I turned 81 last month. I never thought I would last this long, and now it looks like I still have a long way to go. My health is great. I do have arthritis in my hips from years of climbing and cycling and other insane activities. The theme of my life was something I heard in the movie The Magnficent Seven. When asked why he was there the character told a brief story the theme of which was, It sounded like a good idea at the time. For me, fortunately, the multitude of choices made on that basis largely paid off well.
When I was thirty my son was born, and the sudden responsibility affected me greatly. I shaved off my hippie-ish beard, such as it was, cut my hair shorter, and changed my image to what I thought a father should look like. In doing that a lot of people were made uncomfortable. I decided then and there that I didn't want others' expectations determining the choices I made about my life. As as consequence, I don't have a bucket list. I have pretty much done everything in life I have wanted to do. I have climbed all over the world, cycled several hundred thousand miles. been married three times and finally figured out that it isn't my thing. I am not wealthy by any standard, but am very comfortable in my current place. I have more income than I need to sustain my lifestyle which many might find too restrictive, but which works perfectly for me.
I could not recommend the way I chose to live to anyone else. I have been very lucky, no question, blessed almost. The hard times, and there were a few, simply gave me the perspective I needed to realize when I was actually happy. Freedom is the ultimate happiness to me, being on my own clock, answering to no one for my choices other than myself. It took my second marriage's end to teach me that. The third was brief, and only to help out a friend in need. I consider it my most successful.
There is a price for freedom, but whatever its cost, it is worth it.
I copied your advice to someone younger. I will save it and include it when my grandchildren are on the cusp of adulthood. It’s wisdom learned at the expense of experience, which is the best, and really, the only way to earn wisdom.
Happy birthday, Chris! Your writing and this specific essay reflect wisdom acquired along your journey of life. This resonated for me and I’m more than a few years older than you and agree with your hard won insights about choices made. I’m glad that you believe in what you’re doing right now and know that it’s the right thing for you to do.
Thanks, Mark! I appreciate it! It's the curse and the blessing of getting older, right? This is honestly part of what is so off in our society. People used to learn from their elders. Now, they often abandon them. :-(
Happy Birthday Chris! What you are doing is incredible and I hope to be writing full time as a job soon. You inspire me to do better every day. I hope you have a wonderful day and that you do something nice for yourself.
I’ve got shoes older than you…… hell, you ain’t old, you just hitting full stride. Seriously, look forward to the future and forget the past. Remember, there are no trailer hitches on hearses. You can’t take it with you…..
I turned 81 last month. I never thought I would last this long, and now it looks like I still have a long way to go. My health is great. I do have arthritis in my hips from years of climbing and cycling and other insane activities. The theme of my life was something I heard in the movie The Magnficent Seven. When asked why he was there the character told a brief story the theme of which was, It sounded like a good idea at the time. For me, fortunately, the multitude of choices made on that basis largely paid off well.
When I was thirty my son was born, and the sudden responsibility affected me greatly. I shaved off my hippie-ish beard, such as it was, cut my hair shorter, and changed my image to what I thought a father should look like. In doing that a lot of people were made uncomfortable. I decided then and there that I didn't want others' expectations determining the choices I made about my life. As as consequence, I don't have a bucket list. I have pretty much done everything in life I have wanted to do. I have climbed all over the world, cycled several hundred thousand miles. been married three times and finally figured out that it isn't my thing. I am not wealthy by any standard, but am very comfortable in my current place. I have more income than I need to sustain my lifestyle which many might find too restrictive, but which works perfectly for me.
I could not recommend the way I chose to live to anyone else. I have been very lucky, no question, blessed almost. The hard times, and there were a few, simply gave me the perspective I needed to realize when I was actually happy. Freedom is the ultimate happiness to me, being on my own clock, answering to no one for my choices other than myself. It took my second marriage's end to teach me that. The third was brief, and only to help out a friend in need. I consider it my most successful.
There is a price for freedom, but whatever its cost, it is worth it.
Man, Eugene, the life you've lived. Thanks for sharing this. It gives me hope for the home stretch.
I copied your advice to someone younger. I will save it and include it when my grandchildren are on the cusp of adulthood. It’s wisdom learned at the expense of experience, which is the best, and really, the only way to earn wisdom.
That's very sweet.
Happy birthday, Chris! Your writing and this specific essay reflect wisdom acquired along your journey of life. This resonated for me and I’m more than a few years older than you and agree with your hard won insights about choices made. I’m glad that you believe in what you’re doing right now and know that it’s the right thing for you to do.
Thanks, Mark! I appreciate it! It's the curse and the blessing of getting older, right? This is honestly part of what is so off in our society. People used to learn from their elders. Now, they often abandon them. :-(
Happy Birthday!
Thank you!
Happy Birthday Chris! What you are doing is incredible and I hope to be writing full time as a job soon. You inspire me to do better every day. I hope you have a wonderful day and that you do something nice for yourself.
Thank you, Nancy. You've got this! :-)
I’ve got shoes older than you…… hell, you ain’t old, you just hitting full stride. Seriously, look forward to the future and forget the past. Remember, there are no trailer hitches on hearses. You can’t take it with you…..
Thanks. Will do!
Come to think of it, I've got shoes older than my kids.