If the title sounds strange, I will explain. These three words express how many people view their job; to me it seems they are unsatisfied, disillusioned or just miserable in what they are doing – for money and I am reminded of a great piece of penmanship by a gentleman named Seth Godin who I read daily. If you have never heard of him, may I suggest you Google his name and read his blogs as they are great reading. I shall give you one example relevant to this article:
This resonates well with me as, at the “young” age of almost 70, I have decided to start (another) small business.
His words are so valid; many of us go through our working lives with just this thought in mind – pure escapism from our reality and that’s a shallow way of existing (as it’s not living).
But going back to my new venture I cannot merely “BE”; I have do “DO” as well. My aim is not to get rich (been there, done that – and the reverse); it is an exercise in mental stimulation that will certainly motivate me in the perhaps difficult months that lie ahead. So in a way it is a method of giving myself something to really fight for. How it will develop I have no idea, but what it will do is ensure I have set up a (new) life from which I will not need to escape. I have my boat for physical exercise, a small company for mental stimulation, friends with whom I can share both – who needs more?
Until next time (what are weekends, anyway),
Peripatetic Scribe

If ever there was a topic to make children sit up and think, this is it! A super piece of work P.S. and congratulations. I have always believed that "age" is a man-made thing and we should think of ourselves as being "as old as we feel". I have not read Seth Godin, but I shall do so - he has many interesting and valuable ideas. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks Anonymous. I think both you and your children will find Seth Godin very interesting and useful. I agree with your comment on "age" - I have to!!!
ReplyDeleteBeen following your blog for a while and now commenting. I also am in my "golden years" and like you I have to DO rather than BE. My children think I stupid and should be sitting in my chair "dreaming". To me that's wasting the time we have been given on this planet, so I have copied your article and sent it to them - I want them to see and understand that "you're never too old". Good stuff!
ReplyDeleteA great blog post! "Carpe diem" has always been my favourite and living for the weekends makes no sense. Yet, most people do it, because they have no courage to take their life in their hands, accepting all the consequences. It is a must to read Seth Godin! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLucana
Hi Anonymous and welcome. I do not know from where you are writing but I agree with you 100% - you're as old as you feel! Keep reading and writing!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lucana. Life is not 5 days a week but a 365 days attitude!
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