Notes from Steve

One of the most frustrating things when riding hills is that you think you finally get to the top of one hill and find that it just turns and continues to go up.  Life is like this.  I think to myself, I just have to get through these next two weeks, and then it’s smooth sailing … but then the other hill appears.

I was telling cousin Debbie yesterday at Aunt Carol’s memorial service that I’ll probably retire next year.  I want to do nothing for a while.  Maybe read, or some days I’ll ride a bike, and then I thought of Dad.  Dad came to live in Clarion a year after Mom died and immediately went to work - volunteering, driving a courier car for the bank, working at the fitness center … someone asked him how he was enjoying retirement, and he said, “I’m busier now than I ever was.”  

I was watching a TikTok the other day, and this guy was talking about his workout.  He said he had to tone down his workouts because he would always push it.  He said he really tries hard to go at 75% or below because his regular speed is all out and hard on his body.  I was thinking about this and retirement.  We - everyone - need to learn how not to go full force.  Really appreciate life in the slow lane.  I think Dad was happy, but I know a lot of other people who define themselves by what they “do,” not who they are, and they literally work until they drop.*  

We’ll all get there someday.  Start today working on how to change your perspective.  Stopping and smelling the flowers is a gift.  Accept it and appreciate it.

*If you have to work - I get that.  I’m talking about those who just continue to work because they don’t know how to relax or not work.