Decline

     A decline can be a polite no or a downhill slope.  It can also mean a decrease in strength, vigor, and health, a weakening or degeneration of body or mind.
     In some things, we can't say yes or no; we have no choice.  As we get older, we often have to accept the fact that our body is not working the way it used to and that we may continue to go downhill.  Of course, we do what we can to prevent decline by saying no to what may damage us and saying yes to what may keep us healthy as much as possible for as long as possible.  We still may experience our own decline and witness it in others.
     A decline in physical abilities will come.  In some cases, a decline in mental abilities may also come.  Seeing someone  with beginning signs of dementia can be heartbreaking, and worrying about their future decline can be very scary.  Realizing we may be in mental decline can be frustrating, stressful, and also very scary.
     The key is to accept nature's course and try to keep a positive attitude by appreciating the half-full glass.  We have something, if not everything, until the glass is empty.
     As the sun slopes downward into the west, we realize that morning and noon are over.  Whatever darkness we are forced to experience must be accepted.  A new yet different day lies ahead.  It won't be like yesterday.  We may face even more problems, but when pessimism asks us to give up hope, we must decline.