Four Year Anniversary – What Have I Learned?

In a few days I will be celebrating four years that I have been posting this weekly blog. I have done some good stuff and some messed up stuff as well. I have encouraged people, bored some, entertained a large group and even pissed off a few folks. I have a huge sense of accomplishment for what this work represents in terms of looking at our final chapters as some of our happiest and most rewarding times in our lives.

It’s natural to look back at the 250+ posts (in the beginning I was inexhaustible and often posted more than once a week) and see how far I’ve come. I’d like to think my writing has improved, but there have been many posts that belie that wish. I’d like to think at least a few people have turned their negative approach to aging into a more upbeat one with a more positive outlook on their remaining years. I’d love to know that some things have comforted anyone going through a rough time. These would be what I’d wish for if I could mould the outcome. But, as you know, I can’t.

Let me focus, instead, on what I’ve learned by doing this blog and meeting people around the issue of aging gratefully and gracefully. First, I have learned just how imperfect I am, both grammatically and personality-wise. Secondly, I’ve learned how perfect I am in my imperfection. I never set out in my postings here to be an expert, a person with all the answers speaking to those who are less happy or content. Sometimes I’m graceful and sometimes I’m not.

I hope I’ve shown myself to be in the trenches with all readers, trying to figure out the best way to make the most of our lives. I’ve certainly not discovered a magic elixir of how to do it — of how to age gracefully, without stresses or struggles. I’ve learned to make it enlightening and fun. I’ve been humbled by my longevity with growth and development of the blog.

What about the future? Honestly, I don’t know what will happen in the future:  how long I will write weekly, how long I will publish or do speaking in public. Today, however, I’m good. I’m interested  in continuing the possibility of improving the lives of readers and those around me who are willing to be open to the abundance that awaits us.

Thank you for reading and sharing your experiences. It is, after all, YOU who teaches me.