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Some of you know me, for being more on the senior circuit, than the young dude's PGA tournaments of life shall we say. I am not young in years, but fortunately, still able to stay quite active...not only in sports, but in most facets.
Recently while working at one of my part time jobs, I dropped off a car at downtown autobody shop, in a tougher part of the city. As I waited for a ride to get me, I looked across the street at a mission site, where the poor and misfortunate souls drop in for food and counselling and other lifestyle support. The folks coming and going are a combination of those who were victims of the fate they chose, victims of unfortunate fate, and those who are somewhere in between. As I stood there and observed, I thought about walking across the street and through that door, to get a better idea of what was going on inside. Some good news I hoped....maybe some things I'd rather not see. I also considered the fact that there was a time when I'd just cross the street and walk in, not worried about safety or environment or whatever. For example, I have played baseball games against some very hardened inmates (inside the prison), delivered hampers to some very "tenuous" locations, and generally participated in charity events that reached out to those of questionable agendas.
Since I reached a certain age, I have chosen to take a safer route in life. I avoid risk, whether it be in my financials (which is a fairly wise thing to do if you want to have a decent retirement lifestyle) or in almost any endeavour. It's like, time to sit back and watch everyone else experience the full meaning of living.........while I cosy into a retirement mindset. This approach makes some sense, but does make one less alive in my opinion. Growing up left little choice but to try things and learn from the experience. I also had a bit of a wild side (just a bit), and therefore was open to various degrees of risk and reward. Okay, sometimes the risk didn't pay off, but at least one could move on knowing they tried.
So..........from this day forward, until I truly reach retirement (many years from now), I am going to get a wee bit "crazy" again......not in a juvenile way, but in terms of smelling the coffee. It's not that I haven't enjoyed the last few years, but I am definitely accelerating the old age gas pedal by sitting back. Now, don't expect to see me "streaking" at the Olympics (especially on a cold mountain!!), or bungee jumping from the highest bridge in the world.....not at this stage of the game. But just know that among other things, next time I'm downtown and close to that mission site, expect me to walk into that building and say "hi" to folks...maybe even lend a hand.......like I used to. It's the least I should do.....
Recently while working at one of my part time jobs, I dropped off a car at downtown autobody shop, in a tougher part of the city. As I waited for a ride to get me, I looked across the street at a mission site, where the poor and misfortunate souls drop in for food and counselling and other lifestyle support. The folks coming and going are a combination of those who were victims of the fate they chose, victims of unfortunate fate, and those who are somewhere in between. As I stood there and observed, I thought about walking across the street and through that door, to get a better idea of what was going on inside. Some good news I hoped....maybe some things I'd rather not see. I also considered the fact that there was a time when I'd just cross the street and walk in, not worried about safety or environment or whatever. For example, I have played baseball games against some very hardened inmates (inside the prison), delivered hampers to some very "tenuous" locations, and generally participated in charity events that reached out to those of questionable agendas.
Since I reached a certain age, I have chosen to take a safer route in life. I avoid risk, whether it be in my financials (which is a fairly wise thing to do if you want to have a decent retirement lifestyle) or in almost any endeavour. It's like, time to sit back and watch everyone else experience the full meaning of living.........while I cosy into a retirement mindset. This approach makes some sense, but does make one less alive in my opinion. Growing up left little choice but to try things and learn from the experience. I also had a bit of a wild side (just a bit), and therefore was open to various degrees of risk and reward. Okay, sometimes the risk didn't pay off, but at least one could move on knowing they tried.
So..........from this day forward, until I truly reach retirement (many years from now), I am going to get a wee bit "crazy" again......not in a juvenile way, but in terms of smelling the coffee. It's not that I haven't enjoyed the last few years, but I am definitely accelerating the old age gas pedal by sitting back. Now, don't expect to see me "streaking" at the Olympics (especially on a cold mountain!!), or bungee jumping from the highest bridge in the world.....not at this stage of the game. But just know that among other things, next time I'm downtown and close to that mission site, expect me to walk into that building and say "hi" to folks...maybe even lend a hand.......like I used to. It's the least I should do.....
), I do need a certain amount of adventure to keep from getting in a rut. Something to break the monotony, to give me a sense of exploration, and fun.
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