I don’t know who came up with the old adage “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”

I’m somewhat of an old dog and sure are learning new tricks.

I found that no matter how old you are you can grow in wisdom and you can keep learning.

But for me, that premise isn’t true when it comes to all the new technical advances.

I just bought a new television, and to prevent a big learning curve I was careful to buy the same brand and model.

But here I am struggling to do something as simple as calling up YouTube.

I kept trying to do it the same way as I did with my old set. Couldn’t get anything to work.

Our IT guy told me that was because I was trying it on the wrong remote. Always use the Comcast remote, he said, and forget about the other remote.

I listened to the IT guy and kept trying to get YouTube on the Xfinity remote. And I kept failing, thinking I sure did get dumber if I can’t even use my new TV’s remote.

Finally my friend Linda came to visit, and when I told her my problem she said the solution was simple.

“You’re using the wrong remote,” she said.

When I listened to her and put the Xfinity remote aside, I could finally call up YouTube.

Linda also showed me a few tricks to make my TV functions easier.

So this old dog did learn a thing or two, thanks to Linda.

Another thing I had reinforced this week was that we all have strengths and weaknesses.

I just had to do an interesting battery of tests that was supposed to reveal my strengths and weaknesses.

I tested exceptionally high in verbal skills and exceptionally low in math skills. That’s about the same as I did in college. Oh, well, at least I’m consistent.

Dr. Rhonda proved to be especially helpful in helping me refocus on some skills this old dog sometimes forgets.

While I am now especially happy with life, I told her I always worry about a bad diagnosis whenever I wait for test results.

She pointed out how foolish it is to spoil my happiness by needless worry. She thinks I tend to worry too much.

I told her it’s a function of old age. I never worried when I was younger.

But now, there are plenty of worries that can keep me up at night. I also worry about my daughters and grandchildren. While it’s love that brings on concern, it’s also foolish because my worries accomplish nothing.

Dr. Rhonda is right. I can’t change one bit of the present or future by worrying about what may or may not happen.

But I spoil the present if I give in to worrying. Worry wipes away the tranquillity I work so hard to keep.

I didn’t realize I was doing it until the professional I respect mentioned it.

Sometimes we hear something time and again but it doesn’t register with us until someone helps it hit home.

I have long realized we can’t control one bit of the future. No matter how much I try there is nothing I can do to alter what will come next.

Once she called it to my attention I truly changed my outlook.

I am working hard to stay rooted in the present moment.

Living only in the present moment is a lot harder than it sound.

I start off every day saying prayers of thanksgiving, realizing the blessings before me.

I see the beauty around me as I focus on the birdsong I find so soothing. It fills me with a deep sense of peace.

But I have to stop my mind from drifting away to the rest of the day.

Living in the moment is now a big topic on podcasts and social media.

Yet, despite how many weigh in with tips on how to stay focused on the present, it’s a constant battle.

One tip that works for me is journaling. Just jotting down thoughts and feelings helps focus on the here and down. Yet, by the time you jot down your thoughts the present is gone.

But reading your journal can give you insights to the person you call “self.” This old dog has been successful in a keeping more tranquillity throughout the day by making a few changing in my own behavior.

Here’s one example. No matter how tranquil you are, you won’t be able to control agitation from those in your life.

When a close friend carried on about what she considers my “too big purse” the old me might have taken offense.

She went on to lecture me on her version of fashion, saying short people should never carry a big purse.

Sure, I thought she was out of line, but I kept my tranquillity by simply saying I prefer a big purse and dropping the subject.

This old dog works hard to stay tranquil. I realize while I can’t control what people say, I can control my response to it.

I may be an old dog, but hopefully I can keep learning new tricks for a better life.

Email Pattie Mihalik at newsgirl@comcast.net