Playing The Game Of Life

Playing The Game Of Life​

Guest Post by Dennis Miller at Miller On The Money

Well, we made it. Jo and I completed our 15-hour drive from Indiana back to the Villages, FL. We’re officially snowbirds.

Our summer was filled with fun family events, and constant routine medical checkups with all kind of specialists. The week before we left, we scheduled our annual visit to the heart doctor. Two thumbs up, keep on keeping on, see ya next year!

The doctor’s chit-chat was out of the normal realm and grabbed my attention. “Mr. Miller, statistically you have out lived your peers very well; particularly when you factor in the cancer.” I commented that it may have more to do with inheriting good genes from my elders.


He pushed back. “Mr. Miller, I see many seniors, and good genes help. In the game of life, death eventually wins – however you can still choose how to play. You must be doing a lot of things right.”

I thanked him for the compliment. Jo and I discussed it during our drive to Florida. We’ve watched elders live out their last years, some loving every minute of it, while others were old and bitter; a very unappealing choice for either of us.

The Social Security Administration publishes a Life Expectancy Calculator. It’s pretty cool, enter your birthday and off you go:

My first reaction was excitement; I’ll be able to see my youngest grandson graduate from college. I decided to push my luck and looked at the Social Security actuarial table. If a male lives to 92, they have a good shot at making it to 96.

Back To Reality

SSA notes that family history, current health and lifestyle are major factors in playing the game. While we can’t change the family history, we still make choices regarding our health and lifestyle. With little time remaining, why not make it fun?

Jo regularly sends me stuff which I call “Facebook Wisdom” – tidbits and tips on life, happiness and longevity. When one hits home, I’ll print it out and put it in a special folder. After the discussion with the heart doctor, when we got to Florida I opened the folder, and it was full of things we can relate with. This week I’m going to share some tips, coupled with our experience.

Yes, death will win, however, I’m a believer in living until you die; might as well play the game as long as your health allows and have fun for the rest of the ride.

What is the goal?

Living with a peaceful mind is success. Over time I’ve realized that happiness is a choice, and begins with your mind – peace becomes default.

I’m fed up with the daily drama of TV news. Career politicians are going to choose what helps their election chances over what is right for the country, with the media constantly fanning the flames.

There are certain people that are always so dramatic they flat wear you out listening and trying to help. Over time you give up on trying to help, and you get tired of their never-ending tales of woe….

Slowly, over time Jo and I both have moved away from the constant cause of stress; particularly concerning things which will continue for decades. We survived Vietnam, Carter inflation, the internet boom/bust, the 2008 bank bailouts and more.

The politicos and media move from crisis to crisis, trying to keep the public riled up. It pays them well to do so, but doesn’t do our blood pressure and peace of mind any good.

We seldom watch TV news talk shows with the constant arguing and screeching. Our social circle has evolved, drifting away from the drama kings/queens.

One tidbit needs to be added here. It’s impossible to build your happiness on the unhappiness of others. Find your joy in the success of your friends, family and loved ones, not the struggles of others….

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[ H/T The Burning Platform ]