Well, following up on my recent blog on retirement and the joy I’m experiencing being retired, I’m having many thoughts about this stage of life. I mentioned that some people do not necessarily enjoy being retired (the “go getters,” those that have lots of energy, ambition, can’t sit still for a minute people) and others (like myself) just love retirement. Two different perspectives on this period of our lives.
Well, even those enjoying retirement have to have something to keep them going. Keep them alive, vibrant, interesting and interested, active to some degree. To just stop, give up on activities and interactions and some kind of social life is not good or healthy, I think. So, what keeps us going? What inspires us, what sustains us?
My life has been great. A success, I’d say. Ready to die, move on to something else if there’s something else? No, I don’t think so. I’m feeling there’s more right here, in this life, to do. I feel a strong feeling that there’s more to do. Is God or the life force leading me on to more? Perhaps something new and different? Well, let’s find out, I say. What’s next in this game of life?
One new direction I’ve taken these past few years is my writing. My inspiration to start blogging, sharing my thoughts and feelings and life story has been a new experience. A little scary at first, I did just plunge ahead and did it. It’s been satisfying and educational for me. It’s a learning experience for me if nothing else. And it has let people how unique, ok, weird, I really am.
So, it’s not over. What’s next? Well, I figure I will continue with writing. We’ll see where that goes. I’d like to write a book or two, but I don’t think I have the patience to endure that large of a project. Are there things I’ve put off in my earlier years that I feel like pursuing now? Nothing comes to mind. I’ve done a lot of traveling. Seen a lot of the world. Very satisfied in that arena.
I am pursuing my educational interests, my continuing education; lifelong learning in fields of interest and some new areas. We’ll see where that goes. I’m interested in the deeper things of life rather than the more superficial things most of our society is obsessed with. So many people just full of prejudices and rigid opinions and susceptible to cults, charismatic leaders, etc. Sick of it all. But I am interested in researching and exposing the crap of these people, organizations, etc. I guess I am a “truth seeker” at heart. Always have been. Just want to live a true life. Be truth is my motto.
As to what “sustains me,” well, that’s an interesting question. Like I said, truth seeking obsesses me. Getting out in nature sustains and enlivens me. Beauty enthralls me. Good relationships, good friends excite me. Starting each day anew is thrilling. Having time to contemplate and be alone in personal spiritual practice gets the day going in the right direction. Inspiration comes in unexpected moments. I have learned to just “go with the flow.” I just “let it be,” and see where it goes.
So, we live a long life, and there’s still more to go. I think that’s exciting! So many friends didn’t get this far. Cut down in the midst of life, as they say. I do appreciate that I’ve come this far. Much further than I ever expected. Outlived my mother by almost twenty years and have almost outlived my father. I’m thrilled about this.
As my blog title states, it ain’t over till it’s over. I’m thankful it is not over yet. I hope I have a lot more discovering, exploring, and enjoying of life. My curiosity does keep me busy, moving forward. I can’t let the crap of the world get me down. I can’t control a lot of life, but I can control my mind, my thinking, my personal space and environment. My connection to the real source of life. Hope you can say the same and see it that way. What’s the saying? “Go with God!” Whatever that means to you, however you see it. It’s the best way to live.
Wally