This post was first written in 2020. Much has happened since then. Thought it was well worth sharing as many of my friends over the last four years have moved further  … down their own “road.”

No intention to be maudlin here. Just the opposite.

I just celebrated my 75th birthday. As I move along “the back nine” of my life, there are a lot changes. I’m more emotional. More nostalgic. More thoughtful … more reflective. The gap between what I’ve wanted throughout my life and what I have now… is closing. I think I know more now. Know myself more. Accept me … just as I am. I give less of a sh** about what others say or think. But then I actually never did

Some other things too …

Eye contact with others is different … softer, usually moist, engaged longer. Always joined with a smile. “Cocktail” talk is replaced with real conversation. A unspoken knowing among my peers that we are traveling along the same narrowing path. All with a “let’s make things count” attitude.

I appreciate that all life experiences are gifts. More of my life resides in my rear-view mirror than on my windshield. My feelings intensify. Rather than run through life like a drunken sailor, I need to see my time as finite. Moments are to precious not to be savored. Pausing along the way to enjoy them all..

It’s said, “As the body declines … the spirit must grow.” Good. But it’s like anything else. You have to be aware this is so. Working to build spiritual strength is optional. Losing physical strength is not.

I hear people lament, “It’s hard getting old.” Or “ What would you expect from someone my age.” Or “Getting old isn’t easy.” But aging is a reality. No choice. We’re going to grow old. But it is up to you to choose the lens through which you view later age. The road ahead. Positively or negatively. Nourishing or draining. It’s a choice. The choice is yours.

My best years have been my later years. Probably post 60. Why? I think it’s because I approach each new day as an opportunity to be present. More aware. Be proactive. Instead of … “there’s always tomorrow.” I have some health issues. None of which are life threatening. At least not now. Some aches and pains. “There’s always tomorrow?” Well, hopefully … but maybe not?

My career has careened back and forth over fifty plus years. Maybe a three steps forward, two steps back thing. But always more learnings from my losses than my gains. Wisdom emerges after the full mixing of successes and setbacks. I feel the urge to share what I’ve learned with others. Distribute it to my coachies … my grandkids for sure. Sharing stories, experiences with others creates a more enchanting life for me.

Friendships … friendships … friendships. The best of my friends become a part of me. Irreplaceable companions along the narrowing road. Some of my best friends are gone. Some have lost spouses, children. Some are ill. I lost a brother who died at age two. A roommate from college who died at age 28. Four dear fraternity brothers who passed away in their 60s. You can track through your own losses. We’ve all have our own.

My losses have made my appreciation of life more vibrant. Yeah, a little “that could be me” sneaks in each time I hear of a friend facing a setback, a tragedy. But I believe it’s always best to “run through the tape.” Accept your losses and the learnings that come from them. Accept the losses. Celebrate your wins. Above all, keep moving! Finish the race well.

My motto? “Stay the Course!” It’s my constant urging to those I coach. Staying in motion physically, mentally, spiritually is crucial.

Years ago there was a TV show that focused on aging, featuring a group of people over 70. “Over Easy” explored how we see things … as the road narrows. One question posed during one show was particularly revealing.

”If you could change two things in your life, what would they be?” What were the two answers offered most?

1. I wish I’d taken more risks.

2. I wouldn’t have taken myself so seriously.

How would you answer the question posed here? Take more risk? Relax or worry less? None of us are the center of the universe. Later years provide us with wonderful opportunities. Whether it be something as consuming as enjoying grandchildren. Or simply helping someone benefit from your wisdom.

As the road narrows? These are things that matter most for me. What matters the most to you? What will you focus on as your road narrows?