Accomplishments, Dreams, And A Pill For More Time

The Book Of Questions Prompts by Gregory Stock, Ph.D. — What is the greatest accomplishment of your life? Is there anything you hope to do that is even better?

Living to be seventy-one years young, is the greatest accomplishment of my life. In twenty-twenty-one, 65.2 was the life expectancy for Native Americans and Alaskan Natives in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For other groups of people, the life expectancy was seventy, seventy-six, seventy-seven, and eighty-three years of age.

Then, I have no interest in going anywhere just yet, so living life for another ten-plus years will be an even better accomplishment. And I don’t mean just surviving, but rather thriving. And if my time comes earlier, I want to be ready to go home. And I will be.

The Book Of Questions Prompts by Gregory Stock, Ph.D. — What was your most enjoyable dream? Your worst nightmare?

When I have heard from people who have died in my dreams. The messages that mean something to me are my most enjoyable dreams. My worst nightmare was when my baby was diagnosed with sudden infant death syndrome and I dreamt that he died. He is 46 now.

Those were easily the most enjoyable and the worst nightmare dreams that I experienced. Since my nightmare, I have had a dream catcher right by me, attached to my bed, to keep away the nightmares and it seems to work, so it will stay where it is.

The Book Of Questions Prompts by Gregory Stock, Ph.D. — Would you give up half of what you now own for a pill that would permanently change you so that one hour of sleep each day would fully refresh you?

No. I do too much already without having more time! That doesn’t sound right but it is true in my life. Retired or not, I keep busy. Sometimes too busy. Right now, every week, I see no sleeping impacting people's mental health.

I heard about a pill to end alcoholism. The idea was that you could drink again, without the ism, of alcoholism. No, thank you. I would worry that the pill would cause something else, even worse. Living sober has been a gift that I have nothing but gratitude for.

How many pills do you take? I take too many. Why would I want another? Especially when some have side effects. Like I get the burps twice a day from one of the pills I take. It can be embarrassing, depending on the situation. Of course, side effects can be so much worse.

The Book Of Questions Prompts by Gregory Stock, Ph.D. — Do you feel you have enough time? If not, what would give you that feeling? How much has your attitude about time changed as you’ve aged?

My time on earth is limited due to my age and physical health. I know that and accept that. I also know that anyone can die at any time. I will live my life fully and be ready for my departure. I know where I am going after this life and I will be with family and friends that have gone before.

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First published by Mercury Press on medium.com