Here is an unedited note from a subscriber (shared with permission) who articulated, quite beautifully and honestly, the frustration and fear of change as he works through Chapter X:
“For much of my life I had to really ‘live in the future’ to some extent. Get good grades to get into college; do well in college to get a good job. Start saving early and wisely to pay for the kids’ schooling and launch them well in life. I’m leaving out romance/ marriage/ divorce on purpose; too complicated.]
Now basically I’ve achieved those goals:
–nest egg not as big as I’d hoped, but it will have to suffice/define my material future.
–most importantly, kids educated, lovingly raised, well-launched and [too!] independent.
What is my point? That *now* at last I have the luxury of living mindfully in the moment. Of appreciating the beauty of a sunrise out my window. Of enjoying a quiet walk with my dog. Of savoring a conversation with an old friend.
But here is the challenge: can I allow myself the luxury of now shifting my focus, mindfully, to this moment, this day? Or will a lifetime of habitually looking forward focus me instead on the dreadful list of diseases, inevitable loss of old friends, and degradation to be wrought by the passage of time?
That’s a pretty big challenge, and all my career success came from the exact opposite ability to focus intently on the future.
Can I switch?
I welcome your notes, thoughts and comments!
