Recently, I wrote this: “…sometimes I think I am foolish for racing around with my hair on fire in pursuit of this passion, because I am 56…”
Do you wonder sometimes if you should stop trying so hard? Are we Boomers of an age where we should relax, nap, read, take more heed of the passing days ? Perspective is such a hard thing to grasp. My mom is 85 and says, “Oh, Lynne, you’re so young yet!” To see it from that angle makes me feel like lacing up my running shoes. But then on the other hand, how many years will I have to enjoy my sweet husband, to travel, golf, and just sit and read, maybe go to a movie with him? He’s 63. Per his family history, he’s got 20 years. That’s probably 15 of good health. Right now we’re in good shape, but who knows? And every minute I spend in my office pecking away at this keyboard is a minute I lose with him, forever.
I got a boost from Sly Stallone, who was interviewed in Time Magazine. The interviewer asks “Are there any more goals you wish to accomplish?” and Stallone replies, “There are always goals. If you don’t have a mountain, build one and then climb it. And after you climb it, build another one; otherwise you start to flatline in your life. People think retiring is fun. Well, maybe, but if you have a certain kind of fire inside, there is no end in sight.”
It doesn’t solve my dilemma but it does make me feel better about my ambition. Yo, Rocky, thanks!
Lynne, I can’t imagine retiring!! As long as I love what I’m doing and people are willing to pay me to do it, why should I?! I’ve heard of far too many people ingrained into the working world, loving the fact that they’re productive and needed who keel over and die when they retire. I don’t want that. I want to create and help others and see places and learn things as long as I’m able and then, when the Good Lord calls me Home, I want to take His Hand eagerly and go into that new land. Good ole Rocky has it right — you’ve got to have goals, some reason to get up out of bed in the morning!
Debbie, you are an inspiration. Thanks for the energy boost!
Thank you for coming to my blog while I was away and leaving a comment. I read a couple of your posts and I liked them. I’ll come back and read some more but now I am behind reading posts because I did not have my laptop while on vacation. I started my blog after I retired so that was something I did not plan in advance but it has given me so much back. I also did not have too much time while I worked to plan our travels but now I can read all the offers which allow us to go on many trips, on our budget. Life is good.
It’s so good to read your comments, Kathy and “Vagabonde”. With this blog, I feel like I’m in a new community of friends, fellow travelers who old enough to be grateful and young enough to still have curiosity and passion. But as you say, Kathy, and as my mom constantly shows us, it isn’t a matter of age. It’s outlook. Thanks so much for commenting. “Vagabonde”, you are right. Life is good. Best wishes.
Oh,Lynne, you always have the most thought-provoking posts! And, listen to your Mother, 56 is young (since I am 64)..but in response to your post, I feel age is really just a number. I agree with Sly that goals are essential as they provided a direction and give us a sense of purpose. Quite honestly I feel better than I’ve ever felt about myself and my life and I am looking forward to retirement with an eye on finishing my memoir. And I ,like you, am very aware of the passage of time and that makes what I have right now even more precious. So let me join you in”Yo, Rocky, thanks!”
And thanks for the nudge to get in touch with my immense gratitude for the life I do have today.
Great post,Lynne and also beautiful profile picture.
Write On!
Kathy