As the Road Narrows …

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 … reflective. The gap between what I’ve wanted and what I have … is closing. I think I know more now. Know better who I really am.

Some other things too …

Eye contact with others is different … softer, engaged longer. Eyes usually moist. Always joined by a smile. “Cocktail” talk is replaced by real conversation. A common, unspoken knowing that my peers and I are traveling the same narrowing road. All with a “let’s make things count” attitude. Then there are those grandchildren. Oh my, those grandchildren.

You appreciate that all life experiences are gifts. When more of life resides in your rear-view mirror than on your windshield, feelings intensify. Rather than run through life like a drunken sailor, I need to see my time as finite. Moments are to be savored. Pausing along the way enjoy them all..

As the saying goes … “As the body declines … the spirit grows.” Good. But this is like anything else. You have to be aware this will be 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.” Age is not only just a number. It’s a reality. But it’s up to you to choose the perspective you create in your mind. Positively or negatively. Nourishing or draining. Your choice.

My best years have been my later years. Probably post 60. Why? I think it’s because I approach each new day now as more of my presence rather than … “there’s always tomorrow.” I have some health issues. None of which are life threatening. At least not now. Some aches and pains. Ok. Part of the deal.

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. I find this contributes to … creates a more enchanting life.

Friendships … friendships … friendships. The best of these become part of me. Are irreplaceable companions as the road narrows. Some of my best friends are gone. Some have lost spouses, children. Some are ill. Some severely. I lost a brother who drown at age two. A roommate from college who died at age 28. Four dear fraternity brothers who died in their 60s. You can track through your own losses I’m sure.

These losses only make my appreciation of life more vibrant. Yeah, a little “could be me” passes by each time I hear of a friend facing a setback, experience a tragedy. But I believe it’s always best to “run through the tape.” 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 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?

”If you could change two things in your life as you look back on the years, 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?

As the road narrows? These are questions worth pondering.