Perhaps my continuing journey into Act Three is at play here. But how many of you have also noticed the disconnect that can separate introspection and optimism? For example, on days when this optimist is in a more introspective space, the probable "lasts" in my remaining life come more easily into focus than the likely "firsts". Does this make my optimism suspect? Or does it render me more realistic?
Either way, beginning when my first grandchild entered the world, I made a pledge. Each time a probable "last" crosses this introspective optimist/realist's mind - e.g., my trip to Africa this past winter might be my last - I will immediately capture an actual "first" in my journal. I've been pleased to discover how easy this has been these past two weeks. Doing it has also fortified my optimist bona fides. Directly below are three recent firsts that helped provide some ballast for three probable "lasts" that popped into my head in some recent moments of introspection. I'll spare you those gloomy bits.
* Played my first-ever applause-worthy guitar solo in an open jazz jam session.
* Was grateful having a cell phone nearby for the first time, in the hours leading up to and after the birth of my grandson.
* Had my first experience with acupuncture.
Why not join me? Doesn't matter if you consider yourself an optimist, realist, pessimist, anythingist. Also doesn't matter if you introspect more than, as frequently, or less than me. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised about the light this brings to you.
Hey Pat. As my 60's inch ever closer to my 70's (2 years !) I have found myself thinking about having more yesterdays that tomorrows. More lasts than firsts. But ... at the same time, the ever present optimist in me tries its hardest to keep me level headed and able to enjoy each and every moment. There are things that I wish I would have done that maybe I am not going to be able to do, but ... I won't let it stop me from at least trying. I don't have a Bucket List, per se' but there are things that I have always wanted to do, places I've wanted to go and I know there's still time for them. So ... I will continue to plan and hope to see those plans come to fruition. My fingers remain crossed - for a little while at least as it gets somewhat uncomfortable - lol.
ReplyDeleteBe well and keep doing what you're doing my friend !!!!
Bob
Bob; Yeah, at our age - and you are younger than me - those "lasts" seem to arrive with predictable regularity. That's why I made this new pledge. Helps me maintain more equilibrium in my day-to-day perspective.
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