Musings on turning 50...
Category Everything Else
I'm not normally introspective, and I don't spend a lot of time looking back or forward. But I suppose when you turn 50, a little introspection is called for.
50... that sounds so... old. I remember when my dad turned 50, and I signed his card with "Now you're half-a-hundred." He reminded me of that card yesterday, so what goes around comes around. :) 50 sounded so adult back then, and it sounds so adult now. But surprise... sounding adult and feeling adult must be two different things. In fact, I'm starting to think that the whole "feeling like an adult" thing just doesn't exist. Everyone I talk to seems to feel like a kid playing make-believe in an aging body. I don't think we ever get to the point where we feel like we're competent to be a grown-up. It just happens, and we're along for the ride. All those others who look like they are grown-ups don't know any better, either. It's just a bunch of kids making up the rules as they go along.
Looking back, I've done some things I never thought possible. Writing a book, speaking to hundreds of people on stage, being successful in my career... I've always felt intimidated by a lot of those things, as I never had the proper "credentials" that said I was qualified to do what I'm doing. I just did it with the help of friends, and we figured it out as we went along. I've been a sounding board for friends going through hard times, and I've been the one doing the crying on occasion. You don't make it through 50 years of life without a number of dings, dents, and fender-benders. I've been fortunate to get to this point with things relatively intact, but I know it's not due to my extraordinary skill at navigating life's currents. I'm still the kid making this up as I go along...
So what happens in the second half of life? It's strange to think that the odds are that I've lived well over half my life. The number of days left is likely less than the number of days lived. And what story have I written with my life? Are there still things I want to do? Is that novel I've talked about writing actually getting written? Am I trying new things and learning new skills, or am I just repeating the same old things as the sand continues to flow through the hourglass? Is spending "a few spare moments" playing Solitaire on the computer really a good use of time and talent?
Going forward, I want to remember this phrase... Try It
It's time to try new things (like teaching an ewok to dance). It's time to step out of my safety zone and feel free to fail. It's time to try getting my body back in shape where I can actually enjoy what's left of life in good health. It's time to try new experiences and visit new places... being open to adventures that may be scary or uncomfortable. Some things will be fun and I'll do them again. I'll fail at others and laugh at the results. But I will try them.
It's been a good 50 years, but there's so much more I could do. I'm tired of limiting myself as to what I can accomplish and experience. Here's to life after 50, and all that I want it to be.
I'm not normally introspective, and I don't spend a lot of time looking back or forward. But I suppose when you turn 50, a little introspection is called for.
50... that sounds so... old. I remember when my dad turned 50, and I signed his card with "Now you're half-a-hundred." He reminded me of that card yesterday, so what goes around comes around. :) 50 sounded so adult back then, and it sounds so adult now. But surprise... sounding adult and feeling adult must be two different things. In fact, I'm starting to think that the whole "feeling like an adult" thing just doesn't exist. Everyone I talk to seems to feel like a kid playing make-believe in an aging body. I don't think we ever get to the point where we feel like we're competent to be a grown-up. It just happens, and we're along for the ride. All those others who look like they are grown-ups don't know any better, either. It's just a bunch of kids making up the rules as they go along.
Looking back, I've done some things I never thought possible. Writing a book, speaking to hundreds of people on stage, being successful in my career... I've always felt intimidated by a lot of those things, as I never had the proper "credentials" that said I was qualified to do what I'm doing. I just did it with the help of friends, and we figured it out as we went along. I've been a sounding board for friends going through hard times, and I've been the one doing the crying on occasion. You don't make it through 50 years of life without a number of dings, dents, and fender-benders. I've been fortunate to get to this point with things relatively intact, but I know it's not due to my extraordinary skill at navigating life's currents. I'm still the kid making this up as I go along...
So what happens in the second half of life? It's strange to think that the odds are that I've lived well over half my life. The number of days left is likely less than the number of days lived. And what story have I written with my life? Are there still things I want to do? Is that novel I've talked about writing actually getting written? Am I trying new things and learning new skills, or am I just repeating the same old things as the sand continues to flow through the hourglass? Is spending "a few spare moments" playing Solitaire on the computer really a good use of time and talent?
Going forward, I want to remember this phrase... Try It
It's time to try new things (like teaching an ewok to dance). It's time to step out of my safety zone and feel free to fail. It's time to try getting my body back in shape where I can actually enjoy what's left of life in good health. It's time to try new experiences and visit new places... being open to adventures that may be scary or uncomfortable. Some things will be fun and I'll do them again. I'll fail at others and laugh at the results. But I will try them.
It's been a good 50 years, but there's so much more I could do. I'm tired of limiting myself as to what I can accomplish and experience. Here's to life after 50, and all that I want it to be.
| Permalink |
Comments
Congrats on all your accomplishments, and looking forward to hearing about all the new things you try. Happy Birthday!
Posted by Ben Langhinrichs At 11:53:54 On 09/05/2011 | - Website - |
Getting out of your comfort zone is very difficult. However, the rewards are limitless. I have always said that any thing you want to do is simple: Just change yourself. Quit smoking, diet, skydiving, whatever. Simple, just change yourself. I didn't say it was easy, just that it was simple.
Unlike those that actually sleep, you have ample time during the day to attack your new experiences. Take advantage of that time. And I hate to tell you, I believe that you will have at least another 50. Carpe diem, my friend.
Posted by Gregg Eldred At 11:58:07 On 09/05/2011 | - Website - |
Posted by Kevin Pettitt At 12:03:08 On 09/05/2011 | - Website - |
All the Best!
Posted by Mac Guidea At 12:25:32 On 09/05/2011 | - Website - |
Must say I feel the same way about aging. Been thinking about this milestone too. Amazing how time goes by.
I like your "Try It" idea. Will give that some thought.
My "thing" lately is about "Happiness". Figuring what makes me the Happiest and doing it. What's important and doing it. What am I going to do when the kids are out of the house? What do I want to do with my life in this time that's coming? I don't see retirement in the traditional. Like to work at something fun!
Best to You!
Posted by Curt Stone At 13:33:47 On 09/05/2011 | - Website - |
lol
Seriously, it is an amazing life ahead of you go try it all.
Posted by Keith Brooks At 13:45:25 On 09/05/2011 | - Website - |
Thanks for the inspiration!
Dan
Posted by Dan Soares At 13:46:52 On 09/05/2011 | - Website - |
I wish you joy and fun in all the things you try...
and Keith.. roasted brussels in olive oil and salt. Delicious, like tiny little cabbages.
Posted by Gabriella Davis At 14:57:13 On 09/05/2011 | - Website - |
Muhahahahahaha
Happy Birthday Tom. You have left a significant impact on the development of others over the few years I know you. Not least of which mine.
Posted by Paul Mooney At 21:37:15 On 09/05/2011 | - Website - |
Posted by Paul T. Calhoun At 05:05:12 On 10/05/2011 | - Website - |
Here's hoping we see another 50.
Posted by John Lindsay At 08:54:16 On 13/05/2011 | - Website - |