· When I was in my 40’s, I dreamed of being a
really good tennis player. I even fantasized
that I would get better with age as others more talented fell apart with
time.
After giving up tennis in my 50’s, I discovered that I didn't miss it at all. My new passion for ballroom dancing replaced tennis and took center stage in my life, leaving me
with NO regrets.
I realized from this and other experiences in my
life that I needed to be skeptical about my professed passions and interests. They do not necessarily last forever. Indeed, I can recall numerous examples of
categorical positions that I have taken in my life that have changed, sometimes
abruptly and for no apparent reason. At times, I have been both
shocked by own hypocrisy, but also gratified by my flexibility for change.
Life is filled with too many opportunities that
keep you fresh and young and alive.
Simply living the same day over and over again maybe the definition of
hell on earth.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis is so very true and yet it also hints at some of the danger of giving in completely to our natural tendency to enjoy the "new". Some sort of steadfast belief system and loyalty to designated people in our lives is necessary to have continuity and meaning, it is all necessary if we want to be grounded. Perhaps not as prevalent in Hawaii, but in so cal, the tendency is to live like an 18 y/o, bouncing from new best friend to new best friend, turning over the fields of life even faster than the farmer himself, and finding no peace as a result. I have had periods of this and I have observed it in many others as well.
ReplyDeleteIt is a delicate balance to be true to self while actively encouraging the right level of drift that the journey of self needs and not getting swept out into the current.
-- edited to fix a spelling error :)