It hits us all, one day we realise that we are indeed ‘old.’
I know that ‘old’ is of course a relative concept – when I was six or seven, being ten or twelve was ‘old’, or indeed when I was in my teens anyone in their thirties was just too old to exist in decent society – Logans Run take a bow!
Now though, I am, I think, by most objective measures (almost) old.
I’m blessed to have made it this far – hitting your late fifties is a milestone that tragically alludes many a person.
They say that a good life is measured by how many tall tales you could tell when sat around a campfire – and indeed there is truth to that thought.
Life isn’t about the things you didn’t do; it is about those great adventures you had while trying – maybe it was successful, maybe it wasn’t – but wasn’t the ride a pure adrenaline rush – oh and look at these scars!!
I’m not advocating for a pure hedonistic self-centred approach, but I am mindful of a speech I have on my study wall –
“It is not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the strong man stumbled or how the doer of deeds might have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred with sweat and dust and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, if he wins, knows the triumph of high achievement; and who, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”
The theme of this speech by Theodore Roosevelt echoes in many of my musings – especially the call not to be sat with ‘those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.’
Life, responsibilities, opportunity, health, a myriad of things including and never forgetting cold hard cash impact aspiration and often impede actualisation – but as Teddy says, it is the striving that counts. It is the intent and moves within whatever limitations you have to deliver your dreams – that is what counts, that is what is important.
This isn’t a manifesto for excuses, for letting things slide – if only…
This is the honest pragmatism that sometimes dictates that dreams of your youth may take longer to deliver than you hoped – but you persevered.
Old indeed you may be now, a greybeard silverback – but the fire is still burning, the desire to complete your quest still your focus. The bones may indeed creak, the body is slower to deliver, the mind occasionally absent minded, but the direction of travel remains true.
This is my quest to follow that star
No matter how hopeless, no matter how far
To fight for the right without question or pause
To be willing to march into Hell for a heavenly cause
And I know if I’ll only be true to this glorious quest
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm when I’m laid to my rest
And the world will be better for this
That one man, scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star
Two quotes, one from a president of the United States, and one the lyrics from a musical – do they compliment what I’m trying to express – I hope so.
I think we must always be mindful of our achievements thus far in life, but we must always keep an eye on those things we’ve yet to do.
Time is passing, the grains of sand are running out and tomorrow is only ever a promise.
I wanted to write a book, to see if I could, and that I have achieved.
Now I have a book, a tall tale that I want to release into the wild – to let it run free to have its own adventures.
Maybe it will get four stars, maybe only one – but it will be out there, and as we throw another log onto the fire, I can regale you with the trials, tribulations, successes, and failures of a man who dared to dream…
Hug those you love, hug them, and tell them that you love them.
Stay safe, remain sane, and follow your dreams!
If you don’t talk happy,
And you never have dream,
Then you’ll never have a dream come true!
Telling Tall Tales 