I wrote this on my birthday. Then all hell broke loose with my hosting provider. Again. I’m not naming names here, but I would NOT recommend using these people.
I’m supposed to be feeling maudlin, go into a big retrospective, or just panic. After all, this is a scary one, right? You see, I turned the big 5-0.
Here’s the thing, though – I’m really not bothered. I know, I know, he doth protest too much. I’m just covering that it IS a big deal, right? Otherwise I wouldn’t bring it up! Nah, I’m good.
Sure, it’s a landmark along the way, but it’s more like the World’s Largest Frying Pan (30 minutes from my childhood home!) – it’s a curiosity but not something to plan your life around.
I’ve been told when you’re an adult, birthdays are just another day. I don’t buy that; life gives us reasons to celebrate, we should take advantage! I celebrated by running 8 miles for mine. Next weekend I’m doing a double Savage Race, and there’s more planned for the rest of the year. I’m having a pretty good year, stronger and more fit than I’ve ever been.
Goals are a popular topic around these parts, as well as “progress not perfection.” You can’t get where you want to go unless you know where you came from. One reason to celebrate is when we look back on our journey and see the things we’ve accomplished. So no, I’m not opposed to a good retrospective.
On the Other Hand…
Satchel Paige was… well, if you don’t know who Satchel was, stop reading this right now and go find out about him. The man is a legend. Did he really do the things he is credited with (often he credited himself), or have the stories grown over the years? Who the hell cares? It’s a series of entertaining stories. If the man pitched in the World Series at (at least) age 42 and threw three scoreless innings in the majors when he was (at least) 59 – he was plenty good.
Satchel is credited with saying a lot of things. This, though, is his most famous quote. My interpretation? Eyes forward, all the time. If you spend your time worrying about the past you can’t change, you aren’t focusing on what you can change.
Yes, I turned 50. No, I’m not worried. In fact, to quote my friend and business partner, I’m pretty sure the best is yet to come!
Photo by Guillaume de Germain on Unsplash