I was on the hopper this morning, reading some propaganda on my cellphone (which, as usual, was masquerading as news) and there was an article included about end-of-life regrets. A 90-something individual being interviewed by this smarmy 20-something reporter was complaining about not having enough fun in his life. It sounded like he had worked long and hard, making lots of money, but now that he was an old codger he was lamenting the fact that he'd not really "lived". Now...this subject has been on my mind of-late and it's curious how this article allowed me to find a little clarity. I've always had a bit of guilt about having too-much fun. It's not something one plans for in life, and it's really an organic process when you think about it. You just have to take advantage of the situation when the opportunity presents itself (make hay while the sun shines, eh?). My 20-something son tells me that this is purely due to the timing and place of my birth in this world (the good 'ole US of A in the late 1950s) and he might be onto something (I've always tried to count my blessings & God knows I've had plenty of 'em). While the world is far-less innocent now than it was then, I always figured that it was my "duty" to make each day as good as I could. If that included a bike ride or a swim as a kid, or an armed walk in the beautiful out-of-doors as a young man, or a trip to a clean and clear trout stream in mid-life then, then why the heck not? That includes a few fun old cars (and even some fun old girlfriends as well I suppose). My working life wasn't anything to get too-excited about, and that's probably because I didn't (& wouldn't) sell my life cheaply. I made decent wages and worked steadily-along, all the while having a few hobbies along the way to keep things engaging. I know so-many folks now that are either entering retirement or approaching that big date and they seem to be furiously attempting to have "fun". Travelling extensively, buying new and expensive things (cars, homes, liposuction, etc.) riding their mountain bikes 30-miles a day, dieting and generally working-out at a tremendous pace, all in the name of "fun" (I'm exhausted just thinking about it all!). I suppose that by now, nobody will ever mistake me for being too Type-A, and what's more...I simply don't fear getting older. I figure that by now I've earned that privilege.
I've also come to the conclusion that "fun" can't be forced, and that along with "happiness" it must be organic and possibly "earned". I know that circumstances play a big role here (avoiding tragedy is key, and that's as much "luck" as it is "smarts") but you also have to be open to having a little fun once in a while. Obsessive/compulsive things are seldom "fun" by that simple definition, and moreover, activities undertaken with like-minded friends (and family) are usually even more "fun". Another thing, it's the simple things that seem to be the most rewarding. A walk and chat with an old friend, a cold beer at the bar with a buddy, a lunch with a former co-worker, all of these are pretty wonderful when you think about it. A good meal shared is always a big plus, anywhere and anytime.
All right, I feel better now. Appreciate your forbearance here. Carry on.
Last edited by Lloyd3; 08/06/24 05:35 PM.
