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| Senior trailblazers, March 2013 |
What surprises me, when I gaze at pictures taken long ago, is how many different lives I've already lived. A mother, one of six siblings, world traveler, journalist, skydiving instructor, life partner, gardener, hiker, and blogger. More would probably bubble up, given a bit more time. But that's enough for now.
It feels good to look back over so many decades and be grateful for all the opportunities and accomplishments that comprise the person I am today. The only poignant part of this trip down Memory Lane is knowing that memories are what I have left of many great life adventures. Travel no longer excites me, skydiving is a thing in the past, and I have unfortunately outlived my offspring.
This is the great mystery of life: nothing lasts, nothing stays the same, but somehow my sense of self is constant, having passed through life's many stages and now I reside in old age. I am content, no matter what lies ahead.
Time is a brisk wind, for each hour it brings something new... but who can understand and measure its sharp breath, its mystery and its design? —ParacelsusI wish you many good days and years ahead of joy and gratitude.
:-)
To arrive in our twilight years and be content with the life we have lived is no mean feat. Your acceptance of the cards you have been dealt is a real credit to your spirit.
ReplyDeleteMemory Lane can be a delightful ramble and I am so glad that yours definitely falls into that category. And echo Fun60. I too have been a number of people, and hope to be more. And to continue to be an appreciator.
ReplyDeleteContentment with life is how I feel too. That is a great photo!
ReplyDeleteYou are one of the strongest, most ethical, kind, adventurous, energetic, smartest people I know, DJan. It’s such a privilege to know you. You continue to live your life to the fullest and I so admire your courage. Oh... and I like that photo a lot too.
ReplyDeleteGreat quote, right on...Wishing you many more years of a great life with your friends and partner. May you always have good health to see you through the journey.
ReplyDeleteThat is a good photo, and a great launch for a trip down memory lane. You mentioned gratitude, and I certainly feel that as I think back on my life journey. That shy, usually afraid little girl is still in me, but oh, the things she has accomplished in spite of herself.
ReplyDeleteThat is a wonderful shot to hold onto.
ReplyDeleteI too have been enjoying my old photos this winter. Great memories and I too am content. Love that picture.
ReplyDeleteI like the term you use about how many lives you've lived. that kind of stopped me in my tracks. I've been many many different things. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteThere are stages of life to be sure, and the next stage may be surprising one.
ReplyDeleteAll things, and still a sweet person filled with joy and contentment of your life in the past & what lies ahead. You are a hero to us all.
ReplyDeleteLoved that picture for the anonymous nature of it yet how it shows the group as a single unit. You have worn many hats and will probably wear a few more in the future. I am enjoying the trip with you.
ReplyDeleteYes, that sense of self is constant through it all. I love that photo, too.
ReplyDeleteThis post resonates with me. I, too, have been through so many changes, and I don't think I have seen the end of it all.
ReplyDeleteAlways changing and evolving. It is good to have wonderful memories to look aback to...your photo is lovely!
ReplyDeleteLove that picture!
ReplyDeleteMany lifetimes indeed! I've been in awe of you since I first started visiting here. And continue to be so when I see how active you are (I'm not sure I could do some of those hikes!) and that you've kept up the regular blogging. I'm afraid I left both blogging and hiking by the wayside when I started my current job 6 years ago. It's a wonderful job, but exhausting! And I don't really have the energy to sit at the computer in the evenings at home... It's a pity too, because the job has opened up so many possibilities (especially places and people) for me to blog about! Maybe this quarantine period and the regular blogging will help me recharge my batteries and get back on the wagon and keep it up once this is all over... As some of my friends would say - Inch'allah!
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