When I’m Sixty-Four
“Will you still need me,
Will you still feed me
When I’m sixty-four?”
The Beatles
Let's Talk...
Last week, in some deranged moment, I promised I would contemplate the meaning of life in honor of my 64th birthday and then get back to you with my findings. I’m not sure what got into me, but a promise is a promise.
First, let me say that I actually planned to sit down on three occasions for thirty minutes each time and write down my thoughts. I got through the first session and realized a very important thing: Why does there have to be a meaning? I know that people have committed their lives to this endeavor over the centuries, but I don’t have that level of concentration.
My realizations on life are short:
1. If you’re religious, you have a blueprint. If you’re not, you make up your own;
2. Connection with others is important;
3. Engagement gives everything meaning;
My birthday chick from Blake
4. Having a plan gets you out of bed in the morning;
5. Looking forward creates anticipation;
6. Being in the moment means you don’t have to contemplate the meaning because you’re living it.
Done. Now I don’t have to think about this again.
Have a good week and we’ll talk soon.
Comments
Apr 25, 2011 at 11:09 amtatyana: oh, you're funny--and wise. what a blissful combination.
I remember hearing thomas moore on the radio years ago saying, "I don't want to have a meaningful life. I want to have a beautiful life." that's always stayed with me. He said it's in our nature to strive for meaning, but not so much to strive for beauty, so he thought he'd put his energies there. Or at least that's how I remember it. Happy birthday!
Apr 25, 2011 at 1:19 pmBetsy Walker: Loved this column! If you haven't already done so, you must check out this u-tube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGtSpsYURAQ
P.S. I don't think a "meaningful" life is half as important as being "present" in the one we have.
Apr 25, 2011 at 7:54 pmlinda: I think being present in your life is what's going to bring you fulfillment.
Happy Birthday,
Love you,
linda