Back in 2007 when I first started writing this blog, I befriended a really great guy, Ignacio Gonzales who wrote the popular but now defunct IgBlog. I also “friended” him on Facebook, and though his blog is no more, we still keep in touch. In any case, Ig’s birthday was a couple of days ago, and in his thank you to all the well-wishers, he said something that struck a chord with me. Here it is:
“Aging is automatic, but living is a choice.”
Wiser words could not be spoken. Having turned 50 this year, I took stock of my life and came to the conclusion that I just didn’t feel any “older.” Though more restrained (meaning less impulsive) and perhaps more refined in my approach to life, I didn’t see any reason to “grow up.” I will want to rock every day, still want to make love to my wife, still want to be actively involved with my kids’ sports; in other words, I came to the conclusion that just because I’m getting older in years, that doesn’t mean my approach to life has to get older.
Granted, I’m currently physically limited while await my hip replacement in July – yeah, physical aging sucks – but I still gig at least twice a week, and am even thinking of picking up more gigs. I’ve decided to teach beginning guitar and vocal and stage performance, and once my hip is all healed, I’m going to see if I can get back into coaching hockey again.
Yeah, living is a choice, and my choice is to ROCK TILL I DROP!
So thank you Ig for the inspirational words! They’ll be something I live by!
Hey Dawg, great post! How old are you? I turn 60 this year and I’m committed to going for it so long as I possibly can. Good luck on your hip replacement and best wishes for a great recovery.
Rock on and blog on, Bro!
I just turned 50 in January. Can’t even think about slowing down. 🙂