Ordinarily, I find much to inspire me in the writings and musings of the former First Lady. But I have to take exception to this one:

“With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.”

I suppose that’s possible for one who was blessed with great intellect, great wealth, and great position in life — as Eleanor Roosevelt certainly was.

And at one time, to a lesser degree, I recall feeling somewhat the same way. Every day held new promise, nothing was impossible, and the world was my proverbial oyster.

But for most of us, as we grow older, those challenges just look exhausting. Speaking for myself, while the spirit is still up for a bit of adventure, the body just prefers to be left alone. And even the mind — while I continue to work hard at not slipping into senility — needs more rest than it used to.

So I pay homage to Mrs. Roosevelt; she has my admiration for many reasons, not the least of which was her undaunted energy. But there is no way I can summon up that same daily renewal of strength.

She was indeed a better woman than I.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
7/16/26

P.S. I hope she won’t mind if I edit her sentence. It should read: “With the new day come new strength and new thoughts.” Plural: strength and thoughts.

I guess I’m not brain-dead yet.