PORCH
🌞
a Christ-centered
iron-sharpening-iron
weekend newsletter
gentle conversation & calming snapshots
uplifting linkage & occasional surprises
for those who delight in doing life
in the company of kindred spirits
1 Corinthians 13:12
Hey All ~
Last week my doctor and I chatted about those fuzzy moments when we can't quite find the right name or the exact word we're searching for.
We laughed as he observed, 'too many files open.' The guy hit the nail on the head.
I find this a mildly frustrating part of the aging process and am fortunate enough to have people in my life who'll give me an extra few seconds or gently toss the missing terminology my way.
There's a million and ten things that clog those brainwaves.
The irritating demands of technology. Our numbing addiction to scrolling and clicking and skimming. Far too many irons in the fire or fingers in every available pie. Tasks that remain undone, must-dos that are ignored, real life piles that take up sweet white space in our homes.
Stress from the news of the day. Family drama or trauma. Unfinished business that relentlessly sloshes around within. And yes, the aging process.
I don't know what opened files intrude in your day to day life. But if this is a challenge for you, I sure would like to hear what's taking up valuable bandwidth in your brain. And what you do to close those files down, simplify your schedule, and quiet your life.
Let's compare notes.
Linda
I haven't regretted one moment of leaving Facebook and Twitter, Linda. My brain, it seems, was continuously addled. The news does that fine all by itself! But a good lesson for all of us should be to pull back, shut the shades, and meditate on the truths God has for us. My new app, Hallow, is helping me do just that. When the weather is pleasant, I'll sit outside with this daily Gospel invitation and immerse myself in God's presence.
ReplyDeleteBlessings from my porch to yours!
Sitting outside with God in His creation. Yes and amen. Isn't this spring the hugest soother for addled minds? Thanks for kicking off this conversation, Martha. I think too many of us are walking around over-flooded ... and we don't even realize it.
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It can be hard to determine how to respond to doctor's comments as we age. We want them to be as thorough as they have ever been and yet we feel more concerned about what all the tests and numbers may say. We've never been this age before and the last few years we were terrorized by lockdowns and viruses and vaccines and more. I think there is little doubt that technology has played us. Most of us are now dependent on our smartphones and we no longer memorize phone numbers or carry day-timers where we write our appointments. Not doing those things means not using those parts of our brain now as we once did. We live in sound bites. I am old fashioned and even though I did some reading digitally from the library during lockdowns, I don't like it for many reasons including liking the feel of a book in my hands and also how it doesn't influence my brain to scan more than reflect. It's an upside down world for those of us who are older and never is my intimacy with the Lord as important as it is now. I am abundantly aware of my age since there is a big number ahead in the fall, but I more and more take each day as the gift it is. That's all the Lord has given me grace for.💝
ReplyDeleteI am so resonating with you this evening, Pam. You've said it well about us not using those parts of our brain like we once did ... and oh yes, the perils of living in sound bites. For sure. I find it takes longer to settle down with a hefty read after skimming online bits and pieces for years.
DeleteAnd yes, I have become abundantly aware of my age and find that particularly unsettling. Thank God for blogging because I do believe it's one of the things He's using to keep my mind fairly sharp and focused. The writing and repeated massaging of essays before hitting the PUBLISH button is good medicine indeed.
Have a good weekend, friend. My life is richer with you in it.
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A mildly frustrating part of the ageing process is going upstairs to the bathroom only to discover you live in a one-storey bungalow.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Lol!
DeleteOh that would be a problem, wouldn't it ...
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“Too many files…”
ReplyDeleteThat’s brilliant!
I’m leaning HARD into scripture memory these days as an anchor to truth and an
exercise for this aging brain. Whatever sticks is a bonus and the process is cleansing and reminds me how to pay attention.
An Anchor to Truth
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Exercise for an Aging Brain
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Something That's Calling My Name
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Oh I am finding this happens more and more lately and it's so frustrating!!
ReplyDeleteIt's sounding like we're all in good company. That helps!
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Linda, I struggle with finding the right word quite a bit. I have also gotten to where I will slur my words at times, or combine words, making new words. I guess it could be too many files open (I have no doubt we all struggle with this), but even having let some things go I still struggle. I am only in my mid-forties, and the way my memory is going, I worry about getting older! But, God is faithful and I am sure it will be fine.
ReplyDeleteCindy, yes, I find it comforting that God is faithful, that He never changes like shifting shadows, that He's the same yesterday, today, forever ... especially when all around us is shifting and morphing and changing. There's so much security and peace to be found in our faith. Thank You, Lord.
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I am just beyond the fifty mark and find I have too many files open at times, too, which I believe has more to do with "fibro fog". Accessing words at times can be a little frustrating--espescially as a writer. I love your photos, Linda.:)
ReplyDeleteYes, yes. Fibro fog, covid fog, grief fog ... these are real experiences. I feel like the writing we do is certainly helpful as we work through the foggy times to more clarity.
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So, I won't ask online...how old are you? As you look at aging it makes me curious😊.
ReplyDelete* via text
Of course you can ask! 68 is on the horizon. And I just can't believe it!
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Linda, my long to-do lists would testify that I'm guilty in so many ways of having too many files open. But in another way, my list helps me. On the days I add tasks to the list and remember I'll get too them when I can, my list helps. But on the days I get overly focused on crossing items off, it can add to it. And as for a foggy brain and words that come slower ... I can totally identify!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Donna ... I love a good list. Writing things down helps clear our heads, brings organization and clarity. And it feels oh so wonderful to cross items off one by one as they're done.
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Yes, I have too many files open! I deleted Facebook and Twitter earlier this year and I find it has helped me! I look forward to seeing you in my inbox!
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what Martha said way up top ... do you miss them? Do you find yourself blogging more or do Instagram?
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Too many files open could be the cause of some of our memory fogginess, Linda, thanks for sharing...now if I can just remember it. Ha! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're here, Lisa ...
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Oh Linda, this so resonates with me, also some of the comments. It seems the older I get, the more behind I get in this world, both physically and mentally. Sometimes I feel like I just can't keep up... I did need a slower routine already from chronic illness, but now even more so. And then there are all those other dramas and traumas you mentioned, both in family and in this world. :( Yes, too many files open for sure... Lord, have mercy! Thank you, my friend, for being vulnerable. Love and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteYou're so wise, Trudy, noticing what's true about your body, mind, and soul ... and responding to yourself with respect, kindness, and gentleness. I really appreciate your vulnerability and honesty in sharing where you're coming from, friend. I know many readers will sigh with relief, grateful to hear that they aren't alone.
DeleteBless you.
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One file to keep open: physical exercise. They say it provides numerous benefits, including improved brain function. I detest it, but I do it (!)--and I think it does help on many fronts.
ReplyDeleteThis is true for most of us, isn't it. Even when we drag ourselves out the door, by the time we've returned from a good walk / run, we're amazed at the difference it makes.
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Linda, love the analogy, "too many files open"! While I am meticulous at not having too many files and windows open on my computer, my mind is the wild west. A serial multi-tasker, I am busy on multiple things at once too often. I am learning this is not a good way to do life! Because while I may do many things or think about many things, nothing is really done well, or resolved.
ReplyDeleteI am blocking out 1 hour every evening before bed where all devices are shut off, lights are low, and I sit quietly with the Lord, reviewing my day with Him. Focusing on the good, the bad, and the ugly through His gracious lens of forgiveness. It helps me let go, and refocus.
'my mind is the wild west'
DeleteI love that image, Donna. And I hear you about being a serial multi-tasker ... back in the day that was my thing. But no more. My brain cells can't handle it.
What a way to end the day, a quiet hour with the Lord, no screens or distractions, just you and Him processing and communing together. This is the stuff of sweet dreams.
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It's always nice to be reminded I'm not the only one who struggles sometimes to find that right word. :) Yes, we all have so many tabs open these days. It's good to close down a few and breathe a little easier.
ReplyDeleteSo how do you close down those tabs, friend? Just curious ...
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I like that: too many files open. That made me chuckle. I was talking to someone just the other day how it used to be I never forgot a name and a face. Now the face is fuzzy and the name gone. Well...it isn't quite that bad but it sure makes me realize my memory is not as sharp as it once was. I have never been on FB or Twitter and have also never regretted it. I have enough going on without adding more to my addled mind. :)
ReplyDelete'Now the face is fuzzy and the name gone.'
DeleteIncredibly well-said, Bill.
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I definitely relate to the feeling of having too many files open. Partly I think it's because my job requires me to juggle lots of different things at once, but it is important to find times to pause and switch off from it all.
ReplyDeleteSo ... what do you do to switch it all off, Lesley? I'm interested ...
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I will have to borrow "too many files open" for my boss. Lol. Fortunately, she respects my work-life boundaries. When I am done work for the day, I don't check e-mails again until the next day. They don't pay me enough money to reply to e-mails after hours. Ha!
ReplyDeleteI used to pride myself in having a good memory, but these days I have trouble remembering exact birthdays (I remember birthday months) and the ages of friends' kids.
Oh yes, the birthdays. I remember the months, but not the dates. Except for the most immediately family (the ones that have been in my life for 40+ years). I no longer feel like a terrible grandparent, friend, or whoever. But I DO keep a pretty good calendar going. I think it's important to remember.
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This happens with Fibromyalgia too, it's called fibro fog. I just explain on bad days that I've lost my words today.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Jennifer
Yes, yes. 'I've lost my words today' says it all. And no more needs to be said, right?
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I enjoyed looking at your photos. Yes, we do have too many files open! Thanks Linda for visiting my blog and I hope you enjoy the rest of the week and weekend.
ReplyDeleteI love getting to know other bloggers! That's what we're all about.
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Linda, I'm the same way add forgetting the names of common objects to. Lol. To many files open hits the mark for sure. I have to tell you in your description of the porch newsletter I love how you said "for those who delight in doing life
ReplyDeletein the company of kindred spirits" because it's so true and I do love spending time with all of you, my kindred spirits.
Thank you bunches for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month sweet friend.
Thanks for your input on the description, Paula. It keeps evolving ... I can't quite say what I want to say in as few words as possible.
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