Here I am, over the hill and gaining on retirement age when I find there are more things I have done than those I haven't done.

All of my career goals were met long ago, I've raised and educated two children, nurtured a marriage for going on 30 years and I have every tool imaginable in my garage.

I've traveled, taken risk and won big, taken risk and lost big, been through the search for a higher spiritual plane, given mega bucks to the poor, basked in riches, been on the brink of joining the food line.

My remodeled house has been remodeled, my other car is a Jaguar, my pet car has all the mods I desire (and 10 coats of Zaino), and the philanthropic side of me always tips heavily (especially if she has long legs ).

I have the ultimate sound system and collection of music to go with it and yes, an ipod. Contemporary music sucks and I have all the classics.

I live in paradise on Hewlets Creek (where Dawson's Creek was filmed) and I volunteer my time to assist those who are living in Hell and have nothing.

I can't afford an affair and don't have the emotional energy (or desire, Honey Bunches ).

I'm running out of new challenges in life. Routine maintenance is not an option.

So, for those who've been where I am and are now beyond, what's the secret to keeping life exciting and rewarding? What else is there?

Maybe its time for grandchildren.

 

Grandchildren are great - I love mine a lot - but you can't make them your whole life.

 

Maybe its time for a top down drive at speed just to remind you that you really aren't that old.

 

My Bad,

We met at WTD 04.

I am a bit envious that you have already accomplished some of the things that I have not. With that said. One of the things that I will remind you of that is something that no one should ever get bored with is "waking up in the morning a healthy human being". Without your health, little else matters.

Now, with that said: My suggestion if you are looking for a new challenge and something to knock you back down a peg or two? Learn to fly and get a pilots license. If you have never flown a plane, that experience will make must people feel pretty dumb in a hurry.

Good luck.

Regards,
Matt in VA

 

They keep you active and hoppin' for at least 20 years though. Mine are 17, 15, and 13 now and believe me, I've enjoyed every minute of their time. Now they are at the age when it becomes really fun... Especially when the 17 year old says..."Granpa... When will you let me drive your sports car" I swallow, take a deep breath and say.."Honey... Let's practice some more in the Saturn"

Best part is... I can spoil them absolutely rotten and then give them back to their Mom and tell her... "It's payback time"

 

One thing that I find as I get older is that I have LESS time to comtemplate my navel than I have ever had. I still have one child in high school. I am finally in a place where I can be serious about auto-xing, and I have recently gotten into horses. So I am out at the ranch (not mine) taking care of my horse every weekend when I am not auto-xing. And we got a horse for my daughter just yesterday.

I guess my point is that I still feel quite challenged in life - trying to improve my horsemanship/riding skills and my driving skills too. Fortunately, some of the same skills you need for driving - you also need for horseback riding (looking ahead is very important in both)

I look forward to retirement when I can spend a lot more time with the horses and doing charity work. My father set the bar VERY high when it comes to giving back to the community through charity work and I don't plan to disappoint him.

 

MyBad...

friend, you need to travel! nothing like the dramatic shift in perspective once you get off the beaten path. and even if you've been off the beaten path before, there's always more isolated and adventurous places to voyage to. if you need to, get a map of the globe, throw darts randomly at it... pick the most isolated (but not war-torn) location, and go see what's there.

travelling is one of the greatest luxuries there is... even if at the end you're thrilled to be back home.

 

MyBad,

An excellent question. Consider how lucky you are to feel as you do!

I have no answer for you. In my own case, I've left myself with personal challenges that can never be fully achieved. E.g., there will always be room for me to improve my trumpet playing. There will always be new paths to explore on my mountain bike. I can try until the day I die and still not be able to slam dunk a basketball!

In your shoes, I think I would find more ways to "give back." There are many in the Vintage community who have leadership roles in charity and non-profit orgs. Rather than donate money, see if you can participate in something that's important to you personally -- whatever that is. Just a thought...

Good luck! Again, you're a lucky guy!

 

At the end of the day, the question we ask ourselves is whether we've lived a good life, whatever that may mean. Finding contentment is key to our existence. When you count your blessing, it is hard not to find happiness. There are always more things to do but living in the moment and finding morsels of happiness everywhere I think is the key. Indeed volunteering at a nearby Red Cross, reading books for children at a local school, serving those less fortunate folks in the community center are all good outlets to give of ourselves. You've been very blessed and I hope good health and many more years of fruitful life for you and others in this forum.

 

Sorry if I'm a bit harsh here, but maybe you should just roll over and play dead. There's lots of stuff out there to do and you sound a bit stratified. I see a lot of that down here in Florida, next you'll be at the never change your clothes stage as you hobble thru the grocery store passing gas.

Maybe the best place to start is to lie down on your front lawn and watch a square foot of grass for an hour or so. Take a look at the life that's going on right at your feet. When you get up apply that perspective to everythinhg around you and hopefully you'll see the things your missing.

Like I said I'm sorry if this sounds a bit harsh but I see people fall in that trap all the time down here.

There's always something new in the world if you look for it


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