Caution! LIfe Up Ahead

“They” say, life gets less gratifying and more difficult as we move through each more challenging stage. I cannot dispute the realities that we face the longer we stay rooted on this wondrous planet.

I will however challenge anyone to dispute our lifelong passion for and pursuit of, adventure, enlightenment, social stimulation, bonding, purpose and validation. I’m sure the majority of us embrace at least one of those pursuits if not all (feel free to add to the list).

Oh sure, one might argue that  the onset of creaky bones, rising doctor’s visits and the accompanying treatments, perhaps: thicker glasses, a slight limp, slower recall for names and places, a jump shot minus the jump, all those extra breaths required to blow out those ever-expanding candles, a few wrong turns along the way to gramma’s house, perhaps fewer close friends or family to share with, less tiger and more kitten in the tank might be enough to move many of us to say uncle, I give.

I get it, life is hard, damn hard sometimes and it takes work, a lot of work. But it’s the only life we get (unless you choose to believe otherwise) and why in the heck should we not embrace it as if it were a precious child to love or at least a nice lean salami hoagie. Every Dang Day! But it’s not just embracing life, it’s living it, to the best of our ability, in ways that are rewarding, exciting, stimulating, pleasing and nourishing.  Life is meant to be lived not observed, feared or avoided.

So, what do you need to do? Well remembering who and what you love, what you have always enjoyed and not giving up is a really good start. Inevitably you will need to adapt your wishes, desires and activities to some of the realities you face. You will eventually need to walk up the mountain rather than running to the top as you once did.  It may take you longer to drive to your most favorite destination, but you’ll get there as long as you start your engine. Your annual summer camping expedition may turn into a Spa weekend.  Your energy and urge to bake those homemade cookies may wane, but the smells in the kitchen and the smiles on family and friends faces as well as your own will make it all worthwhile. What’s most important is getting in the game of life and staying there as often and as best you possibly can. Your next adventure, new friend or challenge may lie just around the corner.

I have no illusions about how difficult it may be to hold onto the passion and motivation needed to plan or take action on any given day. You may require a burst of inspiration, support or simply an understanding ear to say I get it before you get in gear.  

Make sure you acquire whatever you need to keep your life, comforting, meaningful and invigorating. There will always be resources to garner support, reinforcement, new ideas, validation and if needed a boot in the ol keister.

A mighty Oak tree can live for a long, long time but it will never be able to leave the forest, smile, laugh out loud, dance the polka, ride in a gondola in Venice or sing happy birthday. But you can!