Growing Up
An "old" high school friend is in an interesting situation. He isn't fond of his job, he loves music, and he is not tied down with any family obligations. Tonight he made a comment about not know where life will tak him now and it made me take notice.
Often in life people have "things" (good and bad) tying them down in one place, doing the same job over and over again. There are not in a rut, they are in a crater. The possibility of getting out of the debt hole, unhappy relationship, miserable job, or geographic location due to family is often a struggle. Many feel that it is like standing in quick sand. One move and you end up deeper in it.
I on the other hand have had the fortunate (or unfortunate) life of a nomad. I have touched ground in 49 states (missing Hawaii), and been in and around the fastest movers and shakers in the world. My nomadic nature has afforded me the ability to adapt quickly, watch for changes and adjust to what I THINK may happen next. Sometimes it works...and sometimes it doesn't. Either way I never regret the choices. I have learned a lot from making mistakes and now know how to avoid them.
So, why end the nomadic lifestyle? It was always my plan. When I left for the Air Force in 1984 from Clinton, IL, I expected to be gone for at least 20 years. Afterwards, I would return to Clinton with everything I learned and help the town move forward. Little did I know it would be 26 years later, and I would be shunned more like an outsider than a local. That is fine, I am still learning.
My point is (and I almost always have one), don't stop dreaming. If you are 45 years old and want to join a rock band and tour around the world...do it. This is your life. Growing up is about doing what you want with your life. Being a grown up is sacrificing to make it happen.
Often in life people have "things" (good and bad) tying them down in one place, doing the same job over and over again. There are not in a rut, they are in a crater. The possibility of getting out of the debt hole, unhappy relationship, miserable job, or geographic location due to family is often a struggle. Many feel that it is like standing in quick sand. One move and you end up deeper in it.
I on the other hand have had the fortunate (or unfortunate) life of a nomad. I have touched ground in 49 states (missing Hawaii), and been in and around the fastest movers and shakers in the world. My nomadic nature has afforded me the ability to adapt quickly, watch for changes and adjust to what I THINK may happen next. Sometimes it works...and sometimes it doesn't. Either way I never regret the choices. I have learned a lot from making mistakes and now know how to avoid them.
So, why end the nomadic lifestyle? It was always my plan. When I left for the Air Force in 1984 from Clinton, IL, I expected to be gone for at least 20 years. Afterwards, I would return to Clinton with everything I learned and help the town move forward. Little did I know it would be 26 years later, and I would be shunned more like an outsider than a local. That is fine, I am still learning.
My point is (and I almost always have one), don't stop dreaming. If you are 45 years old and want to join a rock band and tour around the world...do it. This is your life. Growing up is about doing what you want with your life. Being a grown up is sacrificing to make it happen.
Comments
I read your posts and find them interesting and informative. Please continue to blog and continue to update on how Clinton is doing. I have Family in Pontiac and drive through Bloomington. So I find it interesting to read about the places and things you encounter.
Hang Tough!