Definition: “Reunion”- spending four hours with a group of people who used to be the same age as you.
All the people left that I went to high school with are old geezers; even the one’s in the freshman class behind me are at least borderline geezers. Begging the questions: how do we learn to live well with that? how well are we doing with retirement? I have heard too many people say that they would figure out their retirement once they were there. “I just want to enjoy not having to do anything.” Like breathing? Retirement is like getting a new job. It seems best to have a new job before you leave the one you have. Remember “The Six P’s”: proper planning prevents piss-poor performance. A plan is good. Granted, a flexible, modifiable plan, but a plan none the less is optimal.
Such a plan would include clear ideas and actions regarding how we will use our time, energy and resources in congruence with our beliefs and values. Are our goals clearly reflected in our behaviors? I do believe, for those at a different point in this life journey, that the same process is beneficial; whether buying a car, moving, getting married, having a child, or deciding the perfect gift to get me for my birthday, ordination anniversary or for Christmas. If we walk our talk, if what people see us do matches what they hear us say, then we need worry little about “doing the right thing”. Do your best, leave the rest. And, “we can all do better” (comedian Jim Jeffries).
My struggle with letting go while still growing has been guided by the experience of many others, including these:
- “Yesterday I was clever and wanted to change the world. Today I am wiser and want to change my self” ~ Rumi
- “I live my life based on two principles. One, I live as if today was my last day on earth. Two, I live today as if I am going to live forever.” ~ Osho
- “I have a fire. If you want to see, it gives light; if you are cold, it gives warmth; If you are hungry, it gives food; be full of care, it can burn: things and you. Come and sit a while, share my fire as you will. The smoke billows from the chimney, yet few see it.” ~ Vincent van Gogh
- Attend: stressed is desserts spelled backwards. Eat dessert first.
As before, comments, questions, disagreements, snide remarks and silly stories are invited. Shalom.