Starting to grasp that you are at the latter half of your life tends to focus the mind wonderfully. It helps to being to (perhaps finally) cut through the layers of debris that one has allowed to clutter one's life up over the years. One comes to realize - perhaps a little late but none the less - that one really does not have the sort of time one imagined (at least here on earth, anyway) to accomplish everything.
At least for me, life is very much becoming measured in hours: how much I spend at work (too much, really), how much I sleep (not enough), and the remaining hours that are left over to pack in life (which really need to be growing in importance, not shrinking). It also means that I have been doing some level of rigorously examining the current ongoing activities in my life, in terms of time and energy and money.
Some changes are already being made. I have (realistically) the ability to really focus on two or possibly three things at a time with the hope of getting better at them. For me it means prioritizing Iai (which I have a decent chance of getting better at) at the expense of Highland Games (which I have probably just about maxed out what I can accomplish), or prioritizing a few languages I want to know better (such as Japanese and Icelandic) over the many I have always claimed that I want to know. And given the choice of running or weight lifting, I have gone with weightlifting (and walking) to save my knees.
Money tracks with all of this as well, of course. I have realized what I have blogged about many times, that I am surrounded by things for which (in most cases) I would rather have the money that I spent on them. I cannot get that money back of course, but I can make sure that I do not continue to pour good money after bad.
So change really can be good - as long as it focuses the mind.
I’m a few steps in front of you as we go over the hill, and I hear what you’re saying. I am focused now on just doing good for me and the people around me. I’ve just seen too many old people that want to stir up chit with others and start fights... and I don’t want that for myself. My wife, my dogs, and my church are my priorities now. I suppose health and fitness need to get on that list too.
ReplyDeleteHindsight is always 20-20.
ReplyDeleteBeing one year past 65 this year, I do understand where you are coming from.
Now I have to ask, why Icelandic? That is one I have not heard anyone talk about before.
Hope you all have a blessed week, TB.
Yes Glen, I do not understand what riling folks up after a certain amount of years accomplishes. As I have come to understand, my circle is growing less, not more - and I am okay with that.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, you should pay attention to health and fitness. We need you around for years to come.
Icelandic is really the culmination of falling in love with an Icelandic Saga 30 years ago, always dreaming of going to Iceland, and then finally getting to go this summer. It is a little obscure, but hopefully I will reap some rewards from learning a bit before I go.
ReplyDeleteWonderful! A safe trip when you go. :)
ReplyDelete