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Sunday, August 7, 2022
Milestones and markers along our path measure how far we’ve come or have yet to go.
We live in a society that spends a lot of time setting and re-setting goals and objectives. In careers, those re-sets happen every time there is a contemplated job change, academic achievement, or some life-reality change that prompts a re-think of the goal or destination.
It’s analogous to poor trip planning.
To know where we want to go without a plan, a route, an itinerary, or milestones is too haphazard for rational people, and it will drive your travel agent crazy.
Right, I’ve revealed I’m old-school – when I travel, I book through my trusted and proven travel agent, where I get advice, explanations, and follow-up.
These days it seems that the majority of people who fly, quite literally, by the seat of their pants – sit in their chair-cockpit-dashboard, point/click their way through online learning, booking travel arrangements or day-trading their nest egg. Yes, everyone’s smart; everyone has an APP for nearly everything, but where are advice, planning, and deliberateness in that equation?
My thinking may be dated because I get lots of my news from newspapers as well as multi-feeds from newswires and credible networks, which doesn’t mean I ignore social media. Still, I don’t go there in search of truth or perspective – because I recognize its entertainment value for people with too much time on their hands.
Where am I going with this?
New directions – some but not all – for me; this is a milestone day (my birthday), a milestone time (learning to drive recent my diagnosis like a high-powered sports car), and some new initiatives I’m working on (but not ready to talk about yet), and dusting-off some ‘parked things’ that need reinventing and team-building.
Yesterday’s morning walk was as long and perfect as I can recall any that stood out lately – as I watched an Osprey atop a light standard I was approaching just past 6 AM yesterday, that moment of sunrise, I realized why he/she hadn’t lifted off yet – witnessing that sunrise moment before I got to see it, and then it flew off toward the river, no doubt for some early morning trout fishing.
I’ve just returned from a long voyage – a trip around the sun completed, so my ‘first day of my 72nd year’ starts today – my 71st birthday. I have a trip planned; the next year is clear in my mind because it will set the stage for the next decade. Some competitors or critics might say, “Really, at your age, do you think you can do those things?”, to which I’ll answer happily, “I’m just getting started, I have a lot to do, and I’ll use every resource, partner, collaborator, innovation and safe-shortcut I can find or invent to get there.”
Oh my, look at the time …
P.S. … heading off this morning to watch my grandson Alex’s participation in a triathlon; large hordes will take off for their swim, cycle, and run event – and then younger ones who have much shorter distances to travel, will get underway. Alex is 8, and I expect he’ll be a bundle of excitement and energy, to say nothing of a grandfather cheering him at the start and the finish line.
Reader feedback:
Hello, my friend. First things first. Thank you for writing me last month. It was wonderful getting a surprise fashioned in someone’s actual hand. The card itself was beautiful. Harmony and energy and path. Says it all, doesn’t it? You wouldn’t know by this communication, but I have always been a letter writer. Still have every one my mother wrote, and I thank my young self for knowing the value they would hold as I aged. Now they comfort in another way. I hear her voice. Your card arrived on my birthday which made it extra special. I read your column every day and have enjoyed your take on this human experience. Also interesting is the shared issues Canada and the US are going through. Lately, it is a fascinating shitshow I can’t look away from. Like a car wreck. I think putting it to words helps. A few comments about your personal life…I love that you are in love! You found the pot of gold, Mark. I bet she is smart and fun and nice to look at. That is what you deserve because you offer the same. Your recent diagnosis must be fitting the puzzle pieces of your life together in a new way. You will make it your bitch! Hahaha 😂 Writing has saved me in more ways than one. I am on book number twenty-two. It’s the last in a series and titled, The Leaves In Autumn. Take good care of yourself, and know I am doing fine and getting stronger. I am waving to Hazel, and tipping my hat to her excellent taste in men. Your friend, LP, Laguna Niguel, CA
Profound thinking on a sunny Saturday - particularly for one who is staring down the barrel of middle-age. That’s what 71 is these days, isn’t it? Best wishes tomorrow for your next 365 days of writing and sharing. Take care, SB, Calgary, AB
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