A friend mentioned recently that 2007 has been an introspective year for himself and I completely understand. So far this year has been a strange combination of bad and good news, and with each revelation or turn in life, I find myself examining who I am anew.
Sometimes, though, it doesn’t take good or bad news to really get me to think, but rather observing how others are living. My friend Cynthia, for instance, mentioned recently that she just bought a ticket to Burning Man. She also gave an update on the blacksmithing classes that she’s taking here in the DC area. Yes, that’s right, blacksmithing. Whenever I hear about her (or others) doing things like that, my first thought is something along the lines of, How cool is that? That then it segues into the next thought, specifically, And what are you doing with your life, Greg?
It’s easy to get complacent. A level of comfort brings that about; go to work each morning, meet running groups three times a week, hang out with some friends, rinse, repeat. I look at what new things I’ve really added into my life lately and so far it’s a cycling class on Wednesday nights. Wow. Add in buying a yoga mat at Marshall’s on Saturday in an effort to try the “Basic Yoga” DVD and we are talking about one riveting time.
On the plus side, it’s not like I’m not having fun. But I do often wonder where I’m going and how I’m spending my time. The start of this year reminded me that time is fleeting, and in some ways I can’t help but think that it’s going to be the theme (so to speak) for this year. That second chance might not swing back around. There are some things I need to give a whirl sooner rather than later.
Of course, we’ll see how that actually goes; the best of intentions and all that. And until I’m truly committed and doing something, I like to keep my mouth shut. It’s the same theory that is applied to the first couple dates with someone; I don’t tell people not because it’s going to make me fail, but rather because if it’s something that doesn’t happen then I don’t want people to keep asking. (Nothing can hammer home regret or disappointment better than 200 repetitions of, “How’s that [insert activity] coming along?” “I didn’t do it.” I’ll at least save that for the things that actually had some initial momentum.) So when there’s something that is actually getting accomplished, I’ll let you all know. In the meantime, I’m certainly thinking about quite a few. And that’s a start.