SilverDisobedience

08/19/2025

I’ve come to see life as a delicate balance, much like the way I like to drive standard cars. I seldom hit the brakes, unless safety is a non-negotiable. But I do know when to downshift, especially when navigating through riskier turns. And when the engine is revving at 7500RPMs, I'm not afraid to level up the gears for that extra acceleration, all the while mindful not to push the engine too far. It's a dance of caution and calculated risk, and this is something I've been pondering over this past weekend.

This photo is to a fun day cruising the streets of NYC with
is thanks to

While I do own a standard car, this isn't mine -- but the owner generously let us borrow it for this photo!

08/18/2025

What does it mean to start over after losing a spouse? Dive into an inspiring conversation with Diane Pike Heiler about embracing life and new beginnings. Watch this then check out the full episode here: https://diangriesel.com/2025/08/18/embracing-life-after-loss-a-journey-of-rediscovery-and-love/

08/18/2025

An original mind is rarely understood. Be original anyway. It is within showcasing your originality -- which was granted to you at birth -- where you will find the most joy. Your sense of self-esteem is rooted in self-acceptance. Everybody doesn't have to like you. You have to like you. And, the amazing thing is this: When you genuinely like you -- how you act, what you say, what you do, how you present yourself -- your self respect rises. And it is from this that your originality blossoms and your concern about what you think other's think about you diminishes. And, it is further worth noting that most others aren't actually thinking about you even half the time you think they're thinking of you. They're thinking of themselves, though possibly using you as a standard for their self-comparison...and any comparison to another, for any reason other than motivation, is rarely a good idea. Gobeyou. That's the word of the day.

08/17/2025

From Hollywood tales to actuarial truths, discover how numbers and life expectancy intersect in the latest episode of Silver Disobedience Perception Dynamics. https://diangriesel.com/2025/08/15/were-all-going-to-die-how-actuaries-determine-expiration-dates/ Listen to Dian Griesel chat with expert actuary Philip Lehpamer! 💡

Join Phil Lehpamer on the Silver Disobedience podcast as he unravels life expectancy trends and actuarial insights that affect us all.

08/17/2025

I strongly advocate for the removal of the word ‘toxic’ when it comes to defining or referring to people. There’s just no communication benefit.

Oil and water don’t mix, yet neither is toxic. Chemistry comes in all forms and creates all kinds of end products, both healthy and not-so-healthy. However, it’s all about the mix, not necessarily the ingredients.

How about we start leaving it as: “We just don’t get along.” Period. The labels are unnecessary. We all understand this, don’t we?

Just a thought.

However, if you feel the need for a label, why not call them a curmudgeon? It might just bring a smile to your face. You’ll probably laugh as you say the word. Or maybe, understanding you’re in a situation where it’s not a two-way communication street, mentally trying an “Aye, aye, Captain,” might work, too, followed by a stroll to remove yourself from the situation. Just saying.

by

08/16/2025

Mistakes have a big upside. They’re how we find out what works…and not.
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08/15/2025

Make two lists: The things you have to do (like work tasks, household chores, or appointments) and the things you want to do (like hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or personal projects).

Which one is longer? Do they intersect? Does the ‘have to do’ list have any fun things on it? Do you have a plan as to how you’ll get to do the things on your ‘want to do’ list?

Strive for a balanced day, where you fulfill your obligations and also indulge in the things you desire. This balance is key to feeling in control and empowered.

Make the lists: Have to/Want to. Then, create your own personal business plan for merging the two. Remember, the goal is not just to complete tasks, but to achieve greater daily satisfaction. Let this be your inspiration.

08/14/2025

“I can’t change what has already happened but I can choose what I’ll do next.”

08/13/2025

Every action has an opposite and equal reaction -- a principle most often credited to Newton’s Third Law of Motion -- but its truth extends far beyond physics. In the physical world, it explains why pushing against the ground propels us forward, or why a rocket’s engines drive it upward by blasting exhaust downward. In life, the concept serves as a reminder that our choices, words, and behaviors rarely exist in isolation. Every decision triggers a ripple effect, setting in motion responses, consequences, and shifts -- sometimes immediate, sometimes delayed, occasionally visible, and possibly hidden. This balance of cause and effect underscores the interconnectedness of our world: whether in mechanics, nature, relationships, or society, actions invite responses that match their force, though not always their form. Recognizing this can inspire us to act more consciously, understanding that the energy we put into the world will inevitably return, transformed but proportionate. And within all this, I find the perceptions I love to observe, study, contemplate, question, explore, and more.

08/12/2025

Taking the risk to go through doors — whether literal or metaphorical — means stepping into the unknown, leaving behind the safety of the familiar for the possibility of growth. Some doors lead to opportunity, others to lessons, but all require the courage to turn the handle. We can stand outside, wondering “what if,” or we can step through, trusting that even if the path is uncertain, we are determined to move forward and discover what’s on the other side. And this applies even if we have to ring a few doorbells to figure out which one will open.

08/11/2025

Most people worry about “where they are” in life.�Two faulty perceptions often drive this anxiety:
1. Comparing our journey to someone else’s, and
2. Fearing that time has passed us by.
Here’s something to consider: Peaking too early comes with its own set of problems.

is

08/10/2025

I'm just saying...Asking saves a lot of guesswork.
I'm a big believer in asking what I want to know.
I don't like to assume.
I definitely don't like to accept the assumptions of others.
I like to ask.
Determine.
And form my own conclusions.
Sometimes we're reluctant to ask: Will we look weak, dumb, uninformed, nosy...?
The list of assumptions as to how another might interpret our question or questioning is long...
The list as to how we might doubt ourselves is probably longer...
But by not asking, we don't get answers.
Sometimes they're answers we really need and can only get from another.
While we might not like the answers, we are then more informed to proceed with next steps.
Asking saves a lot of guesswork.
;-)