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Navigating The Maze of Life - Reflections at 70 - Part 2

I started this post during the pandemic when I turned 70 but never finished it then. Now, as I am several years older, they may be right. Fifty is the new thirty, and sixty is the new forty, so it isn't too far-fetched to say that seventy is the new fifty. Today's seventy-year-olds are different from those of my parents' generation. Nevertheless, turning seventy does signify the onset of what we used to call "old age." Interestingly, I rarely feel "old." Now that I am seventy-three and approaching seventy-four, I can tell you this: getting older is precisely what we make of it, no more and no less.

This begs the question: Who am I now at 73?   As the answer to that question shifts, you find yourself in a place of uncertainty. After a lifetime of thinking you were one thing, you discover that identity no longer fits. I realize I'm no longer a title or a job description. Yes, I'm still a husband and 'family' to many, but who am I? Our relationships define us. By the people we love. By our good works. By our mistakes. By our misgivings, fears, and regrets. I've realized my identities have morphed over this lifetime. How do we let go of our past that no longer fits and remain engaged, connected, and passionate about life while waiting to discover who I am in this new moment?   Well, whether young or old, life keeps moving, and so must we.   Moving physically as well as in consciousness.   

So, what have I learned thus far?   I enjoyed thinking about those things that shaped me, if not breakthroughs, are experiences I hope others can learn from.      There are seven of them. 'Lucky 7' is the world's favorite number. There are seven days of the week, seven colors of the rainbow, seven notes in a musical scale, seven seas, and seven continents.   Snow White ran off to live with seven dwarves, there were seven brides for seven brothers; Shakespeare described the seven ages of man; Sinbad the Sailor had seven voyages. And when Ian Fleming was looking for a code name for James Bond, he didn't go for 006 or 008. Only 007 had the right ring.   But I digress. So seven it is.  

• Be forward-thinking -  focus on execution, but challenge yourself to look beyond the here and now.  

• Be inventive and daring. If you get too comfortable, you're not challenging yourself and being creative in trying new things. Remember, if you have never failed, you have never tried.   

• Do the right thing - be honest and straightforward – ultimately, your character and integrity is all about you.  

•  Be willing to change, learn, and grow - the downfall of so many is that they can not change.   Your "cheese" will move throughout your life, and you must learn to enjoy the new "cheese" and not lament the loss of the old. (Look up that parable if you are not familiar)   This is most important.

• Work hard and be your authentic self - you will be rewarded. But always be on the lookout for those who might do you wrong. Pick your friends and acquaintances carefully, and look out for yourself. Work-life balance is indeed a key to happiness.   You will never find time for anything. If you want time, you will have to make it.  

• Lead by example – there is no other way to lead because doing so inspires others and tends to build quality teams with quality results. I know it works.

 At this point in my life, I appreciate more than ever my lifelong devotion to learning and growing, my sometimes hazardous curiosity about people, and what makes them come alive. I understand the little kid always inside of me who can still get excited about the world and what is beyond and plot a way to get there.    I learned early on that no one is in charge of my happiness but me. No one has the responsibility to make me happy.   I have to be the one to do that.    You must love yourself before you can love others.   And while my life has had its ups and downs, I've learned that there is a lesson to be learned in everything we experience. Everything we undergo teaches us a lesson. The challenge is that we have to be brave enough to honestly discover the lesson that was taught and smart enough to use the wisdom gained. I'm still working on that. It's a lifelong challenge.   And I wish you success with that. 


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