I lament the inaction on climate change, the frightening decisions being handed down by the Supreme Court, unwillingness to do anything meaningful about gun violence, Politicians still successfully running on the “big lie”, white supremacy rearing its ugly head in Idaho, antisemitism, attacks on Public Education, CRT misinformation, replacement theory, Q returning, Putin…….. what a list. I mentioned last week, I think the great American Experiment will prevail and grow stronger. I take comfort in the many people who have put themselves at personal risk to do what is right; Cassidy Hutchinson, Alexander Vindman, Liz Cheney and so many others. Our personal freedoms are not assured by gun ownership but by a vision of a nation where all people are created equal.
This week culminated a month long slump in my golf game. I have been playing for 65 years and certainly up and downs are to be expected. I am not a player who practices or takes lessons but have relied on muscle memory and occasional advice from my spouse. Facing the prospect of quitting the game, this would not be the first time, I decided to take a lesson. As I explained to the Golf Pro, it dawned on me that I needed to take a new approach. It did not take long for the instructor to analyze my set up and swing and give practical advice to regain lost consistency. I have played l8 since my lesson and although I am not ready for The Open, the improvement was obvious. So what’s the point! You can teach an old dog new tricks.
I have heard this expression for years and wondered who said it, John Fitzherberts Book of Husbandry, circa 1523, used the phrase, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” referred to difficulty of teaching a new skill to an older canine. What it really has come to mean is the challenge of getting humans to evolve to new mindsets when the old thinking is set in their beliefs and behaviors. It turns out you can teach an old dog new tricks. For me, taking responsibility for self improvement or change comes first, iit must be followed by a commitment to practice and seek advice and knowledge, this old dog could change the outcome.
My hope is that each of us can make a change for our own well being and for the good of the communities in which we live. Hope is not a winning strategy without action. Mike
Observation
