A few years ago, I wrote, “Reflections on turning 55.” I followed with “Now I am 56” and, somehow missed 57. Now, I am 58. Honestly, I don’t feel that much different than I was at 55. Age is still but a number–the passing of calendar years.
The question I have every April 30th is “am I better today than I was last April 30th?” I hope I am.
Spiritually. The Universe continues to grown around me. As I wrote at 55, “I see myself as less and less central to my Universe.” I continue to struggle to live “I am third.”
This last year has been a year without church. Confession: I don’t miss it. It has been challenging to find a like-minded community. (By “like-minded” I mean a community that seeks continual Spiritual growth rather than self-acceptance.) I have lost religion and found Christ. Still, I need others to be “other-centered.”
Physically. I have managed to permanently shed more than 20 pounds of fat and gain strength and muscle. Sure, I have aches and pains, but they are the same aches and pains I had when I was 55—the same aches and pains that I have had for decades. I have made measurable progress. I am squatting and deadlifting more than I ever have. I don’t quite squat ATG, but I go deep, and I am going increasingly heavier. I have no major health issues. The hairs are continuing to gray, but. like when I turned 55, those are the ones that have chosen to remain in my scalp. Physically, I feel great.
Intellectually. Yes, I am still more ignorant this birthday than I was last. I take this as a sign of growth, though. I know more than I did at 55. I just keep learning.
Emotionally. I may be more of a grouchy old man. I am still not making progress in that department. In my heart, though, I still try to cultivate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Socially. I continue to be blessed by my wife and two incredible children. I have few friends, but the friendships I have remain strong. Strong relationships remain important. This last year—the “COVID year”—was a rough one socially. Though, it was a blessing to spend more time with family, it lacked our usual social interactions. It has, however, been fun to have the kids now invade the “15-minute check-in” that my wife and I have made a practice (though it does make it harder for us to have together-alone-time). We know each other better as a family.
I am still content (more or less—though sometimes more less). Life at 58 is great. Here’s to another year!
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!