Milestones and Time
This past year, I celebrated a big Birthday, turning 50. As I talk to other friends about reaching this milestone, I notice a recurring theme. “Wow! I can’t believe we made it this far!”. In my 50’s and beyond, I don’t only want to survive, I want to thrive, and that is a big part of the reason I started this blog. I want to do work that I enjoy, at a pace that works for me and my wife. I also want it to allow us to take care of our health and each other. My Dad died of a heart attack at 64. That’s the same age that my wife’s Father died of a heart attack, about a year after retiring. I’ve often told myself, that there are no guarantees, so you should enjoy as much time as possible. That should include doing the things that you love, with people that you love.
Family and Friends
I’m the youngest of 9 children, so I was often spoiled by my older siblings. While that has a changed a bit over the years, they still show their love in a number of ways. Over the last few Birthday’s I’ve received small gifts from family that, on the surface, might seem impractical, or trite. Years ago, I might have simply tossed them after a short waiting period, however, over the past few years, I’ve learned to particularly appreciate these gifts more than most. A lot of these small gifts are tied in with NYC. I see them as homage to my determination to live in this city, after only visiting once or twice as a tourist, and making it my home over the last 20 years.
Cost of everything and the value of nothing
That old adage that “We know the cost of everything, but the value of nothing”, rings more true as we age.
When I receive a small gift of small monetary value, but with a large amount of love behind it, I place it in a special area of my home office.
The map of Manhattan, or the canvas print, or the small sticker, celebrating the Superbowl, that was 2-years late. The small figure of the Empire state building that was repaired with a nail cover as its’ spire. These are small gifts that have arrived over the last few years.
Keeping these small items within my immediate view helps to keep me connected and are a small reminder that I am loved by my friends and family.
Since I’m not a Father, I don’t have any #1 Dad T-shirts, or annual Father’s day gifts, so these are a small reminder that puts a smile on my face.
What items do you keep around that give you a boost toward your goals or that make you feel connected?
