I am rapidly approaching two years in retirement. I continue to feel changes in my life as a result. I am active and engaged, spending time doing things I enjoy, and being of service to my community and my profession. At times the calendar is a little to full - it interferes with my desire to take a nap. Increasingly I feel the urge to turn the page on issues that filled my days in the past.
I recall when I was working, wishing that the older generation would step aside and let new voices - new ideas be heard. I am hoping that I am doing that, I certainly feel the desire to do so.
There are several places where I read obituaries, our community newsletter, the Bar journal, my original hometown newspaper. I always look at the age that people died at. And think about my age, and if I live as long as they did, how many years do I have left to enjoy life - to turn the pages - to write entirely new pages, before the book of my life is blowing in the wind. If the next decade flies by as fast as the last decade did, it will pass in the blink of an eye. The time to turn the page and enjoy the adventure is now.

It is the right time. While some 80 year olds may go trekking in the Himalayas, this 68 year old finds travel quite hard now. So yes, do it now while you have the energy and confidence. You know the saddest thing I find about ageing, is the knowledge that all the knowledge you've built up in your brain in your lifetime dies with you. It seems such a waste.
ReplyDeleteWe really don't understand the concept of the wisdom of age, until we have developed it.
DeleteI think you keep your mind, your soul. your interests and your body in motion so you should have a good long while.
ReplyDeletePeople who become sedentary in every aspect of their lives seem to be giving up and waiting for an end.
That is completely the opposite of you and your life.
I keep walking everyday, reading lots, being engaged in my community.
DeleteYou expressed it well, David. Use it or lose it - keep active and enjoy life. I do the same as you and always check obits for the age of death to imagine how much time I have left! ;)
ReplyDeleteFill those years with things you want to do.
DeleteYour final line sums it all up perfectly! Also, I like the arty photo you chose for this post.
ReplyDeleteThe Photo came first, I saw those books on top of a street light control box in DC on one of my walks, and thought, I will find a use for that.
DeleteYou've said this very well indeed. Doing things you enjoy is the key to aging well I think. I love that photo. It's perfect for this post.
ReplyDeleteOne of the art themes we are developing for this year, is the art of the unseen. Things we would overlook, or not bother to see, that have meaning when we stop to see them.
DeleteThat photo at the start is fun!
ReplyDeleteThanks, glad I noticed it.
DeleteAnd learn to say "no"!
ReplyDeleteI have never been very good at that.
DeleteIt been a while since I read a book.
ReplyDeleteYou never know what you will find in the pages.
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