OUTDOOR TRUTHS: Changes

By Gary Miller

As one gets older our physiology changes. While anatomy is what something is made of, physiology is what it does and how it does it. It is how it runs.

For instance, my truck may have the same parts as it did several years ago when I bought it, but it doesn’t run the same as it did when it was new. And as it gets older, those changes will be magnified. And what goes for trucks, goes for humans. While we may have the same parts, as we get older, we begin to run differently. Those changes come from a host of things including our environment, experiences, health issues, our DNA, and probably a few other things in addition to these. I have noticed I “run” differently than I once did. What once bothered me no longer does. And what once caused me to panic no longer does as well.

But that’s not to say I have arrived at some special place. It’s to say that different things now cause my angst and panic. My physiology has changed. I have the same parts, but they run differently.

One of the things I have noticed in my own life is how a crowded store makes me uneasy. I don’t know why, but it is noticeable. When things get too crowded, I just want to leave and come back at 3:00 a.m. I laugh as I think about my new phobia. What I’m not sure of yet, is if it is “selective crowd phobia” or not. I mean I can’t imagine feeling a sense of panic as I push my way into the Bass Pro Shops Spring Fishing Classic or during the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Convention and Sports Show. No, I’m pretty sure I could overcome any trepidation if a new turkey vest was involved. Now that I think about it, it probably is “selective crowd phobia.” I guess I’ll have to suck it up, dodge the crowd, overlook the impolite people to get my Japanese Cherry Blossom soap at Bath and Body, and my Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso at Starbucks. This truck just ain’t runnin’ right.

Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 23 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Stay updated on Outdoor Truths each week by subscribing at Outdoortruths.org. Miller can be reached via email at

gary@outdoortruths.org.