Thoughts on School and Getting Old

Where I live in California kids have already started back to school. Always seems too early to me, but I’ll bet some parents are relieved!

When I was growing up in New York State school started after Labor Day in early September. And by then autumn was pressing in. Days were shorter, leaves were starting to turn and most of the garden vegetables had been harvested. And those first few days of school were particularly heady. I loved planning my outfits from a small cache of new clothes, adored all the unsullied school supplies and reveled in reconnecting with friends I hadn’t seen all summer.

I think what surprises me most now when I look back is how long ago that was. Even my college days are now unbelievably four decades ago. It’s a strange thing when you realize you are no longer in the beginning of your journey or in the middle, but closer to the end.

And nothing and no one really prepares you for it. Well, I do remember when I was young, an older relative saying “It goes by quick” and not believing him. When you’re young time stands still. Not anymore.

Logically you know your body is going to change. But when it starts to happen you feel shocked and indignant. So many little (and big) things change, degrade and ache. Sadly, now I can only eat chocolate in very small quantities or I get a bellyache. (Well, that’s not fair!) And when did fine print get soooo small?!

Then the nest empties and that’s a bit of a heartache. And the routine of work is over. Days stretch blissfully before you and it’s grand…for a while. Then one morning you wake up and say “Now what?” It’s easy to feel unmoored and irrelevant. Old.

Thankfully I had started my part-time vintage biz before I resigned from my last regular job so it was an easier transition for me. Loving antique and vintage things and growing my biz gave me focus. That, along with my writing, volunteer work, family and friends, church, garden/home care I have enough to occupy my days. More than enough. But of course I don’t just want to occupy my days. Even though I am in the third phase of life I want to make the most of whatever time I have left. And I’m still figuring out what that means for me!

I’ll close with these inspirational words by poet Mary Oliver…

Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?