I want to be young again, but I really don’t want to re-live all the lousy stuff that occurs in the normal course of growing up.
I want to be old enough to fully accept that ‘legacy’ has nothing to do with what I did for a living, but what I did with my life – and that it mattered.
I want to find my waist again.
I want my waist not to matter as much as the shape of my soul.
I’d like to have no regrets, yet I regret that I think one can’t live without them.
I want to be remembered despite not having any wish or intent to go anywhere which would prompt people to miss me.
I wonder when I’m going to feel like I’m making my mark, yet delight in doing nothing but watching two fawns practice leaping in my backyard.
I miss the sounds and smells and demands and affection of having little boys, though my sons as adults delight me as no other adults can.
The rain is welcome, despite my wish for the sun.
In my head I’m far younger than the mirror suggests. I find that a little insulting, and adds still more dissonance.
I want to read and read every book, blog, essay that grabs my curiosity and still take time to relish every sentence that I love.
I want to travel more and still cocoon at home.
I want to dare more though I’ve never been known for being particularly intrepid.
Nobody gets everything in life; yet everything in life is not worth having.
The ebb and flow of extremes. The push and pull of our hearts and minds. It’s ok to grapple with this confusion, I tell myself. It’s that insistent feeling I have that somehow, we’re supposed to ‘know’ by now. The irritation I feel when I find that when pressed, I really have no clue – and the smile on my face as I realize that I’ll likely never get off this swing, so while I’m on it I’m just going to see how high I can go.
Waiting for the Karma Truck 
Love this, and you. Full. Stop.
And you know I love you too. Period.
Really love this Mimi…thanks. 🙂
Thank you!
Happens to every guy, sometimes this does. — Yoda
xo
To women happens too, no? – Jabba xox
Snatched right out of my brain…..but it sounds so much more eloquent coming from you ♥ 😉
Great minds – though you’re far more eloquent than me. ❤
phlewwwwy…… 😉 ♥
Ah yes. Why is it that we are suppose to know by now? The older I get the more shifty the ground of what I once thought was important becomes and I sometimes get stopped in my tracks by a pretty bird in flight or a glimpse into Cody and Carter’s secret world of play and I try to internalize it. That right there, I say, is it, is what this is all about. Some people get it, I think you are one of them, but other are too busy to see.
I think that life can make it very hard for those who want to hold onto the moments that matter – and arguably there are many who don’t even think that way perhaps. At the end of the day, if we are able to capture and internalize those magical times, when it all crystallizes for us, we’re very very lucky..
Yes!
xoxo
🙂 xox
Well done! Encapsulates a lot of feelings I think we all have from time to time, but you make it flow so well.
Thanks babe…it doesn’t flow so well in my head. That’s why I love Guido’s song..
That’s a very beautiful conclusion. Enjoy the High, Mimi.
Good to hear from you as always Shimon…thank you. I will enjoy the high and the funny feeling one gets in the stomach as the swing begins its arc…and then hurry up and start pumping my legs again so I can continue to swing.
There must be something about this week because almost every one I know is grappling with what you’ve once again put into words. As a composer creates a symphony, once again, your words have a timbre and a pitch that touches the soul. In Newsday this week – not the greatest most impressive resource – there was mention of a concert that I actually will be going to Saturday night with a girl friend from high school. The writer dared to encourage those of us of “a certain age” to attend. The performers are Don McLean and Judy Collins – need I say more? Anyway, we all look in the mirror and can’t comprehend the face that looks back at us because it is older than our minds say it should be. We talk about renaissance and still having much to do. Maybe its okay to do what we want when we want and if we aren’t wanted somewhere then maybe there’s a reason for that, too. Sometimes I wonder if its because we were guided by messages from parents, friends, family – ok, some of us were shoved – into directions of what they told us our dreams should be. Smart enough and young enough to shout “do over” many of us took a second chance to grab the brass ring. Realizing my parents didn’t know everything and that I was the boss of me didn’t happen until I was in my 30’s. And, for me, that second chance had more to do with luck and timing more than anything else. Perhaps, if among the messages we received in our youth was one that led to it being okay to take a breath and pamper oneself (and that pampering looks different to everyone) or that maybe there will come a time when doing nothing is enough, we wouldn’t have this ongoing conversation in our heads. The guilt borne of being lucky enough to retire from the work that defined us for so long at such young ages gives us the gift of time; time to rethink “what should I be doing now because for sure I should be doing something” or my own personal “I’m not done yet” rewinding and rewinding or better yet, for those of us of a certain age; like a needled stuck on a record.
As for our waists, I say let’s not waste anymore time mourning their disappearance (tho’ you’re pretty darn cute and petite still).
And, finally, what resonates most with me is “Nobody gets everything in life; yet everything in life is not worth having”. While it certainly isn’t time to throw in a towel, it may be time to embrace time. Take me for what I am. How empowering to not have to prove anything to anyone anymore. Even more empowering will be the moment when that actually becomes intrinsic.
Beautiful ride on the truck today. The rain stayed away and while the skies remain overcast, this I know; even nature will get a do over tomorrow 🙂
“It’s time to embrace time” – yes sweetheart, yes. Celebrate you. You have achieved the pinnacle of professional success – you made this world a better place for the children who crossed your path. You are already empowered, for now the time is for you to rejoice and take in all that you may have sacrificed along the way..
Ah, yes, the sacrifices. It would be nice to be able to erase the tapes in my head; the one that asks “was it worth it” and the one that nudges “would you do it that way again. These tapes turn themselves on at those times when I’m cruising along thinking “life is good”. And, it is. I’d like to share one of the most beautiful cards given to me over the years. After a particularly trying year when I had to rethink teaching, learning and deep understanding applying all three with a population to whom all three meant very different things. You’ll recognize the author for sure and for me I think I will take it out of its folder and keep it on my desk. Perhaps, it will force the memories, validate that the sacrifices were worth it, (i.e. Jenna turned out okay and my husband still speaks with me :), and maybe I can take the first baby step with confidence into the next chapter.
” To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one’s self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived—this is to have succeeded.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
And maybe this should be enough
To the moon and back
That is the quote I was thinking of when I wrote you Jo – and I guess you figured that out..You have succeeded – many many times over…all there is..
I stand in awe of your ability to find the exact right words to describe feelings–and how you always hit on what I think (hope?) are the universals. I keep wondering when my internal dialog is going to sound like a grown up.
I think we just have to accept that our internal dialogue is always going to be one that engages that part of us that refuses to grow up!!
Another post worthy of savoring every word. Bravo! I’m a slow learner in this thing called life, but there is one thing I think I’ve finally gotten right. I invest my time with those who, no matter how silly, strident, heart-felt, crazy, mushy, sad, stupid, childish, or whatever way I act, think,or feel, still love and accept me. That has made all the difference in my life. Thank you for being one of them, my friend.
You are a delight and a gift for anyone to accept into their live Russ – for all that you are.
Reblogged this on A Grateful Man and commented:
Another post worthy of savoring every word. Bravo! I’m a slow learner in this thing called life, but there is one thing I think I’ve finally gotten right. I invest my time with those who, no matter how silly, strident, heart-felt, crazy, mushy, sad, stupid, childish, or whatever way I act, think, or feel, still love and accept me. That has made all the difference in my life. Thank you for being one of them, my friend.
Mimi,
Get out of my head. Seriously. I can identify with every single line in this post. Thank you!
Laughing!! I’m right there with you my friend!!
You’re a smart girl and I like your stuff. Really a unique blog. Always inspiring and thought-provoking.
Thanks Lynne – that means a great deal to me coming from one as gifted as you..
poetic and so resonates…beautiful, mimi!
Thank you Vicki!
I am pretty sure that just earlier today i said, “Yes”…and then another yes. To those, I add more! And, I think you are already leaving your mark. And this… “I want my waist not to matter as much as the shape of my soul.” This I love. Eloquent and sums up so very much. You just know how to say it Mims, you really do. xoxo
Sometimes I ‘hit it’ BonBon, most times I just try. I’m glad I got lucky with this one…xox
that’s it-we are twins
I always wanted to be a twin!!
okay then we are twins now!
Woohoo!!!! Mom always liked you better…;-)
yeah but she gave you the bike and me the chicken
True – but your chicken was at least alive and pecking – the bike had no wheels! And I had to use that to get back and forth to school – five miles uphill in both directions.
ha ha – doesn’t life still feel like that sometimes? no wheels and uphill no matter what direction-
Sure does..
Reblogged this on On the Homefront and commented:
Could not have said it better myself–
Beautiful. I was swimming up and down along with you Mimi with your words and thoughts. Thank you.
You of all people never have to thank me…I just am giggling at the thought that you too swim in a sea of perpetual contradiction. 😉
Oh, yes, a DEEP well.
Next you’ll tell me that at times you feel that it’s all you can do just to tread water.
Nope. Either soaring or drowning. No in-between
Hmmm..
Saw this reblogged by Lou Ann @onthehomefrontandbeyond. I LOVE THIS. Most excellent post!!
Thank you very much!!
“The ebb and flow of extremes….the push and pull of our hearts and minds…… and the smile on my face as I realize that I’ll likely never get off this swing, so while I’m on it I’m just going to see how high I can go.”
Another great quote to include in your book 🙂
There is no doubt that when (please note I didn’t say ‘if’) I do this, you are my editor-extraordinaire.. 😉
I am waiting.
BTW, how d you do the winking smiley face?
🙂
I’m going to start soon – I promise!! The wink? Hit the semi colon instead of the colon..
Looking forward to the first draft.
😉
Laughing – what a cute little emoticon!
This sounds a lot like me……………..
🙂
Sounds like a thoughtful time…we are young in our minds and heart. We need to complete those tasks that we desire, yet know each day is a gift…if we have another we are blessed!
Great post my friend!
Thank you Tina…perhaps the universal outline of our humanity is that we are first and foremost, a contradiction in terms. Have a great weekend!
This post is great and sounds like what goes on in my head before I fall asleep and get in touch with myself. I review and usually conclude that I am exactly where I am supposed to be and everything is okay. For that I am grateful and for you, I am grateful.. You have made your mark with me, Mimi!
I love that you conduct a nightly review – and actually think it’s a great idea. Maybe I’d sleep better!! Yet another example of all that is right in my world – you. xo
I love the line: “I want to travel more but still coco
Carrie!! Where have you been?? I miss you! Sending a separate email..
I have to say I’d like to see my waist again too – just so I can wear the trousers and skirts that I can’t get into these days ( I never throw away the clothes i love !)
I don’t either – well, I did recently give away some of the clothes I wore when I was a US size 2 – that just isn’t going to happen again. 😉
Admirable values.
Thank you! So glad you stopped by..
Yes, yes, yes and oh yea….YES to all of the above. The one that really gets me is that mirror.
Me too!!
I seriously relate to the “should know” syndrome. If anyone had told me when I was a kid that all the adults were just …well…us!!…it would have blown my mind, and sense of security all to hell.
You never feel grown up, I guess. You just do “older” things.
A wonderful comparison post–and universally anecdotal.
Isn’t it true? I remember my mom telling me that no matter what we ‘saw’, in her mind’s eye, she was still a ‘girl’. I get that now – and feel the push-and-pull all the time.
This is an awesome list of your thoughts on legacy and growing older! I am very impressed and think it is also funny! Like can you find your waist, well in my forties I could not, now in my fifties suddenly I am thinner, loss of bone mass and some changes…. But mainly I like that you told us a lot of honest and “real” things. Great post!
Ah, I had a waist in my forties – and even the early part of my fifties. Now that I’m on the wilder side of fifty though, everything seems to be shifting..Ah well…So glad you enjoyed the post!
As always- excellent!
“I’m just going to see how high I can go”… Thank you.
🙂