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| This post is part of Blogchatter Bloghop |
CROSSROADS AND CHOICES
Over the years, I’ve stood at many crossroads, moments where I had to pause, think, and choose one path among many. My life might have been very different had I taken another route. But that is true for everyone, is it not? Each decision shapes the journey, and ageing is simply the accumulation of those choices.
THE NOSTALGIA TRAP
With age, one tends to become cynical about the present and glorify the past. Don't we hear some people say, “During my days, things were much better. Everything has deteriorated now.” They dismiss youngsters and criticise everything that is new.
I consciously avoid falling into this trap. I may not agree with everything happening today. But it's not for me to give unsolicited advices and dictate what should be and should not be done. I must now let the young and smarter folks lead the way. I definitely don't want to look like a square peg in a round hole. But at the same time, if someone wants my suggestions or active involvement in something, I am always there.
LETTING GO OF FOMO
FOMO (fear of missing out) wasn’t an abbreviation back then, but it certainly existed. I always wanted to be in the know. In the media career I chose, it mattered to know something of mostly everything. If I didn’t, I felt upset.
Now, I’m happy to let go. I don’t mind if I don’t know something.
Still, old habits die hard. Chasing news was a childhood instinct, it became my profession, and it continues even now — though not with the same passion.
LEARNING TO SLOW DOWN
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| More than 20 years ago, on the Marina Beach in Chennai. |
A COMPANION
Ageing, I don't think is about years piling up. It’s about, as I mentioned earlier, learning from the rear-view mirror while keeping my eyes on the road ahead. It is more like a companion that nudges me to adapt, to understand, and to keep moving forward, probably with a little more patience.
Yeah some people mellow with age but others just become cranky old sods.
ReplyDeleteThe former is better than the latter!
DeleteThere is that trap of believing the past was so much better. I don't know about that. I'm way happier having access to the internet...
ReplyDeleteIndeed, the 'present' has so many advantages, and it's nice to count on them.
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteA suitably reflective post. I admit age felt like it came upon me all at once. I hit the decade of the 60s and everything slowed down, that too at speed! Didn't stop the inner me being who I have always have been. The body is merely the chariot... YAM xx
Hi Yamini - "The body is merely the chariot" ... Very nice way of seeing it.
DeleteYour reflection on ageing is beautifully thoughtful — It reads warm, grounded, and quietly inspiring. Also, I was reminded of a Tamil movie 12B when I read “My life might have been very different had I taken another route”. The movie tells two parallel versions of the hero’s life — one where he catches a bus and another where he misses it.
ReplyDeleteThat movie must be quite interesting. I must add it to the list of films I must watch. Thanks.
DeleteThis is Admiral Hestorb's sister, Katie Isabella's Mom. I forgot to log out of Admiral's blog. However I did want to say that some of your observations are similar to mine when I retired from an extremely fact driven, extreme career. I felt like a race horse running in its stable for some time, I was so un-used to being still, quiet and not horribly busy It took quite a while to "calm down". Working the extreme hours I worked was difficult not to do any longer, but I got used to that more easily. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for dropping by and for the comments. You are right, it does take some time to get used to a new routine. Initially it was a bit difficult to get adjusted. I have sort of settled down now.
DeleteI still dream of past employment, often in a weird mish mash. lol My weight and aging body issues need to be let go, for sure. Be well!
ReplyDeleteHi Darla - Yes, you must. Thanks.
Delete~hugs~
DeleteI too think we shouldn't glorify the past, the country's or ours. As you said in a comment on my post, the past is done and dusted. Let that go. In fact, the present has a lot of good things to offer.
ReplyDeletePersonally I do critique the present government a lot. But that's a different affair - politics.
By the way, loved reading this and seeing you on the Marina Beach 20 years ago.
Hi Tomi - Thank you.
DeleteI can only imagine the deadlines you used to face, with people ready to pounce if there was any kind of error.
ReplyDeleteYes, the 'good old days' were not always so good. I try to see things from the younger me at times, without so many experiences and knowledge. It helps to understand the risk taking that young people indulge in.
It does take some effort to understand the way the youngsters go about things. Thanks.
DeleteI recently did a post on 'what if' and I still wonder, but aging goes on and so must we!
ReplyDeleteHi Chris - Yes, that is true.
DeleteIt’s easy to reminisce about the past, and the passage of time adds a rosy hue to many events. It’s harmless, I think. We have to live in the present anyway.
ReplyDeleteYes, the advantage of seeing things in retrospect.
DeleteLife is school, hopeful we pay attention.
ReplyDeleteVery true!
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