Half a century. Yikes.
Listen, I’m optimistic about how much time I have left, but even if all of this working out and healthy eating pays off, an objective reading of the actuarial chart still suggests that I’d have to squint pretty hard to see the halfway point in my rearview mirror right now. Add to that the fact that each year now passes more quickly than the one that came before it and it’s easy to imagine that whatever time I do have left is going to feel exponentially more brief than the previous five decades.
All of which is to say: I have some things I need to accomplish, and the amount of time I have left during which to accomplish them is rapidly shrinking.
I can’t slow or halt the passage of time, but I can sure as hell make better use of however much of it I have left. To that end, I’d like you to meet my new constant companion:
That right there is the new iPad and keyboard case that I’ll be using to write my ever-loving ass off in the weeks and months ahead as I finally, once and for all, really and truly dedicate myself to the writing career I was cultivating before unexpectedly landing in a corporate day job that has been just comfortable enough to make the pursuit of my dreams feel less than urgent.
I’m not doing what I’m supposed to be doing with my life … and I know it … and I’ve known it for quite a while now … and it is, in the words of the great Robert Plant, nobody’s fault but mine.
So, OK, I’ve kind of blown it thus far … but, barring tragedy, there’s ample time left to make things right. I don’t plan to waste it.
Fifty is the new “It’s not too late to chase my dreams.”
Let’s do this.
I know how you feel as the years go by. In my case, I got the writing done. Now I have to make some headway on the rest of my life. But we can do this. Aloha.
Yes! ?? ??
I like it. I really, really like it. And, as an editor, I’m pretty judgmental.
Thank you!
I feel this. Knocking on the door of 50 myself (49 this year) and also wanting to be a writer/podcaster, I need to get going. 2020 is also my year. Thanks, Jon.
Thank you, Frank. We’ve got this. ??
It’s great that you know *what* you want to do. I’ll be 50 in November and still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. Now I’m just counting down the years until retirement (hopefully at age 57, if I can afford it.) I look forward to seeing what you do next! Best wishes and Happy Birthday!
Thanks, Valerie!
Good on you Jon.
I’m right on your heels age wise and also find myself thinking more and more about the increasing pace of the years.
You’re super talented. I’m sure doors will open.
Thanks for the compliment & encouragement. I really appreciate it.
Jon, I discovered your writing on Twitter and loved it immediately. I am so happy that you are doing what you were meant to do. And being from Philly, I am so glad you are doing it from Philly! I always appreciate your insights, wit and concerns. Go you.
Thanks so much, Shari!
Just found you today and I’m right there with you. Half century the day after the New Year came in. Knuckled up here in Shaolin.
Thanks, Ell. Happy belated birthday!