I’m “that” 70-year-old guy, time flies and I don’t feel any much different than I did at 25. Still waiting to feel like a “grownup”.
I took up piano at 60, started an animal rescue at 64, just signed up for an online course. I keep moving and doing.
There are dozens of things that I dreamed about doing but never did. While I have some regrets about bypassing some dreams (hiking the AT for one), I realize that I just wasn’t sufficiently inspired internally to realize that particular one. I replaced it with something more mundane, getting outside everyday and experiencing nature right in my own small circle here in Northern New Jersey.
I’ve come to appreciate and find comfort in always being busy, trying to do a little good, and not sinking into a morass of regret because the older you get, the more you have.
You don’t have to travel around the world to find something. It is right here.
While I was working 80 and 90 hour weeks in Academia, I often said “If I only had the time, I’d……” Since leaving Academia entirely in 2020, I have been doing the things I said I would, now that I have the time. Leaving soon for a week of fly fishing in Montana.
I’m not sure about this particular pep talk, Bret; I’m fortunate to have lived a few of my dreams and have few regrets, feeling that I haven’t missed much. Of course I could have done more but I was aware of the roadblocks that made some of my dreams impossible, and I don’t enjoy being a chump. I honestly feel sorry that younger generations don’t have the same opportunities we had back in the day - but they have options now that didn’t exist then. Good luck with your piano 🎵🎶🎹 enjoy! 😘
As we mature (not just age) we seek to learn what is or can be better, more deeply satisfying--not just for me and my clan but for many more beings. A typical mature thought is environmental responsibility. A shallow person might be content to buy, consume and discard. A more mature person would save a container, use it for something else and recycle it, doing something different that didn't pollute the land, air or water. A more mature person might ask whether their comfort came at the painful expense of others, and whether other people would care to change a system so that others could have some of the freedom and convenience they enjoy. Such thinking and the pleasure of making beneficial changes for others is fairly called creative or even transformative or progressive. Some observers might dismiss or marginalize creative but unselfish behavior. Others might respect, admire or try to emulate it. These may find more happiness than those who don't value generosity, sharing and building up the less favored or otherwise deprived of opportunity.
Thanks, Bret, I really like this piece. I've been feeling scattered somewhat lately and maybe your suggestions will help me focus a little more. The conflict in my mind of being over seventy but persistently trying to forget that fact probably contributes to my often profligate attitude toward time...
Nice little shot in the arm. It strikes me that this is at the root of why so many people consistently travel, to have new experiences. But I like the advice that you can do it at home. For one thing, it's cheaper!
And cosmic I.O.U., where do you come up with this stuff? Having a creative mind like in your writing certainly helps keep you young, que no?
“ Life is like a carton of milk—most people don’t check the expiration date until it starts smelling funny.”
Nicely said.
Bret you've lived your words and made it work!
So far....
I’m “that” 70-year-old guy, time flies and I don’t feel any much different than I did at 25. Still waiting to feel like a “grownup”.
I took up piano at 60, started an animal rescue at 64, just signed up for an online course. I keep moving and doing.
There are dozens of things that I dreamed about doing but never did. While I have some regrets about bypassing some dreams (hiking the AT for one), I realize that I just wasn’t sufficiently inspired internally to realize that particular one. I replaced it with something more mundane, getting outside everyday and experiencing nature right in my own small circle here in Northern New Jersey.
I’ve come to appreciate and find comfort in always being busy, trying to do a little good, and not sinking into a morass of regret because the older you get, the more you have.
You don’t have to travel around the world to find something. It is right here.
as a thirty something, this hit hard! I'm praying I have at least 10,000 left lol
While I was working 80 and 90 hour weeks in Academia, I often said “If I only had the time, I’d……” Since leaving Academia entirely in 2020, I have been doing the things I said I would, now that I have the time. Leaving soon for a week of fly fishing in Montana.
I’m not sure about this particular pep talk, Bret; I’m fortunate to have lived a few of my dreams and have few regrets, feeling that I haven’t missed much. Of course I could have done more but I was aware of the roadblocks that made some of my dreams impossible, and I don’t enjoy being a chump. I honestly feel sorry that younger generations don’t have the same opportunities we had back in the day - but they have options now that didn’t exist then. Good luck with your piano 🎵🎶🎹 enjoy! 😘
Oh yes, out of the 60’s fog area of my brain, it just came back to me,
BE HERE NOW! Thank you again for the neural stimulation and jump start. As usual Bret, you’re the best!
As we mature (not just age) we seek to learn what is or can be better, more deeply satisfying--not just for me and my clan but for many more beings. A typical mature thought is environmental responsibility. A shallow person might be content to buy, consume and discard. A more mature person would save a container, use it for something else and recycle it, doing something different that didn't pollute the land, air or water. A more mature person might ask whether their comfort came at the painful expense of others, and whether other people would care to change a system so that others could have some of the freedom and convenience they enjoy. Such thinking and the pleasure of making beneficial changes for others is fairly called creative or even transformative or progressive. Some observers might dismiss or marginalize creative but unselfish behavior. Others might respect, admire or try to emulate it. These may find more happiness than those who don't value generosity, sharing and building up the less favored or otherwise deprived of opportunity.
Say yes to everything!
Good attitude.
Thanks, Bret, I really like this piece. I've been feeling scattered somewhat lately and maybe your suggestions will help me focus a little more. The conflict in my mind of being over seventy but persistently trying to forget that fact probably contributes to my often profligate attitude toward time...
Nice little shot in the arm. It strikes me that this is at the root of why so many people consistently travel, to have new experiences. But I like the advice that you can do it at home. For one thing, it's cheaper!
And cosmic I.O.U., where do you come up with this stuff? Having a creative mind like in your writing certainly helps keep you young, que no?