You’re funnier than you realize. (yes I’m not.)
• Put down your phone occasionally—Look at the real world. 
• Say “thank you” more often—Gratitude is good. 
• Forgive—Carrying resentment is like wearing a backpack full of bricks. 
• Expect setbacks—They’re not roadblocks; they’re training sessions. 
• Keep your promises—To others and yourself.
• Spend more time with people who make you want to become better—SHOW LOVE!  
• Never stop asking questions!—Constantly learn and advance. 

 🪼YOUR LIFE — Remember this: your life is not finished being written. Every sunrise gives you another blank page. Every decision is another sentence. Every act of kindness, every courageous step, every smile, and every lesson learned becomes part of your story.
     
🪸CHANGE–You don’t have to become a completely different person overnight. Just become a slightly better version of yourself today than you were yesterday. Do that often enough, and one day you’ll look back and realize you’ve built an amazing life—one small choice at a time.
     
😊SMILE!–Keep smiling… and keep getting better — The best chapters of your story may still be waiting to be written.

SEE WITH SAVAGE FRESHNESS–Wake up as if the universe just flipped the “on” switch. That sunrise? A standing ovation painted for your eyes only. Every tree is sculpted, lightning frozen in time. Every stranger is a poem you haven’t read yet. The ordinary dies only when your wonder does. Keep your eyes wide.

LET GO OF GRIEVANCES — Your time is too precious to loan to bitterness. Every grudge is a leak in your fuel tank. Patch it, forgive, move. Let that energy feed something luminous—your craft, your laughter, your excellence.

FIND GRATITUDE — Right now, could you look around? There’s music hiding in the mundane: the glint of morning light, a stranger’s kindness, the taste of something simple and good. Thank you for reading this. Thank you for living as it matters.

A WAKE-UP CALL — “Pretend it’s your last day alive.” Not a dare to burn down your life—but a dare to wake up inside it. Strip the noise. Touch what’s real. Speak what you mean. Every moment you honor becomes eternal.

CARPE DIEM — Seize the day, yes—but with grace. Let urgency refine you, not consume you. This is not panic. It’s permission. A reminder that the future isn’t coming—it’s being built by your hands right now.

BE CLEAR!–Clarity turns fear into movement. When you see what truly matters, hesitation melts. You stop waiting for someday and start living the one you’ve got. The present is where freedom breathes.

LOVE–Love louder. Forgive faster. Laugh like it’s oxygen. Cut the noise—keep the melody. Live your symphony, not someone else’s playlist.

ASK: MORE? — Would you be proud of how you’re living right now? Then adjust accordingly. Life isn’t a countdown; it’s a crescendo.

CHOOSE TO BE INTENSE! — Not frantic—fierce. Intensity is fuel, not chaos. Don’t chase the epic; cherish the real.

A BALANCED PRACTICE — The magic lies where urgency meets peace. Gratitude wraps around action. Focus sharpens joy. Let your heartbeat set the tempo: steady, strong, unstoppable.

AND REMEMBER… — You don’t need forever. So that you know, you need it now.
===================
THINK ABOUT THESE FUTURE BLOG TOPICS >>
Why Participation Is the Secret to Happiness.
What a 37-Day Coma Taught Me About Living.
The Power of Starting Before You Feel Ready.
Tiny Actions That Quietly Change the World.
Why Most People Drift Through Life (And How to Stop).
What Juggling Taught Me About Focus and Success.
The Freedom of Living With Less.
Which is your favorite?
===================
More below.
Which ones do you want me to write about? >>
1. The Power of Just Starting → How action creates momentum.
2. What Juggling Taught Me About Life → Focus, rhythm, recovery, and staying in motion.
3. Small Actions Change the World → Picking up cigarette butts… smiling in the hallway.
4. Why Participation Beats Observation → Life rewards people who step into the game.
5. The Lessons Hidden Inside Failure → Mistakes are fertilizer for future success.
6. Living Past 100: A Blueprint for Longevity → Mindset, curiosity, movement, and purpose.
7. The Magic of Curiosity → Why asking questions keeps the brain young.
8. Ambition vs Purpose → Ambition drives the engine. Purpose chooses the direction.
9. Build Your Life Like a House → Foundation, beams, structure, and ongoing maintenance.
10. Turning Banana Peels Into Fertilizer → How setbacks become growth.
11. The Secret Power of Routine → Morning rituals that keep the mind sharp.
12. The Courage to Reinvent Yourself → Juggler → entrepreneur → writer → speaker → explorer.
13. The Art of Encouragement → A few kind words can change someone’s entire day.
14. How to Stay Mentally Sharp → Learning new skills, juggling, reading, writing, salsa, and curiosity.
15. Why Stories Matter → Stories teach in ways lectures never can.
16. The Importance of Play → Adults forget how powerful play is for creativity.
17. The Myth of “Too Late.” → Reinvention is possible at any age.
18. Learning to Love the Process → Success grows quietly in daily effort.
19. The Strength Hidden in Adversity → Comas, accidents, setbacks—and rising again.
20. Why Helping Others Helps You → Kindness multiplies.
21. Living Lightly → Traveling the country in a van and what it teaches about freedom.
22. How to Build Confidence → Confidence grows from repeated action.
23. The Value of Paying Attention → Observation reveals opportunities everywhere.
24. Turning Ordinary Days Into Extraordinary → Tiny decisions change the trajectory of a life.
25. Your Life Is Your Message–What you do speaks louder than what you say.
26. Stay Actively Engaged in Life → Post on participation and purpose.
27. Just Start → Post about overcoming hesitation.
28. Captain Clean-Up Philosophy → Post on leadership through small actions.
29. Small Actions, Big Change → Post about momentum in life.
30. Early Morning Possibilities → Post about mindset and beginnings. 

BOY, I’VE GOT A LOT OF WRITING AHEAD OF ME.
AND, YOU HAVE MUCH READING COMING UP! 

It’s like juggling ideas. One toss becomes two.
Two words become five. Before long,
the whole pattern is floating in the air.
And the beautiful part? You’re already doing it.
       
I’ve written hundreds of posts, each one holding a lesson, a story, or a spark.
A future editor (which might be you!) can gather the best ones, polish them a little,
group them by theme, and suddenly—boom—a book appears. 

Life & Perspective Shifters
These hit people right in the soul—in the best way.
Turning adversity into advantage.
What near-death experiences teach about living.
The power of starting over (again… and again).
Why today matters more than “someday”.
Finding meaning in ordinary moments.
Rewriting your story at any age.

Purpose, Passion & Direction

This is your sweet spot—you live here.
Ambition vs. Purpose (engine vs. compass )
Discovering what truly matters (and letting go of the rest)
How to build a life that excites you to wake up.
When to pivot—and how to do it boldly
Living beyond survival… into significance

Juggling & Life Metaphors (Your Signature Magic!)
This is uniquely YOU—lean into it hard.
What juggling teaches about focus and rhythm.
The beauty of dropping the ball (and picking it back up)
Life as a pattern—what are you keeping in the air?
Balance is a myth—flow is the truth.
Teaching others: why giving knowledge multiplies joy. 

WILL YOU BE THE FIRST TO REACH 200 YEARS OF AGE?
LIFE IS WAITING FOR YOU — CATCH UP!
LIVE FOR NOW!   NOT YESTERDAY!    NOT TOMORROW!   NOW IS THE TIME!

======================
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–“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.”
— Charles R. Swindoll
     
2–“Start NOW, it’s never too late!”
Kit Summers
   
3–“If you look at what you have in life,
you’ll always have more.”
— Oprah Winfrey
   
4–“If you don’t like the road you’re walking,
start paving another one.”
— Dolly Parton
   
5–“The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago.
The second-best time is today.”
— Chinese Proverb
   
6–“To have what you have never had,
you have to do what you have never done.”
— Unknown
     
7–“Do the best you can until you know better.
Then when you know better, do better.”
— Maya Angelou
   
8–“Success is not final;
Failure is not fatal:
It is the courage to continue that counts.”
— Winston Churchill
     
9–“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
— Oscar Wilde
   
10–“Strive not to be a success,
but rather to be of value.”
— Albert Einstein
      =========================
PART 5—YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>>>>
Challenge — I gave this challenge quite a while ago—something I had to relearn after my accident. As you walk, don’t swing your arm as you step. Keep your arm straight down by your side. This challenge will make you think about other things you do without even realizing it.
===========================
PART 6) NEXT WEEK>>>>>BLOG 388 — FRESH PERSPECTIVES!
=========================
I miss you. Write to me—kitsummers@gmail.com
========================= 

🌟 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! 🌟

✨KITTING AROUND✨
BLOG 386–YES, YOU CAN GET BETTER
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— Thirty-seven silent days offstage.
Headlining at Ballys, tossing clubs with a grin. And here I am now—not juggling clubs.
Seven of them. A world record— But throwing purpose, grit, and joy.
Because physics loves a good insult. 😄 Balancing healing, catching courage.
Then came the truck—the coma. Tossing hope sky-high. 🤹‍♂️
     
The mission grew bigger than applause. What’s next on Kit’s journey through life?
Now I lift humans. I write to stay connected. Back to juggling? Back to life?
I write because it’s how I breathe. Stay with Kit and find out.
If these words help you, too? Life can get better.
That’s magic catching air. 🎉 Life will get better! ✨
      =======================================
My new address here is >>
The Legacy at Highwoods Preserve 
18600 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy, #217, Tampa, FL 33647
https://www.legacypreservetampa.com/
Or wrote me–kitsummers@gmail.com
Stop by for a visit when you can.
A love letter would be dandy.
Call me >> 610-400-3233
=========================
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!

I just heard this, and it is important >>
“Happiness is not about getting all that you want.
It’s about enjoying all that you have.”
And, do you?
   
Here we go again. Do you have something for yourself, like this blog I write, that you can put everything into? Writing these words is my release, and it helps me as much as it helps you.
Have you started writing your blog yet? If not, why not begin today?
      YOUR BLOG?
Writing this blog gives me a reason to pay closer attention to my life. I find myself noticing the little moments, collecting ideas, asking more questions, and looking for lessons that might otherwise slip past unnoticed. Even an ordinary day suddenly has something worth sharing. Living the life I am writing about.
   
Knowing that I will be writing each week encourages me to keep learning, growing, and doing things that make life more interesting. Instead of letting the days pass by, I look for (or make) experiences that will become stories, observations, or ideas that might help someone else.
   
Your blog doesn’t have to change the world. It just has to reflect your world. You may be surprised at how much you discover about yourself simply by putting your thoughts into words. And who knows? Something you write today might be exactly what another person needs to read tomorrow.

THIS IS WHERE I LIVE NOW

It could easily be made more humorous, more inspirational, or simply more conversational—whatever best fits the message. I want these words to sound like we’re sitting together over a cup of tea, sharing ideas, a few laughs, and perhaps discovering something that makes both of us just a little bit better.
      WEEKENDS
Weekends are very slow around here, which makes the meals seem much more important. I actually find myself looking forward to breakfast, lunch, and dinner—not just because the food is good, but because they give me something to do and help break up the day.
   
It’s funny how that happens. When life slows down, even the smallest events take on a little more meaning. A meal becomes more than just eating; it’s an event, a change of scenery, a reason to leave the room, and a chance to see people for a while.
      WHAT IS THERE TO LOOK FORWARD TO?
Yes, the food is good, and I’m grateful for that. But I’d much rather be looking forward to my next adventure than my next plate of food. That’s just one more reason to keep finding new projects, new ideas, and new ways to make every day more interesting.
   
Chris Foster, you asked why I decided to move to a different place to live.
There wasn’t just one reason—there were many.
But the biggest was the lack of freedom. At my previous home, I spent much of my time in my room.
Below is Chris’ brother, Randy, and me,
performing in San Diego’s Balboa Park in the ’70s.

At NeuroRestorative, there were too many limitations and restrictions. Ironically, there was a beautiful grassy park directly across the street, but I wasn’t allowed to go there. I wanted to practice my juggling, start running again, and continue rebuilding my strength. Having that opportunity just a few feet away—but being told I couldn’t use it—became increasingly frustrating.
     
I missed walking, exploring, practicing my juggling, and enjoying the outdoors. Eventually, I realized I needed a place that would encourage me to keep growing rather than limit what I could do. That’s why I made the move.
   
Eventually, I realized that growth requires freedom. I needed a place that encouraged me to keep improving rather than one that limited what I could do. That realization became one of the biggest reasons I made the move.
     
Basically, at Neurorestorative, I was confined to my room, except to get out for therapy sessions. Jasmine and April searched and came upon Legacy, where I am now. Just by signing out, I can leave the area and get out to work on my juggling and running — yet I have not yet.
     
And, while here, I have the chance to check out >>
https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Tampa-Bay-Jugglers-Club-100081353051448/ 
I will do some coaching and make new friends while I’m there.
     
My daughters, Jasmine and April, along with my sister, Kath, talked me into getting a separate keyboard. I built a small shelf for my laptop so the screen now sits at eye level while the second keyboard rests comfortably below. Instead of constantly looking down, I can keep my gaze straight ahead while typing or watching a video. I have to admit—they were absolutely right. It’s a far better setup.
As a bonus, I suddenly have plenty more desk space. Even better, if I’m in the mood, I can stand while I type or watch videos. It’s amazing how one simple change can make working more comfortable. Now and then, it’s worth listening when your family insists they know what’s best. Don’t tell them I said that—I don’t want them getting too confident. 
     
An unexpected bonus is all the desk space I’ve gained. My workspace suddenly feels twice as big, and I can even stand while I write whenever the mood strikes. Apparently, this old dog can learn new tricks (woof)—especially when three determined women keep insisting until he finally listens.
     
How about you? You’ve made it through difficult days before. Despite the setbacks, disappointments, and unexpected detours, you’re still here. That’s something worth celebrating. Life has a way of testing us all, and while some days unfold effortlessly, others seem determined to push us backward.
     
Yet if you’re reading these words, you’ve already proven something remarkable about every challenge that has come your way, and you’ve emerged stronger because of it. You may not always recognize your own resilience, but it’s there, quietly carrying you forward one step at a time. Never underestimate just how much strength you already possess.
       
Hopefully, you’ve even managed to greet a few of those difficult days with a smile. That doesn’t mean they were easy. It simply means you refused to let hardship have the final word. A smile isn’t a sign that life is perfect; it’s often a sign that hope is still alive. Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is smile, take another step, and keep moving forward.
     
The truth is, there will be more challenging days ahead. I don’t say that to discourage you or paint a gloomy picture. It’s simply one of life’s guarantees. Plans will change, obstacles will appear, and there will be moments when you’ll wonder whether you have the strength to keep going. When those moments arrive, remind yourself that you’ve overcome difficult seasons before, and you can do it again.
   
Every challenge also carries an opportunity. It may teach patience, strengthen your character, sharpen your thinking, or reveal abilities you never knew you possessed. The greatest growth rarely happens when life is easy. It happens when we choose to keep going, even when the path is steep and every step requires a little extra determination.
      IT’S ABOUT LIFE–IT’S ABOUT BEING HAPPY
That is one of the reasons I write these weekly thoughts. When life throws one of those inevitable curveballs your way, you’ll remember something you’ve read here. A single sentence may encourage you to pause instead of panic, laugh instead of complain, or believe that tomorrow can be better than today.
 
Never underestimate the power of small victories. One encouraging thought, one positive decision, one act of kindness, or one determined step forward may seem insignificant in the moment, yet those little choices quietly build extraordinary lives. Progress seldom arrives in giant leaps. More often, it appears one small improvement at a time, until one day you look back and realize just how far you’ve come.
     
If these words help you face even one challenge with a little more courage, a little more hope, or a smile that wasn’t there just moments before, then they’ve accomplished exactly what I hoped they would. If they encourage you to stand up after a setback, believe in yourself when doubt creeps in, or take just one more step forward, then every word has been worthwhile.
     
Life will always surprise us. Some days will lift us higher than we ever imagined, while others will test our strength in ways we never expected. Yet no circumstance gets to decide your attitude—that choice has always belonged to you. It is one of the greatest powers you will ever possess.
     
So let’s greet whatever comes next with confidence, optimism, and determination. Every storm eventually passes, every sunrise offers a fresh beginning, and every challenge carries the possibility of growth. Keep moving forward with hope in your heart, because better days are never as far away as they sometimes seem.
     
As you see,
I am keeping the blog shorter.
Did it work? 

KEEP SMILING.
KEEP MOVING FORWARD.
EXPECT A WONDERFUL FUTURE. 

============================
PART 2) THINGS THAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK
Kit’s Daily Delight Inspiration–Served Playfully.
     
Good morning! Or good afternoon… or good evening. One of the wonderful things about words is that they never complain when they’re read a little late.
 
Every sunrise delivers a fresh page with your name already written across the top. What you choose to write on it is entirely up to you. You don’t need a perfect beginning to create a beautiful ending. Just take one positive step, then another. Before long, you’ll look behind you and discover you’ve traveled much farther than you ever imagined.
     
Don’t wait for life to become easier before deciding to smile. Smile first. It’s amazing how often your attitude quietly changes the direction of your day. A cheerful heart won’t eliminate every obstacle, but it certainly makes climbing over them much more enjoyable.
     
So go out and encourage someone today.
Hold a door.
Share a compliment.
Laugh at yourself before anyone else gets the chance.
Kindness has a funny habit of boomeranging right back to the person who threw it.
Now make today so memorable that tomorrow gets a little jealous.
   
>>>>>July 11
Saturday has arrived, and weekends move in slow motion. The extra hours give me more opportunities to think, write, observe, and, now and then, come up with an idea that makes me wonder, “What on earth was I thinking?”
   
If you’ve made it this far, thank you. I truly appreciate you taking a few minutes of your day to spend with me. In wordless distractions, the fact that you choose to read these words means more than you might realize.
     
Something in today’s thoughts made you smile, sparked a new idea, or encouraged you to see life from a slightly different angle. If even one sentence stayed with you, then this quiet weekend has accomplished something worthwhile.
     
Sometimes the biggest changes don’t come from dramatic events. They begin with a single new thought, a fresh perspective, or one small decision to move forward. If today’s words planted even the tiniest seed, I hope it grows into something meaningful for you.
   
Thank you for sharing part of your day with me. These thoughts brought a smile, sparked an idea, or encouraged you to see life in a new way. Until next time, keep smiling, stay curious, keep growing, and never stop discovering just how remarkable your life can become. Your greatest chapter may still be waiting to be written.
         
I look forward to meeting you here again next week. Until then, keep growing, keep smiling, and keep taking one small step at a time toward becoming the very best version of yourself. Life isn’t changed by one giant leap. It’s shaped by the small choices you make each day, the lessons you embrace, and the determination to keep moving forward—even when the path isn’t clear. 

Have a wonderful week.
Keep believing in your potential.
Keep finding reasons to laugh.
Be clever, start discovering how
remarkable you can become. I’ll send words next week. 

Remember, you don’t have to change your entire life overnight. Small improvements, made consistently, have a remarkable way of becoming extraordinary results. Have a wonderful week, and never stop discovering just how amazing your life can become.
    SHAVE TIME
So, to stir things up, I’m thinking about shaving my head again. I already shave “down there” because it’s simply more comfortable. Around here, no one has ever seen me completely hairless, so it might surprise a few people—and give everyone something new to talk about. But, no, I won’t show them, “Down There.”
      THE SKILL OF WRITING
I’ve been using fewer words in these posts. You saw my last one, and I’m not sure I’m very good at it yet. I have a lifelong friendship with extra sentences. Every time I tell myself, “Keep it short, Kit,” another thought taps me on the shoulder and says, “Don’t forget about me!”
     
That could be the way my mind works. I’ve lived through enough adventures, setbacks, recoveries, and surprises that every idea seems connected to three others. Before I knew it, a simple paragraph had packed its bags and turned into a cross-country trip.
     
I’m working on it, though. Brevity is a skill, just like juggling. You don’t master it overnight. Until then, thanks for sticking with me as I practice saying more… with less. And if an occasional extra sentence sneaks in, well, I hope you’ll forgive an old writer for enjoying the journey as much as the destination.
      SHOWTIME
Today I have a show scheduled for 11:00 a.m. I’ll be sharing my story, doing a little juggling, and throwing in a few magic tricks along the way.
   
What’s surprising is that I’m actually nervous about this presentation. You would think that after a lifetime of performing in front of audiences—from theaters to schools to casinos—I would be completely beyond stage fright. Apparently, the butterflies never got the memo.
   
Being nervous isn’t such a bad thing. It means I still care. It means I want to do well. A little nervous energy can be turned into enthusiasm once the first smile appears or the first laugh breaks the silence.
   
Since it’s Saturday, I don’t expect a large crowd. In fact, I wouldn’t be shocked if only a handful of people showed up—or even none at all. If that’s the case, I’ll treat it as another opportunity to practice, improve, and enjoy myself. Whether there are five people, fifty people, or just one curious soul, that one person deserves my very best.
   
Besides, every great performance starts the same way—with a first step onto the stage.
I’ll let you know afterward how it went. Hopefully, there will be a few laughs, a little amazement, and maybe even a bit of inspiration mixed in with the juggling. I’ve performed with thousands in the audience; this is no different.
      NINE IN THE AUDIENCE
Nine people came to my presentation today. Before it started, I have to admit—I had a few butterflies fluttering around in my stomach. Since it was Saturday, I wasn’t even sure if anyone would show up. I was mentally preparing to give an inspirational speech to a room full of empty chairs. They’re not very responsive.
     
But then, one by one, people wandered in until there were nine smiling faces waiting for me. Perfect!
     
I juggled, performed a few magic tricks, shared stories from my life, and talked about some of the successes I’ve been fortunate enough to experience. More importantly, I spoke about the setbacks that came first and how determination, persistence, and a refusal to quit can carry us through almost anything life throws at us. (Fortunately, today I was the only one throwing things.)
   
As I looked around the room, I saw people laughing, smiling, and really paying attention. That’s one of my favorite sights in the world. Making people smile has always felt like a little bit of magic all by itself. If someone leaves happier than when they walked in, then I’ve accomplished something worthwhile.
      THEY ENJOYED THE SHOW
Somewhere along the way, those nervous butterflies quietly packed their bags, spread their little wings, and flew away. They stayed just long enough to enjoy the show before deciding they were no longer needed.
     
As the audience’s smiles grew, my confidence quietly returned. By the time I finished, I wasn’t thinking about being nervous at all. I enjoyed the chance to make people laugh, share a few stories, and hopefully leave them feeling happier than when they walked in.
     
Today’s presentation reminded me of an important lesson. It isn’t about filling every seat in the room. It’s about filling the people who are there with a little more hope, encouragement, and joy than they had before. Helping those I can live better lives.
      NINE
Nine people came. Nine.
I hope nine people left just a little happier.
To me, that’s a successful day.
     
As evening’s gentle quiet settled about me, I turned once more toward the ancient tale of The Two Towers. With its opening scenes came a stirring of old memories, reaching back across many years to my days in junior high school, when I first wandered into the pages of The Lord of the Rings.
    THE TWO TOWERS
In those days, I did not merely read the story—I journeyed within it. The turning of each page was like another mile upon a winding road, leading ever deeper into lands where courage was tested, friendships were forged, and hope endured against the longest of shadows.
     
While watching the film, I found myself walking down two paths at once. One lay before my eyes upon the screen, crafted with soaring mountains, towering fortresses, ancient forests, and mighty battles brought to life through remarkable artistry. The other path stretched far older, hidden within memory, where the landscapes had been shaped not by artists or cameras, but by my imagination alone.
   
Such is the quiet enchantment of a book. Every reader becomes the builder of kingdoms and the keeper of hidden places. The forests whisper with voices known only to that reader. The castles rise according to unseen dreams. Even the faces of heroes and wanderers bear features that no painter has ever fully captured. The tale lives differently within every heart that welcomes it.
      IT TOOK ME THERE
A film offers another kind of wonder. It invites us to behold the vision imagined by others—gifted storytellers who have labored to give form to words that once existed only upon the page. Their Middle-earth is magnificent beyond measure, filled with beauty, peril, and grandeur. Yet it is not quite the same Middle-earth that has traveled beside me through the years.
AND PERHAPS THAT IS AS IT SHOULD BE
The stories that matter most are never imprisoned within ink or celluloid. They continue their journey inside us, growing richer as the seasons of our own lives unfold. A tale first discovered in youth returns years later, wearing new garments, revealing truths that once passed unnoticed. Though the road remains familiar, the traveler has changed.
      HAVE YOU READ HIS BOOKS?
So I cherish them both—the books that first opened the gate to wonder, and the films that allowed me to walk those ancient roads again beneath a different sky. For the finest stories do not truly end when the final page is turned, or the closing credits fade. Like the distant echo of a horn across forgotten hills, they linger in the mind and heart, quietly calling us back to adventure whenever we are willing to listen.
       
>>>>>July 12
As I peek out the window this morning, it looks as though Mother Nature has been busy polishing the day just for us. The sky is a brilliant blue, the sunshine is stretching itself awake, and everything outside seems to be whispering, “Come on, Kit… get out here!” It’s hard not to smile when the world puts on a show like that.
     
Now comes the daily debate. Do I go for a run or grab the juggling clubs? Apparently, my asthma has decided it would like a vote in the matter. It’s been an uninvited referee lately, occasionally blowing the whistle when I’m ready to sprint into action.
      RUNNING OR JUGGLING?
The funny thing is, I’ve learned that listening to your body isn’t the same as surrendering to it. Sometimes wisdom sounds a lot like, “Maybe take it easy today, genius.” After everything life has thrown at me, I’ve discovered that being stubborn can be a wonderful quality—as long as it’s pointed in the right direction.
     
So if today isn’t meant for running, it’s perfect for tossing a few clubs into the air, taking a leisurely walk, or simply sitting outside with the sun on my face and a grateful heart. Not every victory comes with sweat pouring down your forehead. Some victories come from making the smart choice today so you can come back even stronger tomorrow.
   
One thing, however, is non-negotiable: asthma doesn’t get to steal my enthusiasm. It might slow my pace, but it doesn’t get to touch my spirit. There is far too much beauty waiting outside that window to waste the day grumbling. So I’ll head into it with a smile, a deep breath whenever I can get one, and the determination to enjoy every moment. After all, life isn’t about having perfect lungs—it’s about making the most of every breath you’ve been given.
HOW ABOUT YOU, ARE YOU BREATHING OK?
I just returned from breakfast.
It was the usual meal, nothing exciting,
But it gave me a reason to get out of my room and start the day.
   
To get there, I leave my room and walk about 200 meters to the elevator. That isn’t a great distance. Years ago, I wouldn’t have given it a second thought. Now, by the time I reach the elevator, my asthma has already made itself known. I can feel my breathing tighten, and I’m reminded that my lungs no longer cooperate the way they once did.
I’LL ADMIT, THAT MAKES  ME A LITTLE SAD
There was a time when I could run, juggle for hours, and perform with seemingly endless energy. Breathing was something I never even thought about. It simply happened. Funny how we often take the simplest gifts for granted until they’re no longer effortless.
     
But I’ve also learned something through the many challenges life has thrown my way. Feeling sad for a little while is perfectly natural. We all have those moments. The important thing is not to unpack your bags and live there. Acknowledge the feeling, learn what it has to teach you, then stand back up and keep moving forward. Life still has too many wonderful adventures waiting for you.
      MY ASTHMA
My asthma may have changed the way I move, but it hasn’t changed the way I think. It hasn’t taken away my curiosity, my sense of humor, my love of writing, or my desire to encourage others. It may slow my steps, but it doesn’t get to decide the direction of my life.
     
So today, instead of wishing for the lungs I once had, I’ll make the best use of the ones I have. I’ll keep writing. I’ll keep learning. I’ll keep smiling when I can. And I’ll keep searching for ways to become a little better than I was yesterday.
     
Sometimes victory isn’t running a marathon.
Sometimes victory is simply taking another step… and then another.
But today I feel like I am wasting my life. I did not accomplish anything, which felt terrible.
     
>>>>>July 13
I started working on this blog early this morning, as usual. Before long, I noticed a tiny ant making its way across my computer screen. It had a destination in mind, although I have no idea what could be so important on a laptop.
   
Many people would have reached over without a second thought and ended the poor fellow’s adventure. I couldn’t do that. He wasn’t bothering me. He was washing my keyboard or trying to edit my sentences. As far as I know, he was exploring the world from an ant’s perspective.
   
I could have carefully captured him and carried him outside, but even I admit that’s probably taking kindness just a little too far. Besides, he likely would have stormed in and demanded to know why I’d interrupted his expedition. So I let him roam.
    ANT OR AUNT?
There may be a lesson in that for all of us. Sometimes the best thing we can do is keep moving forward (have you ever seen anyone walk backward?). The world could be gentler if we all paused before reacting. Not everything that crosses our path is an enemy. Sometimes it’s just another traveler, trying to make its way through Life—one tiny step at a time.
       
I allowed him to continue on his tiny journey while I continued on mine. It’s amazing that a creature smaller than a grain of rice can make you pause and think. That little ant wasn’t worried about the stock market, social media, or whether anyone liked his latest post. He wasn’t comparing himself to the ant in the next colony or stressing about tomorrow.
     
He kept putting one tiny foot in front of the other, doing what ants have quietly done for millions of years. There could be a lesson in that. Sometimes the best way to move through life isn’t by worrying about everything ahead—it’s by taking the next small step and trusting that those little steps will eventually lead somewhere worthwhile.
     
Wherever that tiny journey leads, I hope there are plenty of crumbs to discover, no giant fingers descending unexpectedly from the sky, and countless safe places to explore. May each new step lead to another little adventure, every crack become a highway to somewhere exciting, and every day bring something worth investigating.
THIS HUGE WORLD
It’s a big world for such a tiny traveler, and I hope it’s filled with curiosity, good fortune, and a lifetime of wonderful little adventures. If our paths never cross again, I’ll be happy knowing I gave one very small creature the chance to continue its own remarkable expedition.
     
It’s funny how something so incredibly small can quietly remind me that every living creature is on its own journey. For a few brief moments, our paths crossed. Then we each continued on our separate adventures—and somehow—my day was a little richer because of it.
     
It’s hard to believe I managed to write that much about a tiny little ant. Then again, life has a funny way of hiding big lessons inside very small packages. Who would have guessed that a creature smaller than a grain of rice could wander across my computer screen and inspire so many thoughts?
     
Now, if I’d been writing about my aunt, that would have been a completely different story. For one thing, she probably wouldn’t have fit on my computer screen. She also would have expected a proper introduction, a few flattering comments, and perhaps a starring role.
   
Ants, on the other hand, never complain about how they’re portrayed. They go about their tiny lives, carrying crumbs far larger than common sense would recommend, blissfully unaware that they’re inspiring writers, amusing children, and reminding the rest of us that even the smallest lives can leave surprisingly big impressions.
     
They never send complaint letters, hire tiny ant attorneys, or demand equal representation in literature. They keep exploring the world one determined step at a time, blissfully unaware that they’ve wandered into someone else’s story.
     
So today, an ant became the unlikely star of my blog. Tomorrow, who knows? Inspiration has a habit of showing up in the most unexpected places. Sometimes it arrives dressed as a breathtaking sunset. Sometimes it’s hidden inside a conversation with a friend. And now and then, it marches across your keyboard on six tiny legs and quietly reminds you to pay attention.
     
And now it’s two hours later. The little explorer is long gone, and I’m left wondering… was there really an ant here at all? It’s amazing how something so tiny can appear, steal a few moments of your attention, inspire an entire story, and then quietly disappear as though it had never been there. 

HOW LONG CAN KIT KEEP WRITING ABOUT AN ANT (or an aunt?)

>>>>July 14
“Ant”–there, I said it, I guess it continues today, too.
The view outside my window isn’t nearly as cheerful today.
Gray clouds have moved in, and they seem determined to
audition for the role of “Most Gloomy Sky.”
    ANT OR AUNT?
On a brighter note, the ant (not my aunt Ruth—that would be an entirely different story) has returned for another visit. Apparently, my computer has become part of its daily travel itinerary. Watching that tiny explorer is fascinating. Its little legs move so unbelievably fast that they almost blur together. If ants ever hold the Olympics, this one is definitely bringing home the gold in the 100-millimeter dash.
   
Meanwhile, I’m sitting here trying to keep up with a creature smaller than a grain of rice. I have no idea where it’s going, but one thing is certain—it has somewhere important to be, and it’s not wasting a single second getting there.
    X-RAY TIME
This morning I headed out for a chest CT scan. The doctor is trying to figure out why my asthma has decided to become a much more enthusiastic traveling companion lately. I’m hoping the scan provides a few answers—and, even better, a few solutions.
   
Later in the day, it was Happy Hour here at Legacy. They hold it a couple of times each week, and today featured a gentleman singing old love songs while somehow playing several instruments at once. I stayed for a little while, listened to a few tunes, accepted my second glass of Sangria, and quietly made my way back to my room.
    BEING HAPPY FOR AN HOUR
I have to admit, Happy Hour isn’t really my kind of entertainment. Give me a good conversation, an interesting book, a juggling club, or a blank page to write on, and I’m a happy camper. Still, it was wonderful to see so many of the other residents smiling, singing along, and tapping their feet.

                        HEY–IS THAT KIT? 
Music has a remarkable way of unlocking memories that have been quietly tucked away for years. A familiar melody can transport us to another time—a first dance, a summer evening, a family gathering, or a special person who still lives in our hearts. As the songs filled the room this afternoon, I couldn’t help but notice the smiles, the gentle tapping of feet, and the faraway looks in people’s eyes.
     
Judging by the expressions around the room, many wonderful memories were making return visits. For a little while, it seemed as though the music wasn’t simply entertaining the audience—it was carrying each person back to a cherished chapter of their own story. 

As for me, I was perfectly content returning to my room, where my faithful keyboard patiently waits for me. It never complains if I sing off-key, never winces when I miss a note, and, thankfully, never asks for an encore. 
      I LIKE WRITING TO YOU (or for you)
In fact, I suspect it secretly prefers the sound of my fingers tapping across the keys to the sound of my voice attempting to hit the right notes. Together, we seek a good team. It provides the clicks, I provide the thoughts, and so these little taps turn into stories, ideas, and the occasional bit of mischief. For me, that’s a concert worth attending every single day.
   
I’ll end on that good note.
Sleep well, my friend. I know I will.
Tomorrow is another opportunity to learn,
to laugh, and make life just a little bit better.
   
>> >>>July 15
As usual, up early before the birds.
A slow day today, so I have just kept to my room.
Taking a day off? This reminds me of something that has been on my mind.
   
For most of my life, I’ve been in a relationship. There was always a hand to hold, a voice to hear, or simply the quiet comfort of knowing I wasn’t alone. Now, that comforting presence is gone, replaced by silence. At times, the loneliness feels almost tangible, reminding me just how much I miss sharing life’s ordinary moments with someone I love.
    I’M STILL LOOKING–ARE YOU HER?
Sometimes, without thinking, I reach out—as if someone is still beside me. My hand finds only space. In those moments, the reality of being alone settles over me, and tears come quietly. I am here… but where is she?
 
Loneliness has a way of echoing through the smallest moments. A meal, a sunset, a funny thought—so many things are meant to be shared. Just writing these words brings tears to my eyes, because they come from a place that is very real.
     
I still believe there is someone out there whose heart is searching, too. Someone to laugh with, talk with, grow old with, and be close to. If you’re reading this and your heart quietly whispered, “I understand,” perhaps our paths were meant to cross. If not you, perhaps you have a friend?
   
>>>>>July 16
Good morning! Or perhaps good afternoon—or even good evening—depending on when these words happen to find you. I just returned from breakfast, where I had my usual meal. Some things in life don’t need improving, and breakfast seems to be one of them. As always, it was quite good. I have readers worldwide who read my blog. As this side sleeps, the other side reads my blog—or the other way around. 
   
One of the residents was celebrating his 97th birthday today. It reminded me once again that I’m one of the younger people here. That’s a funny thought because, in my mind, I still feel as though I’m somewhere in my twenties or thirties. Then reality politely taps me on the shoulder and reminds me that I’ll turn 68 on February 28.

For years, we’ve been told that 65 is the magic retirement age. Well, I’m well beyond that now, and I still don’t understand what “retirement” is supposed to mean. Retire from living? Retire from learning? Retire from making a difference? None of those ideas appeals to me.

It sometimes seems as though retirement has become a place where people quietly wait for time to pass while trying to ignore the fact that life is growing shorter. I could never live that way. As long as I’m breathing, I want to keep writing, encouraging, learning, laughing, juggling ideas—and maybe a few clubs again someday.

I don’t believe purpose comes with an expiration date. If anything, the years have given me more stories to tell, more lessons to share, and a deeper appreciation for every sunrise. I still have dreams that haven’t been chased, people I hope to inspire, and goals that make me excited to get out of bed each morning.

One day, my journey will end, just as everyone’s will. But until then, I have no interest in retiring from life. There is simply too much left to do, too many smiles left to create, and too many lives that might be brighter because I chose to keep moving forward.
     
Isn’t it strange how age works? The calendar insists the years keep piling up, while the mind quietly ignores the memo. I still catch myself thinking, “I can do that!” Then I stand up, and every joint in my body decides to hold a committee meeting before approving the motion.
     
That could be the real secret to staying young. Keep your curiosity alive, your sense of humor intact, and never stop looking forward to tomorrow. Wrinkles may show up uninvited, but so far they haven’t figured out how to wrinkle my enthusiasm—and I hope they never do.
     
Yes, your final curtain call is coming someday. I know—that wasn’t exactly the uplifting news you were hoping to hear with your morning coffee. Relax, though; I’m not trying to scare you. I’m simply pointing out one of life’s few guarantees. The wonderful part is that none of us knows when that day will arrive, so worrying about it only steals time from the days we do have.
     
Instead, laugh often, love deeply, chase a few dreams, help a few people, and squeeze every drop of joy out of today. Besides, if death does show up unexpectedly, I’d much rather have it interrupt me while I’m busy living than catch me sitting around worrying that it might arrive. That would be a terrible way to use perfectly good time.
     
Always remember: YOU are the one who has the power to make your life great.
       
Down I went for lunch. The walk to the elevator is long enough that I can understand why so many people here rely on walkers. I could certainly be in better shape, but I don’t think it’s time to trade my sneakers for a walker just yet. My goal is to keep depending on the two legs I came with for as long as they’ll cooperate.
 
Of course, if my legs ever do give out, I may have to negotiate with a walker. But I plan to make it work for every step first. Besides, if I start using one too soon, people might expect me to slow down—and I still have far too many places to wander, too many ideas to chase, many miles to run, and too many dessert tables to reach before anyone beats me there.
 
Near the elevator, they have a pool table. I started a game with a fellow who looked like he really knew what he was doing. We traded impressive shots, banked a few beauties, and the competition was fierce. In the end, I absolutely creamed him. Then I realized I should probably mention one small detail—I was practicing alone. Turns out I’m an excellent pool player… as long as I don’t have to beat anyone but myself.
Sometimes it’s easy to focus on what we wish were different and overlook what is already good. The more time I spend here, the more I’ve come to appreciate just how fortunate I am. The place I live is truly luxurious. The inside is immaculate, beautifully maintained, and always welcoming. I’ve already told you about the meals—they’re consistently delicious—And I certainly haven’t gone hungry.
     
Step outside, and it’s as though you’re walking through a peaceful park. The grounds are beautifully landscaped, with plenty of places to stroll, sit, and enjoy the day. When I stop to look around, I realize I really couldn’t ask for a nicer place to live. Gratitude has a wonderful way of changing our perspective, and today, mine is filled with appreciation.

>>>>>July 17
What will happen in this upcoming week? That’s the question that parks itself at the front of my brain every Friday. If I knew the answer, I’d be living on a tropical island after correctly predicting lottery numbers instead of writing this blog.
     
The truth is, I never know what’s waiting around the corner. It might be a new adventure, an unexpected challenge, a brilliant idea, or another tiny ant wandering across my keyboard looking for its fifteen minutes of fame. Life has a wonderful habit of ignoring my carefully imagined plans.
     
So we’ll both have to wait and see. I’m just as curious as you are. In fact, if you find out what next week has in store before I do, please don’t spoil the ending. I enjoy the suspense almost as much as the surprises.
     
I’m glad you read my words.
Thank you for being a part of my audience.
Without you, what would I be?
       
I look out the window and see a sky full of clouds. Back and forth it goes—clouds, then blue skies, then clouds again. It’s as if the sky can’t make up its mind. One minute it’s smiling, the next it’s pouting, only to change its mood all over again.
   
Then again, maybe the sky isn’t so different from the rest of us. We all have cloudy moments and bright ones. The important thing is remembering that no matter how many clouds drift overhead, they never stop the sun from shining—they hide it for a little while.
==========================
BLOG 386–YES, YOU CAN GET BETTER
     
Have you ever wondered if people can truly change?
Can someone become healthier, happier, wiser, stronger, or more successful? 
Absolutely!
One of the greatest truths I’ve discovered is this:
Yes, you can get better!
I know because I’ve lived it.
     
After being struck by a truck and spending more than a month in a coma, many people wondered if I would ever walk, talk, or think normally again. At times, the road ahead seemed impossible. But I refused to believe my best days were behind me. I believed I could improve—one small step at a time.
     
I celebrated every tiny victory: one more word remembered, one steadier step, one new accomplishment. At first, the progress seemed almost invisible. But little by little, those tiny victories added up to remarkable achievements. That’s how lasting change happens—one small improvement at a time.
     
Life works the same way. Success rarely comes with a single giant breakthrough. It grows through small, consistent choices—taking a walk, reading a few pages, eating a little healthier, learning something new, showing gratitude, or encouraging someone else.
     
Don’t wait for Monday or New Year’s Day. The calendar doesn’t change your life—your decisions do. Start today. Progress is far more important than perfection.
So let me ask you one question:
What is one small thing you can do today to become a little better tomorrow?
   
Take that first step, then another, and another.
Before long, you’ll look back and realize just how far you’ve come.
Never forget this simple truth:
Yes, you CAN get better. ❤️      

WILL YOU BE THE FIRST TO REACH 200 YEARS OF AGE?
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!

======================
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. “On the other side of a storm is the strength that comes from having
navigated through it. Raise your sail and begin. ― ” Gregory S. Williams
     
2. “Greatest are those who study and learn what is
best for them.” – Kit Summers
       
3. “As we advance in life, it becomes more and more difficult,
But in fighting the difficulties, the inner strength of the heart
is developed.” ― Vincent van Gogh
     
4. “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling,
but rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela
   
5. “A truly strong person does not need the approval of others
any more than a lion needs the approval of sheep.” ―Vernon Howar
   
6. “You never know how strong you are until you’re being
strong is the only choice you have.” ―Bob Marley
   
7. “The human capacity for burden is like bamboo –
far more flexible than you’d ever believe at first glance.”― Jodi Picoult
     
8. “She stood in the storm,
and when the wind did not blow her way.
She adjusted her sails.”― Elizabeth Edwards.
     
9. “It’s your reaction to adversity,
not adversity itself that determines how
your life’s story will develop.”― Dieter F. Uchtdorf
     
10. “Go within every day and find the inner strength
so that the world will not blow your candle out.” ―Katherine Dunham
      =========================
PART 5—YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>>>>
Divide your life into its most important parts and examine each one with care. Write down what truly matters to you—your health, family, friendships, finances, career, personal growth, or whatever gives your life meaning and purpose. Don’t rush this process.
     
Give it the time it deserves, because few exercises will have a greater impact on the direction of your life. Clarity is the foundation of improvement, and you can’t improve what you’ve never taken the time to define. Define and write your life out.
   
Then, look at each area and ask yourself, What would excellence look like here? More importantly, ask, What is one small step I can take today to move in that direction? A remarkable life isn’t created overnight or through one giant leap. 
     
It’s built one choice, one habit, and one improvement at a time. As each part of your life grows stronger, your confidence grows with it, and before long, you’ll discover that by improving the individual pieces, you’ve transformed the whole picture.  YES–YOU ARE ON THE RIGHT ROAD!                         

===========================
PART 6) NEXT WEEK>>>>>​BLOG 387–IDEAS TO MAKE LIFE BETTER!
=========================                            
I miss you. Write to me—kitsummers@gmail.co

🌟 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! 🌟

There’s Kit juggling 3 rings

KITTING AROUND
BLOG 385–AS YOU AGE

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! ✨

=============================

My new address here is >> kitsummers.com
Kit Summers kitsummers@gmail.com
The Legacy at Highwoods Preserve https://www.legacypreservetampa.com/
18600 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy, #217 Stop by for a visit when you can.
Tampa, FL 33647 A love letter would be dandy. 

Call me >> 610-400-3233
=========================

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!

Aging is not simply a story of loss. It is a story of change, adaptation, opportunity, and ways of growth. While certain physical abilities naturally decline over time, wisdom, perspective, emotional resilience, and even happiness often increase, and it’s up to each of us. Growing older invites us to develop new strengths, deepen our understanding of ourselves and others, and discover fresh ways to find meaning and purpose.
      HOW OLD ARE YOU?
The choices we make throughout our lives—how we move, learn, connect, and care for ourselves—continue to influence not only how long we live, but how well we live. Every stage of life offers opportunities for growth, contribution, and fulfillment. The goal is not merely to add years to our lives, but to add more life to our years. 

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.
   
I just got these words from Larry:
“Enjoy your new home!
Your philosophical writings are truly amazing!!!
My best to you! –Larry Zeiger
Let me know what you think of this blog, Larry.
Everyone else writes to me, too.
     
I also put this blog out on Facebook.
Today I checked, and this showed up >>
76 views, 2 reactions
Good to see that many are reading my blog.
If you are reading this through Facebook,
Send me an email, and I will put you on the
notification list about the blog >>
kitsummers@gmail.com
   
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.
    SAY GOODBYE TO WORDS
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 really does matter.
   
Every day, I tell myself, “You’ve got to get out there and do some running.” I make this declaration with great confidence and determination, usually while sitting comfortably in a chair. I am already halfway through the workout, looking fit, energetic, and inspiring others simply by my example. Yet, my asthma argues.
      RUNNING?
Then something unexpected happens. I discovered that there are important things to do first. I should check my email. I should organize a drawer. The weather is not quite right. There is always the chance that I need a little more preparation before beginning my glorious return to running.
   
Do you disappoint yourself the same way? Or is this simply one of the great traditions of being human—knowing exactly what we should do, fully intending to do it, and then becoming remarkably creative in finding reasons to start tomorrow? The good news is that tomorrow arrives every single day, which means I continue to have plenty of opportunities to become the runner I keep promising myself I will be.
THE RULES
There are three simple rules in life >> 

• If you do not go after what you want, you’ll never have it. 

• If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. 

• If you do not step forward, then you will always be in the same place. 

Follow these rules, and you will have a better life.
      WALMART
Today, three other residents and I were taken on a very important expedition to Walmart. Naturally, I focused only on the essentials: some chocolate candy, four cartons of ice cream (because priorities matter), and a large bottle of wine. You know, the basic survival supplies.
     
I have always believed in being prepared for emergencies, and frankly, I can’t imagine an emergency that wouldn’t be improved by chocolate, ice cream, and wine. As I wheeled my cart toward the checkout, I couldn’t help but smile. In fact, if you look closely, you can still see that smile on my face. 😊
     
You could wish for a million dollars.
                            OR
You could wish to live beyond age 100.
What’s more essential?
Think about your life and what’s truly important.
============================
PART 2) THINGS THAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK
Kit’s Daily Delights — Inspiration, Freshly Served
       
>>>>>July 4
I guess the words, “Happy Fourth of July”, would be appropriate.
But I tried to celebrate July 3, and no one cared.
Well, I hope you made it a great day for yourself.
   
Being a weekend, things are very slow.
In fact, slower than at my old home at NeuroRestorative.
No complaints about the food, though.
     
As often happens, I’ve already written most of next week’s blog—and it’s only 6:53 on Saturday morning. Once I begin writing, I become completely absorbed. What starts as a simple idea quickly turns into a passion project, and before I know it, the words have carried me away.
    THIS BLOG IS FOR YOU
But through it all, I’m thinking of you. Every story, every laugh, every lesson, and every reflection is written with the hope that it might add something positive to your life. Perhaps a little encouragement. A new perspective. A reason to smile. I sincerely hope it’s working.
     
So please, let me know. If these words have ever made you laugh, think, hope, or see life a little differently, I’d love to hear from you. Knowing that something I’ve written has touched another person’s life is one of the greatest rewards I can imagine.
BREAKFAST    
For this special Fourth of July, they served a breakfast worthy of celebration: a fruit plate, bacon, and pancakes at the Hurricane Lounge. As has become something of a tradition, I found myself seated at a table with all the ladies. I don’t know exactly how this keeps happening, but I have decided not to question success when it arrives.
     
The conversation was delightful, the company was charming, and I did my best to represent the male population with dignity and grace. Of course, I also had to focus on the important business at hand: deciding how much syrup constitutes patriotism. I may have leaned toward “very patriotic.”
     
Between the good food, the laughter, and my continued popularity among the ladies of Hurricane Lounge, Independence Day is off to an excellent start. George Washington would almost certainly approve.
      LUNCH
A simple cheeseburger and fries—that was my choice. Over the years, I’ve learned that restaurants often believe “serving size” is merely a creative suggestion.
   
Whether it’s a meal or a drink, they often serve enough to feed a small village. These days, I usually ask for half an order. They smile, nod in agreement… and then bring me the full-sized portion anyway. My problem isn’t the generosity—it’s the waste. I hate seeing perfectly good food go to waste.
   
People often believe they are doing you a favor by giving you more. More food. Bigger portions. Extra servings. But sometimes, especially when control over the decision is taken away, it doesn’t feel like a favor at all.
     
I eat what I can, and I appreciate the generosity behind the gesture. Yet I hate seeing good food left behind simply because someone decided that bigger automatically means better. To me, waste is never a sign of abundance—it’s a missed opportunity for thoughtfulness. Sometimes, the greatest kindness isn’t giving someone more. It’s giving them exactly what they need.
     
Somewhere along the way, I learned that satisfaction rarely comes from having more than you need. Besides, if I ate every oversized meal placed in front of me, I’d soon need a wheelbarrow instead of a walker—and I’m trying to postpone that particular milestone for at least another 40 years.
     
I get bored watching TV, so I often lie down early, which I did tonight.
       
>>>>>July 5
This morning, I ate a banana. For most of my life, that simple act has been followed by another ritual: tossing the peel into a compost pile. After all, banana peels make some of the finest compost nature has to offer. It always felt good knowing that even my snack leftovers were helping something else grow.
   
But today, I faced a small personal tragedy. I don’t have a garden here yet, no compost pile waiting patiently for my contribution. So, with a slight sense of guilt—and perhaps an apology whispered under my breath—I had to throw that perfectly good banana peel into the trash. I suppose this only confirms what I’ve suspected all along: no matter where I live, sooner or later, I’m going to end up creating a garden.
    CLOUDS
I thought I had moved to sunny Florida. Looking out the window this morning, however, has caused me to question the accuracy of the state’s advertising campaign. Instead of endless sunshine, I’m staring at a sky that appears to have entered a long-term relationship with clouds.
     
In fact, the forecast suggests that the entire week will be cloudy. Yikes! I didn’t move to Florida for “Fifty Shades of Grey.” On the bright side—and apparently I have to imagine the bright side this week—at least I won’t have to worry about getting sunburned while looking out the window.
       
Strange. I had some time to use up, so I wanted to watch a movie. I looked through Amazon Video and decided on Die Hard. When I selected it, the computer told me I had already watched it. That surprised me. As I sat there watching, I realized something even stranger: I had absolutely no memory of ever seeing the movie.
     
I’ve been told many times that my memory isn’t what it once was, and after everything I’ve been through, I understand that. Still, this felt different. It wasn’t that I had forgotten a few scenes or couldn’t remember how the movie ended. I had no recollection of it at all. It was as if I were watching it for the very first time.
     
Then again, there may be a small advantage hidden in all of this. Most people only get to experience a great movie once. Apparently, I may have been allowed to enjoy Die Hard twice. If that’s the case, there are worse things in life than getting a second chance to be surprised by Bruce Willis.
   
I wrote earlier that I would not write about meals.
Had to. Couldn’t help it.
What they serve here is just too good.
     
I just got back from lunch, and today’s offering was Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. It was delicately prepared, delightfully seasoned, and absolutely delicious. I have once again to put in a good word for the chefs here—they consistently do an outstanding job. It’s a pleasure to sit down to a meal that has clearly been prepared with both skill and care. Compliments to the kitchen for another excellent lunch!
      GREAT PASTA!
After the excellent pasta, I decided to treat myself to a bowl of chocolate chip mint ice cream. The flavor was wonderful—rich, refreshing, and exactly what I had hoped for. Unfortunately, as has happened before, they filled the bowl right to the brim.
 
About half that amount would have been perfect. I’ve written about this before: people often believe that bigger automatically means better. It doesn’t. More food doesn’t necessarily create a better experience—it often just creates more waste. Sometimes, less really is more.
          ICE CREAM, TOO
In fact, when portions become too large, enjoyment often decreases while waste increases. Give me a modest serving that I can fully appreciate over a mountain of ice cream that leaves me feeling like I’ve accepted a dare.
     
So, I spent the afternoon watching Die Hard. What a good movie! Have you seen it? The strange thing is, I’m not sure if I’ve watched it before. Amazon insisted that I had, but I had absolutely no memory of it. I did enjoy watching this flick.
    THE MOVIE
At times, I found it difficult to keep track of all the bad guys, but that may say more about my memory than it does about the movie. Either way, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sometimes, even if you’ve seen a movie before—or perhaps especially if you don’t remember seeing it—it can feel brand new all over again.
     
While watching the movie, I completely lost track of time. I was convinced the day was moving toward evening, so I glanced at the clock expecting to see something like 5:00 or 6:00. Instead, it was only 2:33 in the afternoon. Apparently, I had been given a bonus portion of the day.
      EXTRA TIME?
That left me with an interesting question: what do you do when you suddenly discover you have a couple of extra hours to use up? I could write, go for a walk, exercise, watch another movie, or simply sit and think. It’s funny how we spend so much of our lives wishing for more time, and then, when we unexpectedly get it, we’re not quite sure what to do with it. 
      DINNER
Dinner tonight was homemade marinara sauce over manicotti and cooked vegetables — it was absolutely delicious. I continue to be impressed by the quality of the meals here. Time after time, the chefs create dishes that are flavorful, thoughtfully prepared, and genuinely enjoyable. I have to give them credit—every meal seems to arrive with an extra ingredient that can’t be found in any recipe: care.
   
>>>>>July 6
There are still clouds hanging around this morning. Honestly, I was beginning to suspect that I had accidentally moved to Seattle instead of Florida. Then, at long last, I noticed the sun making a brief appearance, as if it had overslept and was reluctantly reporting for duty.
     
It made me think about how often life works that way. We spend so much time staring at the clouds—the disappointments, the setbacks, the uncertainties—that we forget the sun is still there, patiently waiting for its moment to break through. The clouds may block our view for a while, but they never erase the light itself.
         
That could be one of life’s quietest lessons: difficult seasons can make us believe that hope has disappeared, when in reality, it has been hidden from sight. And then, often when we least expect it, the clouds part, the light returns, and we wonder how we ever doubted that it was there all along.
     
That could be true of happiness, hope, and even our best days. They don’t disappear—they just hide behind the weather for a while. And sometimes, all it takes is a small patch of blue sky to remind us that brighter moments are still on their way.
LUNCH
I wrote earlier that I wouldn’t say much more about the meals, but I know you’re probably getting hungry just reading this. The truth is, I can’t help myself. Every single meal has been so consistently delicious that it almost demands mention. When something is this good, keeping quiet about it feels almost like withholding valuable public information. 😄
   
I was running a bit late today, but lunch was every bit as good as usual. I ordered the pork sandwich, and it was absolutely scrumptious. When I was asked if I wanted French fries, I hesitated. Around here, “a serving of fries” can sometimes resemble a small mountain range. So, trying to exercise a bit of restraint, I asked for just four fries. To my surprise and delight, I received exactly four fries! I may have discovered a revolutionary new dining strategy.
   
After all, when the food is this consistently delicious, keeping quiet about it seems not only unfair but even slightly unethical. 😄 At some point, remaining silent begins to feel less like modesty and more like withholding valuable information from the public. I consider it my civic duty to report these culinary successes whenever they occur—which, fortunately for my taste buds, appears to be quite often.
     
To finish the meal, I enjoyed a delicious slice of pecan pie, which was the perfect ending to an excellent lunch. As always, the meal was prepared beautifully. I also want to commend Troy Harris and Lauren Christian for taking such good care of me as they brought my food.
     
Along with the talented chefs in the kitchen and the dedicated staff working behind the scenes, everyone plays an important role in making every meal here something truly special. Their teamwork, attention to detail, and genuine care shine through in every dish, creating an experience that is consistently enjoyable and deeply appreciated.
     
Their hard work, attention to detail, and genuine kindness shine through in everything they do. It’s easy to see that they take pride in creating not just delicious food, but a welcoming experience that makes each meal something to look forward to. They are truly an exceptional team, and I am grateful for all they do. 
     
The offerings were chicken and/or mashed potatoes and gravy. I asked for just a little of each; I got exactly that. One small chicken leg (poor chicken) and just a spoonful of potatoes. I asked for it, I got it. It was just the right amount for me.
     
I’m just very happy that Jasmine and April found this place for me to live.
     
>>>>>July 7
As the sun eases its way above the horizon, I’m greeted by a clear blue sky. After several cloudy mornings, it’s a welcome sight—and it feels as though the day is smiling before it has even properly begun.
     
There’s something wonderfully hopeful about a morning like this. A blue sky seems to whisper, “Go ahead… today’s full of possibilities.” It’s going to be a terrific day, and I intend to do my best to prove the sky right.
   
This morning, I didn’t hear a single bird out there. Apparently, even the birds decided to sleep in. As for me, I was up by 4:00 a.m.—which, for me, counts as sleeping in a little! The early morning has become one of my favorite times of day. The world is quiet, distractions are few, and my thoughts seem to arrive a little more clearly.
      BIRDS?
What time did you awaken today? Were you up before the birds, or did they beat you to it? Either way, I hope your day is off to a wonderful start and brings you plenty of reasons to smile before the sun has even finished stretching.  Yes, there is more to life than just humans.
     
For bald eagles, there isn’t a precise “alarm clock” time. They generally wake around dawn, much like many other daytime animals. As the first light appears, they begin preening their feathers, stretching, calling to one another, and then taking flight to hunt. In summer, they may be active before 6:00 a.m., while in winter, they often wait until the sun has brightened the landscape a bit.
      SLEEP
And yes—they absolutely do sleep. They usually perch high in a large tree, often near water. When asleep, they tuck their head backward under the feathers of one shoulder, balancing effortlessly on their powerful talons. It’s quite a peaceful sight, though most people never get to see it because they’re tucked away in quiet places.
     
Now for the ants!
Ants don’t sleep the way we do. Instead, they take many tiny naps throughout the day and night. A worker ant may take hundreds of brief naps every 24 hours, each lasting about a minute. Added together, they get around 4 to 5 hours of rest per day.
    MAKE WAY FOR THE QUEEN
The queen ant, however, enjoys much longer naps and can accumulate 9 or more hours of rest in a day. So if you’ve never seen an ant asleep, don’t worry—you’d almost need a magnifying glass and perfect timing! But have you seen your aunt sleep?
     
It’s amusing to think about it:
An eagle settles in for the night like a dignified king.
A human goes to sleep with a smile (hopefully.)
An ant says, “I’ll nap for 57 seconds… now back to work!”
An aunt says, “Let me sleep the whole night!
Nature never seems to stop finding creative ways to do things.
Even sleep comes in countless varieties.
ANIMALS
All mammals sleep.
PLANTS
While plants don’t sleep as humans do, they have an internal circadian rhythm that runs on a 24-hour cycle. At night, they stop photosynthesizing and enter a resting state to redirect energy into growth, repair, and the breakdown of glucose into usable energy.
      BIRDS
Yes, birds sleep, but in remarkable ways. Many can sleep with one eye open and half their brain awake, while special tendons in their legs automatically lock their feet onto branches, keeping them from falling.
      BUGS
Yes, bugs sleep, though it looks different from how humans do. Because insects don’t have eyelids, they don’t close their eyes. Instead, they enter a deep, sleep-like state of metabolic rest called torpor.
    FISH   
Fish sleep–But not in the same way land mammals do. Instead of closing their eyes (as they lack eyelids) and falling unconscious, they enter a low-energy state characterized by reduced activity, slower metabolism, and decreased responsiveness to their surroundings.
         
How about you?
Tired yet?
     
What a wonderful surprise! My daughter, Jasmine, called me while she was driving to work just to see how I was doing. That simple phone call brightened my day. She has such a kind and caring heart, and I never take that for granted. Thank you, Sweety. You are truly a blessing.
      THANKS, JASMINE
With a new place to live comes a new doctor. Ready? See if you can pronounce this one: Dr. Nektarios Demetriou. Go ahead—I dare you! 😄 Thankfully, he spoke excellent English, seemed knowledgeable, and struck me (but he didn’t strike me) as a genuinely nice guy. I think I’m in good hands with my new doctor.
      WHAT’S UP, DOC?
To get there, I rode in Legacy’s new bus. It seats about ten people, with plenty of room in the back for wheelchairs and walkers. As it turned out, I had the whole bus to myself, with Shakeia behind the wheel. It was a smooth, comfortable ride from start to finish.
     
The best part? Shakeia told me she reads my blog. That brought a big smile to my face. Knowing these words are reaching people I meet along the way makes writing them even more meaningful. Thanks for getting me there safely, Shakeia—and thanks for reading!
     
When I got back, they were already cleaning up the dining room. Even so, they made me a delectable hamburger with all the fixings. It felt a little strange being the only one left eating in the room, but there I was—king of the dining hall, at least for a few minutes. See Kit’s smile  😄.
   
I treated myself to a little wine this evening. Since I haven’t had any alcohol in quite a while, my tolerance apparently packed its bags and moved away. One glass in, and I was already feeling wonderfully relaxed.
     
If sleep doesn’t come tonight, it certainly won’t be because I didn’t give it every opportunity. I’m expecting to drift off with a smile—and if one glass can do all that, it’s probably best I don’t start thinking I’m a wine connoisseur.
     
>> >>>July 8
By evening, I’ve usually had my fill of television, so I often put the remote aside, climb into bed, and spend some time reading instead. Since I tend to turn in a little earlier these days, it’s not unusual for me to wake up around 3:00 a.m.
      SLEEP?
The quiet predawn hours have become an unexpected gift in my daily routine. The world is still, the distractions are few, and there is a peacefulness that’s hard to find at any other time of day. These early hours have become the perfect time to think, write, reflect, or simply sit in silence before the rest of the world awakens.
     
I’ve come to appreciate these moments. While many people are still dreaming, I get to enjoy the calm that comes just before sunrise—a reminder that every new day begins not with noise, but with quiet possibility.
      WALK THIS WAY . . .
Living on the third floor, three or more times a day I go to the elevator (about 220 meters) to go to the first floor, the dining area. I often walk the halls by myself, and I work in perfection in steps. Holding my head up high and maintaining a relaxed, smooth gate.
       
Lunch was tasty, no need to go into detail.
    START NOW!
Even if you’ve never experienced a brain injury or another life-altering tragedy, start today building the life you’ve always dreamed of. Don’t wait until you’re hit by a truck, land in jail, or face some other devastating wake-up call before making the changes that can lead to a happier, healthier, and more meaningful life. The best time to begin is now, my friend. Your future is being shaped by the choices you make today.
     
>>>>>July 9
Currently, I am rewriting my books, Accident and Your Amazing Brain. I’ve gotten through Your Amazing Brain; next comes Accident. I’m reading through “Your Amazing Brain”, and I see the changes I made greatly improve the book. Looks to be an astonishing book.
     
I went to the eye doc for some spectacles.
I ordered them to order some.   
I didn’t see anything of interest for lunch, so I didn’t.
I’m not hungry, so there you go.
Boy, that’s a lot of “I” s.
(And a fun time is had by all)
       
Today I spent much of the day re-editing my books, Accident and Your Amazing Brain. With each pass, they become a little stronger, a little clearer, and a little closer to the books I want readers to experience. It is satisfying to see them steadily improving.
     
For dinner, they served a pizza-and-spaghetti meal. There were three different dining locations in the building offering the same food. I chose the closest one simply because it was the most convenient. The meal was edible, but not particularly good. Then again, I suppose I shouldn’t expect gourmet cuisine in an assisted living facility.
     
I returned to my room fairly quickly. There wasn’t much happening in the dining room, and nothing was really waiting for me there. Back in my room, I could get back to what matters most to me—writing, thinking, and continuing to build something meaningful.
       
>>>>>July 10
At 5:30 this morning, I decided to stay in bed a little longer. That plan lasted only until I heard a knock at my door. A nurse had entered my abode, ready to draw some blood. I warned her that I’m usually a difficult stick and that most people end up using the back of my hand.
    WHAT A WAY TO AWAKEN!
After making sure she wasn’t a vampire, I let her get to work. To my surprise, she quickly slipped the needle in the back of my hand, then collected the sample, and was finished before I knew it. I remained comfortably tucked under the blanket, wearing nothing but my underwear, and within moments, she was gone.
     
Now I was awake for the day.
     
It was time for a shower, so I headed straight in. I shower twice a week, and it always feels wonderful to be clean. I don’t work out nearly as much as I did in my younger days, so I don’t feel the need for a daily shower. Twice a week suits me just fine.
      SHOWER TIME
Now it is 6:46 a.m., and I can see the sun just beginning to peek above the horizon outside my window. The sky is a brilliant, cloudless blue, and the first golden rays of morning are slowly washing over the landscape. Everything seems calm and peaceful, as if the day is quietly inviting the world to wake up.
     
It looks like it’s going to be a beautiful day. A new morning always brings fresh possibilities, another chance to learn, to grow, and to enjoy whatever adventures may come. As I watch the sunrise, I can’t help but feel grateful for another day and curious about what it might bring.
        FRIDAY AGAIN?
Wow—it just dawned on me that it’s already Friday again. Somehow, another week has flown by, which means it’s time to send another blog out into the world. So, here comes the newest installment, fresh from my keyboard to yours. So, thank you for joining me once again. Let’s see where today’s journey takes us.
   
One thing I enjoy about writing these blogs is making each one a little different from the last. I never want you to know exactly what to expect. Some weeks I tell stories, some weeks I share lessons I’ve learned, and other times I simply invite you to look at life from a new perspective. My hope is that every Friday brings a new adventure, a fresh idea, or perhaps just a reason to smile.
     
Time certainly has a way of keeping us on our toes. It seems like I just finished writing last week’s post, and now another Friday has arrived. The days may pass quickly, but each new week brings another opportunity to learn something new, grow a little stronger, and move one step closer to becoming the person we were meant to be.
      SHALL WE?
I hope that, as we continue this journey together, these weekly thoughts encourage you to pause for a few moments, reflect on your own life, and discover fresh ideas that help you move forward with greater purpose, joy, and determination.
   
I hope these words bring you encouragement, fresh ideas, or a new way of looking at life. I know they do that for me. Every time I sit down to write, I find myself reflecting, learning, and becoming just a little better in the process. Writing these blogs isn’t simply about sharing my thoughts—it’s one of the ways I continue to grow.
          DO IT NOW!
If something I write helps brighten your day, inspires you to take one more positive step, or reminds you that your best days may still be ahead, then every minute spent writing has been worthwhile.
     
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Every week, as I sit down to write, I never know exactly where the path will lead—and that’s part of the adventure. Life has a way of surprising us, teaching us, and opening doors we never expected. Let’s see where today’s adventure takes us.
      TRYING TO HELP
I truly appreciate you taking the time to read my words. My hope is that something here encourages you, makes you smile, gives you a new perspective, or reminds you that you are capable of more than you realize.
     
I’d love to hear your thoughts. If something resonates with you, if one of these ideas helps you, or if you’d like to say hello, please reach out. Hearing from readers is one of the greatest rewards of writing, and your comments inspire me to keep sharing. 

UNTIL NEXT TIME, KEEP GROWING,
AND KEEP MOVING BEYOND YOUR POTENTIAL.

You are your own greatest project—the most
important work you will ever undertake.
Whatever happens, never give up on yourself.
If you stumble, restart.
If life knocks you off course, reset.
If distractions pull you away from your goals,
refocus as many times as you need.

You can begin again as many times as necessary. Every fresh start is another opportunity to learn, grow, improve, and move one step closer to becoming the person you are truly capable of becoming. Never let a setback convince you that your story is over. Each new beginning is another chance to build a stronger, wiser, and more fulfilling life.
      CHANGE YOUR LIFE!
Perhaps make every Friday your Reset Day?
At the end of each week, pause for a few quiet moments and honestly examine your life. Ask yourself, What can I change this coming week to make my life even more magnificent?
And, how can I help others so that that helps me?
   
Are there habits that are no longer serving you? Is there something you should stop doing, start doing, or do a little better? Even the smallest improvements, repeated week after week, can lead to extraordinary results over time. Examination time.

Don’t wait for New Year’s Day or some distant “perfect” moment to reinvent yourself. Give yourself permission to start every Friday again.
Reset your priorities.
Refocus your mind.
Renew your commitment.
Reconnect with your purpose.
Become the very best person you are capable of becoming.
Then, do it all again next week.

ONCE A WEEK, EXAMINE YOUR LIFE

Set aside time once each week to take care of the most important project you will ever have—you.
Review your goals.
Celebrate your progress.
Learn from your mistakes without living in them.
Replace old habits that no longer serve you with new ones that move you forward. 
     
Ask yourself:
How can I make my life better? For myself and others.
What one change would make next week better than this one?
Step into the coming week with renewed energy, a clearer direction, and greater purpose.
     
Life is not transformed by one dramatic decision.
It is transformed by the small, intentional choices we make over and over again.
So make every Friday your personal reset day.
Your future isn’t built once a year.
It’s built once a week.
   
A magnificent life isn’t built in a single day.
It’s built one thoughtful reset at a time.
     
Today there was an outing, but I decided not to go. The group headed to a local restaurant, while I chose to stay here and work on my projects instead.
      LUNCH?
I’ll admit, part of my decision was financial. Any meal out would have come out of my own pocket, and since I don’t eat much anyway, it didn’t seem worth the expense. They feed me well here, so I was perfectly content to stay put.
     
So here I sit, typing away, watching the day unfold from my room. While others are out enjoying lunch together, I’m enjoying something different—the quiet satisfaction of creating, thinking, and moving another step forward.
     
Sometimes the best journey isn’t the one that takes you across town. Sometimes it’s the one that takes you deeper into your own thoughts, ideas, dreams, and possibilities. Today, my destination wasn’t a restaurant—it was a better idea, a clearer vision, and another step toward the life I continue to build.
     
Today, while others headed out for lunch, I stayed behind. Partly because I’m watching my spending, but mostly because I wanted the quiet. I’m not even hungry. The meals here are more than enough, and I would rather nourish my mind than simply fill my stomach.
   
There are times when the greatest adventures happen without ever leaving your chair. A peaceful hour spent thinking, writing, planning, or dreaming can take you farther than any short trip across town. Some of life’s most meaningful discoveries are made in silence, when you finally have the time to listen to your own thoughts.
JUNK CALLS?
A phone call came in, and I was pretty sure from the start that it was a junk call. The caller launched right into the usual script: “So, how are you doing today?”
I replied, “I could tell you… But it would probably take a few hours.”
There was a brief pause.
Click.
Apparently, he wasn’t looking for the extended director’s cut of my life story.
     
As you might know, I don’t like the words “How are you?” To me, they’re one of the greatest time-wasters in the English language. Most people don’t really expect an honest answer anyway—they’re already halfway down the hallway before you can say, “I’ve got a slight ache in my left knee.”
    THINK!
So when someone asks me, “How are you?” I simply reply, “Yes, I am.” And that’s it.
That usually earns me a puzzled look, a laugh, or a brief system reboot while they try to figure out what just happened. It saves time, keeps life interesting, and reminds people to ask better questions.
It may take time and effort, but always think first.
     
People need to think BEFORE they speak.
Far too many words are tossed into the world. 
So often without a moment of thought.
Once they’re spoken, they can’t be taken back.
A few seconds of thinking can prevent hours, days, or even years of regret.
So pause. Think. Then speak. I hope you do. Think about that for a while.     
==========================
BLOG 385–AS YOU AGE–DECADE BY DECADE

Aging well is not about erasing the years; it’s about collecting them. It means trading the fleeting stamina of youth for the unshakable agility of spirit. Every gray hair and wrinkle is a testament to the life you’ve lived, the battles you’ve won, and the joy you’ve shared. I have no gray hair or wrinkles, so I’m ahead of the game. 

Today you are alive!
Your heart is beating.
Fill your years with life.
Memories waiting to be made.
There are people to encourage.
Lessons to learn, adventures to pursue.
Don’t spend your days merely counting the years. 

The goal is not simply to live a long time. The goal is to live well, love deeply, laugh often, and leave the world a little better because you were here. When the end finally comes, may it find you not wishing you had lived, but grateful that you did.

WHAT WE HAVE TO LOOK FORWARD TO.
As you read these words, picture yourself and your own life.
This may bring back memories.
Is this your life? >>
     
Age One===========
Gu Gu, Ga Ga
Mama, Dada (or “Hey dude.”)
What else do babies say?
     
Teenage Years========
The teen years are an extraordinary time of rapid physical growth, expanding possibilities, and remarkable brain development. You’re discovering who you are while balancing a fierce desire for independence with an equally strong need to belong. It’s exciting, confusing, exhilarating, and occasionally dramatic—all before lunch.

Your emotional brain develops faster than the part responsible for judgment and long-term planning, which helps explain why life can feel like an emotional roller coaster. One moment you’re on top of the world; the next, it feels as though the world is against you.
     
The good news? That’s a perfectly normal part of growing up. Every challenge you face, every mistake you make, and every success you celebrate is helping build the wisdom, resilience, and character that will shape the remarkable adult you’re becoming. One day, you’ll look back and realize those very experiences were preparing you for a life far greater than you could have imagined.
     
20s================
The Era of Exploration and Risk-Taking. Focus: Self-discovery, career building, and figuring out adult life.Physical state: Peak physical capacity, high energy, and rapid recovery times. Life changes: Establishing independence, forming long-term relationships, and learning from mistakes.
   
Many people spend their lives trying not to think about death. They treat it as an unwelcome visitor, something to be ignored until it can no longer be avoided. Yet there is a strange freedom that comes from acknowledging it. When we stop pretending that our time is unlimited, we begin to see life more clearly.
     
Recognizing our mortality can also help us sort out what truly matters. Many of the things that consume our attention today will seem insignificant years from now. Petty arguments, grudges, and endless worries often lose their power when viewed through the lens of a limited lifetime. We begin to ask better questions:
Am I spending my time wisely?
Am I becoming the person I want to be?
Am I making a difference in others’ lives?
   
The awareness of death is not a call to despair. It is a call to action. It is a reminder to stop waiting for the perfect moment. Start the project. Write the book. Learn the language. Take the walk. Make the phone call. Tell someone you love them. The perfect time rarely arrives, but right now is available.

I LOVE YOU!

My own life has taught me this lesson repeatedly. I have come far closer to death than I ever expected. I spent more than a month in a coma after being struck by a truck. Then I was hit by a truck the second time. Many people assumed my best days were behind me.
     
Yet some of the most meaningful chapters of my life happened afterward. I wrote books, built businesses, traveled the world, met wonderful people, and discovered new reasons to be grateful. The lesson was simple: as long as you are alive, your story is not finished.
     
One day, each of us will take our final breath. We do not know when that day will come. That uncertainty is not a flaw in life—it is part of what makes life beautiful. We are given this moment, this hour, this day. What we do with it is up to us. So yes, one day you will die.
     
30s===============
Your 30s: The Building Years
The 30s are often a decade of building—building a career, relationships, a family, financial security, and a clearer sense of who you are. The uncertainty of youth begins to fade, replaced by a growing confidence born of experience, mistakes, and hard-earned lessons.
     
Physically, most people remain strong, energetic, and highly capable throughout their 30s, but subtle changes often begin to emerge. Recovery from late nights, strenuous workouts, and everyday stress may take longer than it once did.
     
Energy remains abundant, yet the body begins to offer gentle reminders that it benefits more from rest, consistency, and care than it did in earlier years. Metabolism gradually slows, making exercise, sleep, and nutrition more important than ever. For many, this is the decade when maintaining health becomes a conscious choice rather than something taken for granted.
     
Mentally, the 30s often bring increased focus and emotional maturity. Decision-making improves. Confidence grows. You become less concerned with impressing others and more interested in creating a life that genuinely reflects your values and goals.
     
At the same time, this decade can bring enormous pressure. Careers demand more. Relationships deepen. Children may enter the picture. Aging parents may require greater attention. Many people find themselves balancing multiple responsibilities while still pursuing their own dreams and ambitions.
     
Yet there is tremendous opportunity in these years. The lessons learned in your 20s begin to pay meaningful dividends. You discover that success is not simply about achieving more—it is about becoming more: more patient, more resilient, more compassionate, and more intentional. Experience gradually replaces uncertainty, and with it comes a deeper sense of confidence.
     
You also begin to understand that true growth does not come from avoiding challenges, but from learning how to rise through them. The setbacks, disappointments, and victories of earlier years become valuable teachers. With each experience, you gain greater perspective, stronger character, and a growing belief that you can handle whatever life places in your path.
     
The greatest gift of your 30s is clarity. You begin to realize that life is not a race against others, but a journey toward becoming the person you were always meant to be. While questions about the future still remain, you now possess something even more valuable: the confidence, wisdom, and inner strength to face whatever comes next.
     
40s===============
Your 40s can be among the most rewarding years of your life. You have enough experience to understand yourself better, enough wisdom to recognize what truly matters, and—hopefully—enough confidence to stop worrying so much about what everyone else thinks.
   
Physically, subtle changes become more noticeable. Muscle mass gradually begins to decline, metabolism slows, and recovering from exercise, injuries, or a night of poor sleep may take longer than it once did. Vision often changes, especially for close-up reading, and many people discover that they can no longer eat whatever they want without consequences. The body begins to send gentle reminders that maintenance is no longer optional.
     
For women, hormonal changes may begin as perimenopause approaches. For men, testosterone levels often decline gradually. Energy levels can fluctuate, and maintaining cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and healthy sleep habits becomes increasingly important.
   
Mentally, however, the 40s often bring a remarkable advantage: perspective. You begin to understand that not every problem deserves your energy, nor does every opinion deserve your attention. Confidence increasingly comes from experience rather than from proving yourself to others.
     
Emotionally, many people find greater stability and resilience. Life has likely delivered both victories and disappointments by now, and those experiences often create deeper empathy, patience, and wisdom. You may find yourself caring less about appearances and more about authenticity.
     
These years can also be demanding. Many people find themselves in the “sandwich generation,” balancing careers while supporting both growing children and aging parents. Responsibilities increase, but so does the understanding that time itself has become one of life’s most valuable resources.
   
Yet there is a gift hidden within the challenges of your 40s: clarity. You begin to see more clearly who you are, what matters most, and what dreams are still worth pursuing. You stop trying to live everyone else’s life and begin building your own with greater intention.
     
And perhaps the most wonderful realization of all? You discover that growing older is not about losing your youth—it’s about finally finding yourself. The years don’t simply take things away; they give things back: wisdom, perspective, resilience, gratitude, and a much better understanding of what truly matters.
   
Somewhere along the journey, you stop trying so hard to become the person you thought you were supposed to be and begin enjoying the person you actually are. And, if you’re lucky, you also gain the freedom to stop worrying about what everyone else thinks—which may be one of the greatest anti-aging treatments ever discovered.
   
Growing older isn’t about fading away. It’s about growing into yourself, laughing a little more, worrying a little less, and finally realizing that the best version of you was never behind you—it was quietly waiting ahead all along.
     
50s===============
For many people, the 50s became the decade of balancing everything at once. Often called the “Sandwich Generation,” this stage of life may involve caring for aging parents while still supporting growing children. Financial priorities shift toward preserving wealth, planning for retirement, and investing not just in lifespan, but in healthspan—the number of years we remain healthy, active, and independent.
     
Physically, aging becomes more visible—and more real. For women, menopause brings significant hormonal changes as estrogen levels decline, affecting bone density, heart health, and sometimes libido. Men experience hormonal shifts during andropause. Maintaining cardiovascular health, muscle strength, flexibility, and mobility becomes increasingly important.
     
You may notice that balance feels less steady as the inner ear changes. Reflexes slow, reaction times lengthen, and sleep often becomes lighter or shifts earlier. Taste and smell may fade somewhat, affecting appetite. Skin bruises more easily, years of sun exposure become more apparent, hearing may change, gums may recede, and teeth can become more sensitive.
     
Muscle mass and strength gradually decline, and metabolism slows. Everyday activities—lifting heavy objects, climbing stairs, or recovering after physical exertion—may require more effort than they once did. These changes can feel unsettling at first, but they are a normal part of the aging process.
   
You may also notice occasional memory lapses—a name forgotten momentarily or a word sitting frustratingly just out of reach. Fortunately, this is often a normal aspect of aging. The brain remains remarkably capable; it is simply processing information differently than it did decades earlier.
   
At the same time, major life transitions often arrive. Children may leave home, creating the “empty nest.” Retirement shifts from a distant concept to a real timeline requiring thoughtful planning. Questions of purpose, meaning, and how to spend the years ahead become increasingly important.

ALONGSIDE THESE PHYSICAL CHANGES,
SOMETHING REMARKABLE OFTEN EMERGES. 

Stress frequently decreases. Emotional resilience deepens. Confidence grows. Perspective widens. Many people report feeling more comfortable in their own skin than at any other point in their lives. You begin to see more clearly what truly matters—and what never really did.
     
The encouraging news is that the body continues to respond extraordinarily well to care and attention. Exercise strengthens the heart, preserves muscle, supports balance, and protects brain health. Healthy habits still matter—a great deal. A body that is challenged, used, and cared for continues to adapt.
     
Your 50s are not simply a decade of aging. They can become a decade of wisdom, resilience, renewed purpose, and the growing realization that some of life’s greatest strengths arrive not in youth, but in experience.
     
60s===============
I’m currently 67, myself.
Life in Your 60s–Growing Older, Growing Wiser.
Mobility, memory, and independence often take center stage.
You may notice that balance isn’t quite what it once was.
Changes in the inner ear affect stability.
   
Reflexes slow, reaction times lengthen, and sleep often becomes lighter and more fragmented. Bedtime, which once seemed like a suggestion rather than a requirement, may begin arriving much earlier than we ever would have imagined—or preferred—when we were younger. Staying up until midnight suddenly feels less like an adventure and more like a strategic error.
     
Other changes can be subtle but noticeable. Taste and smell may gradually diminish, affecting appetite and enjoyment of food. Skin bruises more easily, teeth may become more sensitive, and maintaining muscle strength, joint flexibility, and cardiovascular health requires more intentional effort than before.
   
You might also experience occasional memory lapses—a word that sits frustratingly just out of reach, or a trip to the kitchen that ends with the timeless question: “Now, why did I come in here?” Fortunately, this is usually a normal part of aging. The brain remains remarkably capable; it is simply operating differently than it did decades earlier, drawing more on experience, wisdom, and perspective than on speed alone.
     
Yet an unexpected gift often accompanies this stage of life: greater emotional resilience. Many people report feeling less stress, less anxiety, and a stronger sense of what truly matters. Wisdom deepens. Perspective broadens. The opinions and worries that once seemed so important often lose their grip.
     
For many, the 60s also bring significant life transitions. Careers may wind down, children have long since grown, and personal identity expands beyond work and responsibility. New opportunities emerge for family, friendships, hobbies, travel, creativity, and personal growth.
     
While some physical abilities may change, the capacity to learn, love, laugh, create, and contribute remains very much alive. In fact, many people discover that some of life’s greatest joys and deepest insights arrive during this decade. 

IN MANY WAYS, YOUR 60S ARE  NOT ABOUT GETTING OLDER.
THEY ARE ABOUT GROWING WISER. 

70s==============
Often called the “Go-Go” years—a time when many people continue to travel, pursue hobbies, strengthen friendships, and enjoy the freedom that retirement can bring. The focus shifts toward maintaining independence, preserving health, and making the most of each day.
   
Aging may bring more noticeable physical changes, but many adults who stay active continue to enjoy strong cognitive abilities, emotional well-being, and a rich, fulfilling quality of life. Yes, life can get better as you get older.
   
During this decade, muscle loss tends to accelerate, affecting strength, balance, and speed. The immune system also becomes less efficient, which can lengthen recovery from illness or injury. Vision may change, digestion often slows, and the body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients gradually declines.
   
Bone density continues to decrease, increasing the risk of fractures and making even minor falls more serious. Some people also notice a slight loss of height as changes occur in the spine and bones. These physical changes are a natural part of aging and serve as an important reminder of the value of staying active, maintaining a healthy diet, and caring for overall health.
   
Yet there is another side to the 70s that often receives far less attention—and it may be the most important part of all. While the body may slow, many people discover a deeper sense of gratitude, perspective, and contentment. Life’s priorities become clearer, and the simple moments often become the most meaningful.
   
Many people experience a deep sense of contentment during these years. There is often less pressure to prove oneself, less concern about what others think, and a greater appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. Wisdom, earned through decades of experience, brings perspective. Relationships become more meaningful. Small moments become more precious.
     
There is a quiet satisfaction that can emerge in this decade—a feeling not of reaching the end, but of finally understanding what mattered all along. The pace may slow, but for many, the richness of life grows deeper than ever.
     
80s==============
Your 80s are not a slowdown—they’re a shift in rhythm—the “Slow-Go” Years.
Conserving energy, simplifying daily routines, and finding joy in meaningful moments.
You have much more to add to the world.
         
Physical State: Reduced stamina, increased risk of falls, and a greater need for assistance with physically demanding tasks. Life Changes: More time with family, reflecting on life’s journey, and adapting the environment for comfort, safety, and independence.
     
Your 80s aren’t a slowdown—they’re a shift in rhythm. The body moves more gently. Muscles thin, balance wavers, energy comes in waves. Breathing may take more effort. Appetite shrinks, even as nutrition becomes more important.
   
And still—the body responds. Gentle movement, stretching, and daily activity matter more than ever. Strength can still be built, slowly and steadily. Memory may become selective. Names drift. Details wander. But wisdom sharpens. You see what really matters faster—and release what doesn’t.
   
Emotionally, life often deepens and becomes more meaningful. Gratitude expands. Small moments—a heartfelt conversation, a beautiful sunrise, a warm cup of tea shared with a friend—take on an extraordinary richness.
     
You begin to discover that happiness was never found solely in life’s grand achievements, major milestones, or celebrated victories. Instead, you realize that some of life’s greatest joys have been quietly surrounding you all along—hidden in simple conversations, peaceful mornings, meaningful people, shared laughter, warm cups of tea, and moments of gratitude.
   

YES–HE’S 80!

These ordinary experiences, so easily overlooked in earlier years, had been there all along—quietly and patiently waiting to be noticed, appreciated, and cherished for the extraordinary gifts they had always been.
     
It turns out that happiness was never hiding on some distant mountaintop after all; it was sitting in a comfortable chair, watching a sunset, sharing a conversation, and wondering where we had misplaced our reading glasses.
     
Independence evolves. It’s less about doing everything alone and more about staying engaged. Support becomes connection, not weakness. And the bigger truth? Aging isn’t just decline—it’s transformation. You’re not losing life… you’re learning to live it differently.
   
In your 80s, the body begins to move to a different tempo. Muscles become thinner, balance may feel less certain, and energy often arrives in waves rather than in steady streams. Breathing can require more effort. Appetite may decrease, even as proper nutrition becomes more important than ever.
     
Yet the remarkable truth is this: the body still responds. Gentle exercise, stretching, walking, and daily movement continue to strengthen muscles, improve balance, and enhance quality of life. Progress may come more slowly, but it still comes.
   
Memory can become more selective. Names occasionally drift away. Details sometimes wander off on adventures of their own. But something else often grows stronger: wisdom. You become quicker at recognizing what truly matters—and more willing to let go of what never really did.
     
Emotionally, life often gains a new depth and richness. Gratitude grows. Small moments become extraordinary: a meaningful conversation, a beautiful sunrise, a grandchild’s laugh, or even a warm cup of tea shared with a friend.
     
Independence also takes on a new meaning. It becomes less about doing everything alone and more about remaining engaged, connected, and purposeful. Accepting support is not a weakness; it is another form of strength.
     
And perhaps the greatest truth of all is this: aging is not merely a process of decline—it is a process of transformation. You are not losing your life. You are learning, one day at a time, how to live it differently—and, in many ways, more deeply than ever before.
     
90s=============
The body becomes softer, slower, and more deliberate. Strength and balance require greater care. Energy becomes precious—something to be spent wisely and treasured deeply. Simple tasks may take longer, but unexpectedly, that extra time gives each moment greater meaning.
   
Health often becomes a daily conversation. Vision and hearing may fade. Memory becomes selective—some details drift away, while others shine with astonishing clarity. The body asks for patience, and in return, it teaches patience better than any teacher ever could. 

AND THIS IS WHERE LIFE BECOMES QUIETLY MAGNIFICENT. 

Perspective in your 90s can feel like standing atop a mountain after a very long climb. You have seen joy and heartbreak, triumph and loss, beginnings and endings. The small things that once seemed so important finally fall away. What remains becomes beautifully clear: connection, comfort, kindness, and simply being present.
   
The simplest pleasures take on extraordinary value—a warm room on a cool day, a familiar voice on the telephone, sunlight spilling through a window, a favorite song, or the gentle touch of a hand held with love. Moments are no longer rushed. They are savored.

AND EVEN HERE—
PERHAPS ESPECIALLY HERE—
LIFE STILL RESPONDS TO ENGAGEMENT. 

 A short walk.
A gentle stretch.
Sitting tall with purpose.
Sharing a story.
Offering a smile.
The body still listens.
The spirit still grows.
The heart still connects.
   
Connection becomes gold. Conversations, laughter, and shared memories become priceless treasures. And happiness? It doesn’t disappear with age. It simply changes. It becomes quieter. Deeper. Steadier. And perhaps that is the greatest lesson of the 90s: a meaningful life was never measured by speed, strength, or youth—but by love, wisdom, gratitude, and the courage to keep embracing each precious day. 

THE BIGGER PICTURE—
AGING ISN’T THE END OF THE STORY—
IT’S THE REFINEMENT OF IT. 

Less noise. More meaning.
Less rushing. More noticing.
Less proving. More being.
Every decade still offers something.
And if you keep showing up—moving, connecting, engaging—then life keeps showing up right back.
   
Recognizing our mortality can also help us sort out what truly matters. Many of the things that consume our attention today will seem insignificant years from now. Petty arguments, grudges, and endless worries often lose their power when viewed through the lens of a limited lifetime. We begin to ask better questions: Am I spending my time wisely? Am I becoming the person I want to be? Am I making a difference in others’ lives?
     
The awareness of death is not a call to despair. It is a call to action. It is a reminder to stop waiting for the perfect moment. Start the project. Write the book. Learn the language. Take the walk. Make the phone call. Tell someone you love them. The perfect time rarely arrives, but today is available.
   
My own life has taught me this lesson repeatedly. I have come far closer to death than I ever expected. I spent more than a month in a coma after being struck by a truck. Then, some years later, I was hit by another truck. Many people assumed my best days were behind me.
   
Yet some of the most meaningful chapters of my life happened afterward. I wrote books, built businesses, traveled the world, met wonderful people, and discovered new reasons to be grateful. The lesson was simple: as long as you are alive, your story is not finished.
   
One day, each of us will take our final breath. We do not know when that day will come. That uncertainty is not a flaw in life—it is part of what makes life beautiful. We are given this moment, this hour, this day. What we do with it is up to us. So yes, one day you will die.
     
But today you are alive. Today, your heart is beating. Today, there are people to encourage, lessons to learn, adventures to pursue, and memories waiting to be made. Don’t spend your days merely counting the years. Fill your years with life.
     
The goal is not simply to live a long time. The goal is to live well, love deeply, laugh often, and leave the world a little better because you were here. When the end finally comes, may it find you not wishing you
… Now that’s a decade with stories carved into its bones.
 
The body becomes softer, slower, more deliberate. Strength and balance require care. Energy is precious—spent wisely. Simple things take more time, but moments gain value. Health becomes a daily conversation. Vision and hearing may fade. Memory becomes selective—some things drift, others glow brighter than ever. The body asks for patience… and teaches it in return.
     
And here’s where it turns quietly magnificent…
Perspective feels like standing on a mountaintop. You’ve seen, lived, survived. The small stuff finally falls away. What remains is clear: connection, comfort, kindness, presence.
     
Simple joys shine—a warm room, a familiar voice, sunlight through a window, a hand to hold. Moments aren’t rushed… they’re savored. And yes—even here—life still responds to engagement.
   
Gentle movement matters. A short walk. A stretch. Sitting tall with intention. The body may whisper now—but it still listens.
Connection becomes gold. Conversations, laughter, shared memories—they light up the spirit.
And happiness? It doesn’t disappear. It settles in. Quiet. Steady. Real.
   
The Bigger Picture
Aging isn’t the end of the story—it’s the refinement of it.
Less noise. More meaning.
Less rushing. More noticing.
Less proving. More being.
Every decade still offers something.
And if you keep showing up—moving, connecting, engaging—then life keeps showing up right back.
     
100+==============
Are you there yet?
Living beyond 100—becoming a centenarian or even a supercentenarian (beyond 100)—is no longer as rare as it once was. While the body naturally slows and physical challenges increase, many people who reach this age maintain a surprising degree of independence, purpose, and life satisfaction. Will you get there? 

AS YOU MIGHT KNOW,
I PLAN ON LIVING
BEYOND THE AGE OF 100!
(WILL YOU JOIN ME?)  

Mobility often requires extra support, and vision, hearing, or other health issues become more common. Yet many centenarians delay serious illness until the very end of life, a phenomenon known as “compression of morbidity.” Some retain remarkable mental sharpness, demonstrating the brain’s ability to adapt and remain resilient.
   
Perhaps most striking is their outlook on life. Centenarians are often described as resilient, adaptable, and optimistic. Strong relationships, a sense of purpose, healthy habits, and sometimes a bit of good genetic fortune all play important roles in achieving exceptional longevity.
      WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT AGE?
Living past 100 isn’t just adding candles to the cake—it’s becoming the cake.
Layered with stories, a little worn in places, but rich with meaning.
Memories to cherish.
     
The body moves differently now. Strength is lighter, balance needs attention, and energy becomes something you spend wisely. Simple actions—standing, walking, getting dressed—can take effort. But the body still responds. Gently. Slowly. Consistently. A little movement still says, “I’m here.”
     
Health becomes a daily partnership. Vision and hearing may fade, memory may shift, but awareness deepens. You learn your rhythms—when to rest, when to move, when to try again. It’s less about pushing hard and more about moving wisely.
   
Emotionally, something powerful happens.
The noise fades.
What matters becomes clear.
A warm cup of tea.
A familiar voice.
Sunlight through a window.
A hand to hold.
These aren’t small things—THEY ARE EVERYTHING! 
   
There’s a deep sense of presence. No rush. No need to prove anything. Just being here carries weight. Perspective sharpens. Life feels distilled—simple, but full. And even here, life responds to engagement. A smile matters. A few steps matter. A shared story matters. At 100, you’re still teaching—through presence, through resilience, through the way you continue.
    RELAX — SLOW DOWN
It’s slower. Softer. Simpler.
But also deeper. Clearer. More meaningful.
And if you keep showing up, even in small ways…
You’re still very much in the game!  
   
Many people spend their lives trying not to think about death. They treat it as an unwelcome visitor, something to be ignored until it can no longer be avoided. Yet there is a strange freedom that comes from acknowledging death. When we stop pretending that our time is unlimited, we begin to see life more clearly.
   
Living past 100 isn’t just adding candles to the cake—it’s becoming the cake: layered with stories, a little worn in places, but rich with meaning. The body moves differently now. Strength is lighter, balance requires attention, and energy becomes something you spend wisely. Simple actions—standing, walking, getting dressed—may take more effort.
     
Frailty is common, yet many centenarians reach this remarkable milestone by avoiding or delaying major chronic diseases. Vision and hearing may fade, memory may shift, and health care often becomes a daily partnership. But the body still responds—gently, slowly, consistently. A little movement still says, “I’m here.”
    FREEDOM
Living beyond 100—becoming a centenarian or even a supercentenarian—is no longer as rare as it once was. While the body naturally slows and physical challenges increase, many people who reach this age maintain a surprising degree of independence, purpose, and life satisfaction.
   
Mobility often requires extra support, and vision, hearing, or other health issues become more common. Yet many centenarians delay serious illness until the very end of life, a phenomenon known as “compression of morbidity.” Some retain remarkable mental sharpness, demonstrating the brain’s ability to adapt and remain resilient.
   
Perhaps most striking is their outlook on life. Centenarians are often described as resilient, adaptable, and optimistic. Strong relationships, a sense of purpose, healthy habits, and sometimes a bit of good genetic fortune all play important roles in achieving exceptional longevity.
      COMFORT
This stage of life is often centered on comfort, quality of life, family, storytelling, and legacy. You learn your rhythms: when to rest, when to move, and when to try again. It’s less about pushing hard and more about moving wisely.
   
Emotionally, something powerful often happens: the noise fades, and what truly matters becomes crystal clear. A warm cup of tea, a familiar voice, sunlight through a window, a hand to hold—these are no longer small things; they are everything.

THERE IS A DEEP SENSE OF PRESENCE.
NO RUSH. NO NEED TO PROVE ANYTHING.
SIMPLY BEING HERE CARRIES MEANING.
PERSPECTIVE SHARPNESS. 

Life feels distilled—simpler, yet somehow fuller. And even at 100 and beyond, life still responds to engagement. A smile matters. A few steps matter. A shared story matters. Centenarians continue to teach—not just with words, but through their resilience, perspective, and willingness to keep showing up.
   
It’s slower. Softer. Simpler.
But also deeper. Clearer. More meaningful.
And if you keep showing up, even in small ways, you’re still very much in the game. 
No, it’s not just adding candles to the cake—it’s becoming the cake.
Layered with stories, a little worn in places, but rich with meaning.
   
The body moves differently now. Strength is lighter, balance needs attention, and energy becomes something you spend wisely. Simple actions—standing, walking, getting dressed—can take effort. But the body still responds. Gently. Slowly. Consistently. A little movement still says, “I’m here.”
    YOUR BODY
Health becomes a daily partnership. Vision and hearing may fade, memory may shift, but awareness deepens. You learn your rhythms—when to rest, when to move, when to try again. It’s less about pushing hard and more about moving wisely.
     
Emotionally, something powerful happens. The noise fades. What matters becomes clear. A warm cup of tea. A familiar voice. Sunlight through a window. A hand to hold. These aren’t small things—they’re everything.
   
A deep sense of presence begins to emerge. The urgency that once drove so much of life gradually softens. The need to prove yourself—to anyone, including yourself—quietly fades into the background. Simply being here, fully present and intentional, carries a profound significance all its own.
     
You discover that worth was never found in constant achievement, but in awareness, gratitude, and the ability to truly experience each moment. Life becomes less about racing toward the next destination and more about appreciating the remarkable privilege of the journey itself.
   
Perspective sharpens. Life becomes distilled, stripped of much of the noise and distraction that once seemed so important. What remains is remarkably simple, yet infinitely rich: a conversation, a memory, a sunrise, a hand to hold, a moment of laughter. Life may become smaller in some ways, but it also becomes fuller. And in that fullness lies a wisdom that can only be earned by truly living.
    THEY ARE THERE FOR YOU
And even here, life responds to engagement.
A smile matters.
A few steps matter.
A shared story matters.
     
At 100, you’re still teaching—through presence, through resilience, through the way you continue.
It’s slower. Softer. Simpler.
But also deeper. Clearer.
More meaningful.
And if you keep showing up, even in small ways… you’re still very much in the game!  

WILL YOU BE THE FIRST TO REACH 200 YEARS OF AGE?

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. ✨
      
“Beautiful young people are accidents of nature.
But beautiful old people are works of art.” — Eleanor Roosevelt.
   
“Stop that!
You’re too young to be old.”— Kit Summers.
   
“Aging is not lost youth, but a new stage.
of opportunity and strength.” — Betty Friedan.
   
“The best thing about getting older is that.
” You don’t lose all the other ages you’ve been.” — Madeleine L’Engle
     
“You are never too old to set another goal.
Or to dream a new dream.” — C.S. Lewis
     
“Wrinkles will only go where the smiles have been.” – Jimmy Buffet.
     
“Count your age by friends, not years.
Count your life by smiles, not tears.” – John Lennon.
     
“Age is something that doesn’t matter…
unless you are a cheese!” – Billie Burk.
     
“Aging is just another word for living.” – Cindy Joseph.
             
“When we were small children, we all played dress-up.
And everybody had a good time. So why stop?” – Iris Apfel
   
“We are always the same age inside.” – Gertrude Stein.
   
“One day, you will look back and see that all.
along you were blooming.” – Morgan Harper Nichols.
     
“Getting old is like climbing a mountain;
You get a little out of breath.
But the view is much better!” – Ingrid Bergman.
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PART 5—YOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK >>>>>
At times, older adults need help.
This week, find three older people.
Those who need help — help them!
One day you will need help, too.
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PART 6) NEXT WEEK>>>>>​BLOG 386–YES, YOU CAN GET BETTER!
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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! 🌟

✨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.