Saturday, October 11, 2008

Senior Search 10/11/08

The worst thing for a man
is when there is nothing to do,
and no future.

Marat Safin

******************************

Only 75 shopping days left till Christmas!! (I wonder how many people know why I said that.)

If anyone cares to do it, defining one's life can be a tough, brass knuckle thing to do. There was a famous acting teacher of the past who used to say to his class on the first day, "If you want to be an actor you're going to spend the rest of your life looking for work. If you can't deal with that you might as well walk out of here right now."

As I look back on my life I realize that my goals were very simple ones. As a vagabond theatre actor it was usually to get the next job. I didn't think about any long range goals.

Some people work their lives in order to retire. I never planned to retire, but physical problems forced me to, and now I'm faced with the dilemma of identifying myself, my life and my future.

The future comes in two forms: the short term and the long term. For many people the short term future is today. The goal is to get through the day. For others it's to get through the week, to get to the next pension check, to get the Christmas shopping done.

But what about the long term future. So now I'm retired. So What? I don't have to look for a job. What should I do? For many people the goal is retirement, but retirement comes with a problem. This is where the brass knuckles come into play. If your goal in life is to retire and you've achieved it, what's left? Death?

I'm still alive (thank you) and so my life is moving along. But to where is it moving? And why?

To have a future, but to have no idea at all what it is, means there is no goal.

I am grateful that these brass knuckles hit me gently in the jaw because now I am thinking about a goal, goals, a future, a long range future, instead of a colorful but troubled past.

DB - The Vagabond

dbdacoba@aol.com

http://wingstoart.livejournal.com/

6 comments:

Leigh/BlueDragonfly said...

Now, you write, read, study something you've always wanted to learn. Devote time to your art. The possibilities are only limited to your desires.
:) Leigh

Dannelle said...

My brass knuckles(I actually have one) are iron! So the iron fist has dealt me a blow at times also! My goal today is finding a place for my geraniums indoors. It is trying to freeze outside. I really do not like this house but it is here and covers my head even if I can't afford propane. LOL Love and hugs for the future my dear, Dannelle CODE: rypynx (this is a hard one) Realizing your potential,yell "nebular xenon"

Ken Riches said...

Pleased to see you thinking long term. I think things will come together for you a unique way :o)

Beth said...

I'm dealing with this dilemma, too. I won't say struggling, because I'm enjoying myself, but I wonder what is out there for me...and how do I go about finding it?

I'll look forward to hearing about what is out there for you.

Beth

betty said...

75 days for Christmas shopping; well now actually 74 today; thanks for the reminder; I think gift cards are in order this year,so much more easier

I hear what you are saying in this DB; so many people live unti they cany retire, but they don't plan their retirement and what they are going to do with it; my husband, at 55 years of age, is ready to leave the rat race (but can't for a few more years) but I keep telling him to think ahead for what he wants to do to fill up those hours; a few months of doing nothing seems good, but then what? he's like you, talented (musician) so I'm encouraging that side of him to find something to do

great entry

betty

krissy knox said...

Excellent and thought provoking entry. I am just sitting here tonight reading some of your blog. it is a much needed respite. This has been a crazy day, a crazy week for me. I won't get into it right now, but suffice it to say I am really enjoying your diverting entries.

What you are saying is so true. Sometimes it takes a real awakening to realize that you don't need to wait to really live. To have to look up and say, "now what is my life going to be about?", to really come to the point where you have to ponder it, came early to you, and came as a blessing, actually. You came to realize when you retired early, I imagine, that you weren't meant to wait to die, but rather just to begin living! What an adventure you must be on right now! Just to be on such a journey is exciting. I know, because I am on a journey also. I am riding along in my journey, thinking I know where I am going, and then before I know it, the little boat I am riding in takes an unexpected turn down an unexpected stream. It is in the general direction, usually, that I expected, but usually takes an interesting twist or turn! Always exciting! I am always learning new things. A world is opening up that I never expected, because I didn't know what I was missing. At times it seems that with creativity there is no boundaries, because with God there are no boundaries. Yes, we are finite creatures, but through God and His grace, there is so much to see, to do, to be. What an adventure these last few years of my life have been.
Krissy :)