Four Years Down the Road

It has taken a bit of soul-searching, attitude adjusting and jumping out of my comfort zone, but boomer-hood and I have finally established a working relationship. I was delighted to run across one of my ramblings about this stage of growth and realize I have made giant strides forward. We mistakenly think that adolescents have the market on turbulent, unpredictable moods and schedules. Boomers, raise your hand if you could teach them a thing or two about uncertainty and trying to fit in to feel connected. Below in italics are some issues I was having four years ago. Take a look at my perceptions now!

* Real cooking for one is not worth the mess it makes. Ahh, but eating with another, out or at a kitchen table or under the trees in the woods – that is worth any effort involved.

* For occasional snacks at home I invest in designer paper ware. Nobody will want my stuff. I am using it. No big deal if something gets broken.

* Matched socks are overrated. They still are. Boots and bell-bottoms keep judgmental eyes from seeing.

* TV viewing is a waste of time and definitely not worth the stiff joints from all that sitting. So I got rid of mine and enjoy random movie nights in front of someone else’s.

* I miss talking on the phone; I used to be a master phoner. It is easier now to seek out conversations face-to-face.

* Fast food has lost its appeal. Guess I don’t need fast food with the disappearance of fast life. Who was I kidding? Retirement can open up an outside lane with time speeding by as in no other path of life. I just plan better when I’m hungry now.

* My current cat is the weirdest of all who have ever adopted me. Too much conversation to suit him, perhaps. Ha! He has changed his tune. Meets me and scolds me regularly upon my returns.

* There are some older-people shoes in my closet, but I am not ready to wear them. I got rid of them, along with my high heels, and there are no more flip-flops on the premises. Style and comfort don’t have to be at odds. I may be older but I am also a bit wiser.

* Image still matters; dressing for my age doesn’t. Dressing for me matters.

* Classic rock truly ROCKS! So does John Denver and I don’t care if you disagree. Ditto.

* I would thoroughly enjoy the company of my parents now. I would accept in a flash the offer for a cup of coffee and a visit.

I have this wonderful life. For how long, no one knows. The best testament to family and friends who have gone ahead to the next one is to toss the guilt and enjoy the moments I can and learn from the ones I can’t and grow past them.