The Journey now Start!

bymuhsayy

339 followers

6 years ago

Yesterday I officially turned 65! I know that is a major turning point in life in this society. It can be a good turning point or a bad one, depending on how you take. Some of us look at it as a time to rest on our laurels and quit trying to make life-changes. However, some of us don't or can't. I am one of the latter ones. For me, the journey now start (to quote some lyrics from my homeland).

I grew up adventure-bound. I travelled when I could because there is a huge world out there. I exchanged ideas with many people of different cultures. I have seen many strange lands, though just a drop in the traveller's bucket. I have experienced many strange human behaviors. Still, I have only experienced the tip of the iceberg of human life. Yep, the journey now start, to quote the words of a Trinidadian bard. I still have a long way to travel and a long, long way to go.

I can't quantify my journey in miles or hours. I do not know the exact name of my destination or how long it takes to get there. The only dependable indicator that I have is my sense of completion. I have used it before and I have gotten this far in my worldly travels and life deeds. I strongly feel that my journey is not yet at an end. Behold, the distant horizon beckons!

I have mainly my own goals to serve as my signposts on this journey. My learned and natural skills are my toolbox and tools. My past accomplishments are my go-to library for needed skillsets, so I feel well-equipped for the journey ahead.

I have my many unsatisfactory performances in my life thus far to keep me grounded in my reality and to push me over my disappointments and take me through the other unknown blue periods that may lie in wait ahead. I also have my many joyful memories to refill and bolster my enthusiasm when it flags. All told, I believe I am fairly balanced for this leg of my journey. Ready or not, it begins.

I have the puerile habit of looking at most journeys with rose-colored glasses. I should know, by now, that every journey is not a fabulous adventure. But, I like to apprpoach it as such. It makes life more liveable. It prepares me for life's surprizes, somewhat. Those sudden surprizes and twists that Life throws me, just when I think I've conquered its puzzles. I always console myself with the thought that I should have seen that coming. Next time, I will be prepared for the surprize. And so, I embark on the journey once again.

Travellers are advised to double- and triple-check their baggage for the journey always. I am doing so at this time. I am equipped with a new laptop to chronicle and record my findings on this length of the journey. It's got more storage space and can network with my old laptop if needed. I have my older and recently acquired experiences and skills to hand, if need-be, and familiar discontents to work with. I think I am ready. I even have new community resources to tap into, as needed. Yep, I'm going forward, ready or not. Whatever I may leave behind, I shall replenish as needed.

Unlike the adventurous quests of the recent past, this leg of my journey won't be heralded by drums and rattles, though no less exciting than its previous counterparts. This is the portion of my journey where I suddenly turn the corner and step into that mysterious forest with the treasure-cave. It is the end of my journey, in which I perceive the "x" marking the spot that uncovers the "new life" I can deed to my children and their children as thanks for responding to my invitation to this world.

So, the bags are loaded to their breaking points. The picks and shovels are loaded. The vittles are strapped on. All necessities are packed and everything's ready to go. With a deep breath, I cast my restless eye on this sight that I won't ever see again, bid farewell to its sleeping constituents and turn my gaze to the distant horizon. I may never pass this way again, but the experience will not be wasted. With this first step, the journey begins anew! Onward ho!