This really spoke to me. I have always chastised myself (silently of course) for not being one of those people who had a plan, a trajectory right out of college, of how their life would go.
I never did well with the question of where will you be in 5 years, ten years, etc.
Now that I am in my mid-sixties I look back and am grateful for not blindly following some pre determined path.
I feel I am much better prepared for what comes next (now that our world has been upended) as I am used to pivoting quickly when needed.
Thank you for validating a way of living that isnt always appreciated by society!
Wonderful reflection! It has been a whole lot of years since reading this. Will be on my winter revisit list! Thanks for opening up that barn door! Oh this last line hit with precision! "I’ve found that the best things in my life are the miracles I’ve stumbled upon while feeling around in the dark." How true, I've found that. It's in the 'not looking' that so much of the best of life materializes. Thank you for this post, Walter. Blessings, ~Wendy💜
How true this is . .once your 70 (and few friends are still alive) your days have to be used wisely or at least full of valuable time wasting doing something you enjoy. I always told my elderly patients ..take up a coffee table hobby . Something you can do in your own safe place that helps pass time at the same time as keeping you thrilled and engulfed in your happy zone. So here I am , as them , but I have always enjoyed coins and stamps. So instead of being enthralled by the hopeless state we are in with politics and our democracy . I just get a roll of Penny's ,nickels or dimes quarters or 50 cent pieces . At the first of the month spend $20.00 and go thru those coins looking for errors or older dates. Once your done either put them in plastic folders or return for more treasure hunting hours. Someday when I'm gone ,my kids or grandkids will be able to enjoy their valuable time doing the same . The coins I touched they will touch (even if they sell them ) and it will be a full circle . My husband is always amazed I can sit for hours on hours checking my coins and checking their history . We can either be bored and negative or enjoy sitting at our coffee table thrilled . Just a idea .
Maybe the analogies are too accurate for MAGAs, and that's why the book has been banned in many US schools. It's all about distracting the masses from what's really happening. Thank you for reading it to your children. This Christmas, I'm planning to give banned books as gifts to all my family members. This one might be on the list, but there are so, so many to choose from!
True, tho maybe Boxer's dream/ fantasy enabled him to endure/ get the most out of what he couldn’t change. (it’s been over 50 years since I read Animal Farm, and I did feel the same way your daughters did). The trick is maybe to gather strength & ideas for action while dreaming (I.e., reducing stress), but stay alert to see the chance to act. In German maybe ‚Achtsamkeit‘ - mindfulness? Not easy!
Great piece. Wow. Lots to think about and mull over as I am out planting garlic later. I loved Animal Farm when I read it in high school because it made so much make sense..not it's doing it again.
I benefit
from looking through your honest eyes.
My own eyes see it differently
but now I can ask myself new questions.
Thank you for the depth of your exploration.
You inspire us to think well and be real.
What a great comment
This really spoke to me. I have always chastised myself (silently of course) for not being one of those people who had a plan, a trajectory right out of college, of how their life would go.
I never did well with the question of where will you be in 5 years, ten years, etc.
Now that I am in my mid-sixties I look back and am grateful for not blindly following some pre determined path.
I feel I am much better prepared for what comes next (now that our world has been upended) as I am used to pivoting quickly when needed.
Thank you for validating a way of living that isnt always appreciated by society!
Thank you so much!
Wonderful reflection! It has been a whole lot of years since reading this. Will be on my winter revisit list! Thanks for opening up that barn door! Oh this last line hit with precision! "I’ve found that the best things in my life are the miracles I’ve stumbled upon while feeling around in the dark." How true, I've found that. It's in the 'not looking' that so much of the best of life materializes. Thank you for this post, Walter. Blessings, ~Wendy💜
How true this is . .once your 70 (and few friends are still alive) your days have to be used wisely or at least full of valuable time wasting doing something you enjoy. I always told my elderly patients ..take up a coffee table hobby . Something you can do in your own safe place that helps pass time at the same time as keeping you thrilled and engulfed in your happy zone. So here I am , as them , but I have always enjoyed coins and stamps. So instead of being enthralled by the hopeless state we are in with politics and our democracy . I just get a roll of Penny's ,nickels or dimes quarters or 50 cent pieces . At the first of the month spend $20.00 and go thru those coins looking for errors or older dates. Once your done either put them in plastic folders or return for more treasure hunting hours. Someday when I'm gone ,my kids or grandkids will be able to enjoy their valuable time doing the same . The coins I touched they will touch (even if they sell them ) and it will be a full circle . My husband is always amazed I can sit for hours on hours checking my coins and checking their history . We can either be bored and negative or enjoy sitting at our coffee table thrilled . Just a idea .
I haven’t read that book in decades but I’m pretty sure I have a copy.
I feel that the glue factory awaits me.
I think that right now is not the most optimal time to read it all things considered.
Maybe the analogies are too accurate for MAGAs, and that's why the book has been banned in many US schools. It's all about distracting the masses from what's really happening. Thank you for reading it to your children. This Christmas, I'm planning to give banned books as gifts to all my family members. This one might be on the list, but there are so, so many to choose from!
What book are you talking about? Thanks Janice! Update: Oh gosh, I'm so silly! I didn't realize this was on my Animal Farm post. I'm all confused.
I'm eager to know as well
It's Animal Farm... I'm so silly, I didn't recognize what post this comment was on :)
True, tho maybe Boxer's dream/ fantasy enabled him to endure/ get the most out of what he couldn’t change. (it’s been over 50 years since I read Animal Farm, and I did feel the same way your daughters did). The trick is maybe to gather strength & ideas for action while dreaming (I.e., reducing stress), but stay alert to see the chance to act. In German maybe ‚Achtsamkeit‘ - mindfulness? Not easy!
Great piece. Wow. Lots to think about and mull over as I am out planting garlic later. I loved Animal Farm when I read it in high school because it made so much make sense..not it's doing it again.
Thank you!