Downhill Racer
When you’re a kid, you always think “when I grow up, I’ll. . .” . . . fill in the blank. Once you’re older and working, then you start thinking, ” someday I want to. . .” Or later still “when I retire, I’ll. . .”. I started thinking the other day about how much longer I’ll be around. Yeah, a little morbid, but at 62 (yes! 62!) mortality is starting to look you in the eye. At most I can count on another 40 years – Grandma Lo Sapio lived to 103 – but realistically, I figure I’ve got maybe 20 good years before I’m too frail to do all those things I’ve been waiting to do, and another 10 to just hang around. So, what am I waiting for?
Sure, I’ve got to think about how I’m going to support myself after I retire, but I think we spend too much time worrying about “then” and not enough about “now.” Yes. La la la la la la live for today. I am getting on the “do it now” bandwagon. Now!
When I have spare time, should I clean the house or play in my garden?. Should I stay home and put away my winter clothes or go out dancing? (Is that even a question?) Should I plan a ski trip . . . or wait until I just don’t have the stamina? Duh. Did anyone say on their deathbed “I’m so happy I didn’t waste my time having fun? In the past year, I’ve gone on vacation with my sisters (fun, fun, fun!), went to Mexico for a destination wedding (just to hang out with my buddy, Judy) and in four weeks, Gary and I go back to Paris for the 5th time (c’est bon!).
It’s time to stop working so late and start getting home early enough to enjoy the rest of the day instead of barely having time for dinner and an hour of TV. It’s time to put in the wood stove I’ve been craving for years (and I did!) and lighting it whenever I want to. And it’s time to buy that new pair of shoes instead of . . . well, almost instead of anything.
There are two times in your life that you should just do it, to coin an overused phrase: when you’re in your 20s and have all the time in the world, and no real obligations to hold you back. . . and when you’re enough over 40 to begin thinking about how many years you have left. I am so there.
My health is pretty good (no prescriptions!), we’re living within our means and I make a good living.
What the hell are you waiting for?
Tags: Ageing, live for today, over 50, over 60, waiting to do the things you want to do, women over 40
Lucille, you are spot on. I will do everything on my bucket list and die broke!!
Craig
In the same space right now, a little trepidation at times but going for it anyway, thank you
Lucille – I’ve been thinking the same thing these days…so going to St. Maarten’s without husband and kids! Just me and friends!
Oh, boy. I think I’ve reached one of my goals and that is to be happy with me, in my own skin. After earlier professional successes (and flops) I’m not quite as ambitious as I once was. I have come to a place where I hope my Maker is happy with my overall body of work for Him here. The rest is kind of like gravy. I mean it. I’m just working on being the best guy I can be. “An intelligent person does not need the promise of heaven to see the merit in good deeds.” But yes, I am thinking about my mortality, and my “legacy,” all the time now.
You are so right Lucille! When I was in my 20’s, I made sure I traveled and worked hard because I wanted to have a family and I wanted to be able to stay home for a little while when they were very young. I did that. As I matured, I was able to work and take care of my kids. I will turn 57 this Friday, and I look ahead to more travel and fun. I admit, I have never been a workaholic. It just wasn’t my make up. However, I know people who are. My husband and my brother. That is just who they are. I encourage them to take more time to do fun things and they tell me they love their work, to them that is fun. Finding that blend of working and having fun, what you have done Lucille, is a feat I hope more people can accomplish!
Brilliant message Lucille – get out and “live” to the fullest. That’s why I adore you. Positive life force. Thank you!