‘Use it or lose it’ was a threat I remember from my teen years. Some time has passed. I may have lost it - I’m not sure, but I’m not using it - at least I don’t think I am.
Today a headline in the paper caught my attention. “Use it or Lose it” was printed in the darkest bold caps. I nearly ignored it. Surely it had nothing to do with me but not knowing what tomorrow might bring, I read the smaller print.
The article maintained that if you don’t use your BRAIN, you lose it. Studies show that stretching this organ increases its chances of healthy survival far into the golden years and maybe even beyond.
Over the past few years I’ve used my cells almost beyond recognition. I was a computer illiterate. Today, I can design a web page, paint a watercolor that sells and write poetry that is published in places you’d recognize. To me that feels like a stretch but I’ll have to admit there are times when I feel like I’ve lost it anyway.
After all this time, I wonder if I misunderstood that ultimatum given after a movie or a roller skating date. Were those fellas with cigarettes rolled up in their T-shirt sleeves and long hair slicked back into duck butts referring to using the brain?
I wonder. I would ask them, but I’m not sure they’d remember.
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Fractal created in Fractal Explorer.
Sunday Scribblings offers this for the weekly prompt: Gotten lost in the woods? Driving? Lost a child in a store? Lost something else of value -- found it again? Lost souls, lost innocence . . . write about the word "lost." Follow the link to see what others wrote and to play along!
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32 comments:
Ms Tumbler: You're definitely using it, and no way is you losin' it! It's in full bloom!
Definitely not losing it. And keep exercising it and you won't - and we won't be disappointed.
I think I'm making sense and haven't lost it.
we didn't say "use it or lose it", we said "you can't wear it out".
I do wonder about this, although speaking from personal experience, I think half of my brain cells were destroyed by pregnancy and another quarter by the ravages of having children. This leaves me with only a quarter and those just don't seem to work as well as they used to. Maybe I should try the other? :)
Losing brain cells! Ghastly thought!
Your brain is in 'full use' mode...and I'm a lucky recipient of the results! :~)
Those guys were speaking about brains, if my wife is correct about where men's brains are located.
haha Loved this Sue! and NO those guys weren't talking about YOUR brain, but Surely they meant THEIRS!
You should be so proud of your computer abilities! GO mama GO!
Ahh, a fractal. I was wondering on the artwork. Beautiful.
I do believe daily guitar practice and learning has sharpened my brain. I used to wake up rather sluggish but now am popping out of bed alert and whistling.
Use it or lose it indeed!
you're not losing it at all... you're improving it. I hope I can do the same in the future
I've used my brain in lots of ways, but now (referring to brain!) "Use it or lose it" is my excuse for playing computer games.
You are notlosing your brains.Not at all. You are an amazing painter, poet etc., way to go, Way to go.
that close is hysterical!!!!
i sure hope what iu do here counts as using it or i am losing it for sure!!!!
Such nice written little assay. Set out first grabes my attention who is at the age of "losing it", then it continues to confort and rejurvenate my mind.
I have to congratulate you for that. An achievement my father and mother should try sometimes (they're too lazy to face the computer) hehe.
thanks for this :-)
It looks like you really are using it! I am trying to use mine more too hehe.
ahh you havent lost anything.. i think you are on your way finding something really new :)
take a peek into mine at
http://eternitycallsus.blogspot.com/2009/02/lost-without-losing.html
You made me chuckle as you pulled your tale full circle. Congrats on where all the use of your brain and talent has gotten you!
i know about this.. it is called brain plasticity. a scientific explanation that people CAN change. not only does your brain stay healthy, but you are also more apt to be happier this way!
you are using it well, maam, and your post is just another piece of wonderfully supportive evidence, i think --- as far as men and their brains - one more piece of evidence that they are really from mars while we float in love and creation on venus - but some of them just never get off mars, do they???
Every day you create, you use it. And you are so creative.
Oh, dear, that is delightful!
If you wouldn't mind emailing me your address, doll, I'd send off that book you won pronto!
The secret is to use it and not abuse it. What am I talking about?
Looks like I'm losing it!
I don't think you are in danger of "losing" it as you are using it so well. I admire all the things you are able to do. Great job!
Your piece is playful and fun - a sure sign of keeping it!!
Your first three sentences had me cracking up. I’m not sure, either. I just know the adage is true and that what I’m doing is proof I’m using what it takes to do it because I remember how to do it! LOL!
And I sure do know what you mean by stretching yourself in ways and to places that are more amazing than you’d ever imagine and still feeling like you’re losing it anyway. I figure it’s because I have to work three to five times as hard as I used to to get there!
And regarding the Fonzie dudes? Way to go using your brain and ignoring them!
missalister
The heck with Soduku, sounds like you've got it covered quite nicely.
As others have commented ... you are definitely not losing it! In fact, you are exercising that beautiful mind/brain and sharing your gifts with all of us. xx, JP/deb
Very cute :) I love the ending, especially. Works nicely on different levels--glad you brought in the stats about exercising the brain--now I feel better about spending so much time playing word games!
My dad would often say that..Now I'd agree, but as I look around at this world...mine would be "choose it or loose it!" Only because opportunity can pass? Nice post too! I enjoy your blogs-
Well after just reading what you can do I think in comparison I have lost some of mine.
Side story...
When I was working in a nursing home I was telling a patient to hop up and walk around to the toilet themselves, and used the "Use it or lose it" saying, referring to them being able to walk by themselves. One of the patients a male with advanced Alzheimer's yelled out from the back ground, "Hey will someone come and check my balls" I still crack up laughing when I think about that one.
You've lost nothing ... looks to me like it's all working perfectly ... love your post ;)
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