Another Chapter, Verse and Footnote

I’ve always admired Willie Nelson’s take on life—his longevity, which he credits to a positive attitude, often boils down to one thing: getting out of our own way. As we age, we tend to carry baggage: disappointments, failures, unmet expectations, and other residue of life’s complexities. But there’s a certain art to letting go.

Now, at 60, I find myself at an inflection point. It’s not a dramatic fork in the road, but rather a pause. A moment to reassess and reflect. I ask myself: What have I learned? What really matters? What should I focus on that would bring the most fulfillment, the biggest reward? These are not easy questions to answer without falling into clichés or sounding like the wisdom from a fortune cookie.

The truth is, experiences don’t always translate into wisdom. We like to think that all the lessons from life accumulate into some distilled knowledge, but often, they just sit there. There’s an angst that comes with this realization. But maybe that’s the point: angst can be turned into something positive, used as a driver to push us forward.

There’s a fatigue that accumulates over time, too—a kind that you can’t quite shake. It’s the weight of all the years and miles behind you. You can still laugh and enjoy yourself, sure, but there’s a different perspective now. With all these miles on the odometer, there’s a hope to communicate something worthwhile, something that sticks. And here’s my attempt.

In Willie’s spirit, I come back to the idea of letting go. Stop giving a fuck. It’s not about being reckless, but about reclaiming your energy. You’ve earned these years, these miles. Make peace with the past—whatever traumas, disappointments, or failures you’ve faced—acknowledge them, then move on. Nostalgia is a form of death, an anchor that can hold you back. It’s time to shake free.

Here’s what I learned along the way…

Avoid a Sedentary Lifestyle: Staying active is crucial for maintaining both physical and mental health. Being chained to a desk for eight hours a day is no way to live. It’s essential to find a physical outlet that you enjoy, whether it’s going for a run, practicing yoga, or simply taking a brisk walk. Taking your health seriously is important, regardless of your age.

Avoid Needless Drama: Life is too short to get caught up in unnecessary drama. Learning to walk away from toxic situations and people can save you a lot of stress and heartache. It’s important to recognize when something is not worth your time and energy. By avoiding needless drama, you create space for more positive and meaningful experiences. Remember, your peace of mind is invaluable, and sometimes the best thing you can do is to let go and move on.

Stay Curious: Never stop learning. Keeping your mind engaged and refining your skills can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Staying curious keeps the intellectual juices flowing and helps you stay relevant. Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, reading a book, travel or taking a course, always seek out opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills. A curious mind is a vibrant mind.

Remember to Do Things for Yourself: Don’t hesitate to put yourself first at times. It’s easy to neglect self-care in a hectic and fast-paced life. Self-care is not selfish; it’s necessary. Make sure to carve out time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s indulging in a hobby, spending time with loved ones, or simply enjoying a quiet moment alone, doing things for yourself is essential for maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. Prioritize your happiness and well-being, and don’t be afraid to put yourself first sometimes.

Ricky Gervais put it perfectly: “We are on a rock traveling around 1 of 100 billion stars. Our species is 1 of over half a billion that have ever existed. Our chances of being born are about 1 in 400 trillion. You’re not special, but you are fucking lucky. Enjoy your amazing life. You’ll never exist again.”

I remember a friend once telling me that 20 years from now, we’ll all end up in the same bar, and the person with the best stories wins. That stuck with me. So maybe that’s the point—live for the colorful stories, the ones that make life worth recounting.

So, here’s to moving forward, to shaking off the dust of the past, and to living with the kind of freedom that only comes when you stop caring about all the things that don’t matter. Over the coming weeks and months, I’ll be sharing more personal insights. Here’s to getting on with it.