“I’ve got so much more to think about, deadlines and commitments, what to leave in, what to leave out…I am older now but still running against the wind.” – Bob Seger
As I hung out with my kids yesterday, I realized that they did not have to actually put an entry in their 365 list to “have fun with family.” This concept required no more attention then waking up and eating pop tart. They are yet to be paralyzed by the endless need to complete deadlines and commitments. They have yet to know what running against the wind means.
Perhaps they have some sense of foreboding, and smart as they are, that will delay that time as much as possible. I surely hope so. You are only a child once, and will have a fleeting time to run with the wind as free as a bird. I wish that I had that perspective as a young man. Instead of worrying about all the things I could not control, I could have instead of focused on what I could.
I think of what it would have been like for me to build muscle memory of formation of good habits growing up? If I would have caught onto this 365 commitment concept in my teenage years? I would now have over 20+ years of experience learning how to keep my ship steady and even keeled even when faced with strong headwinds.
Well I can see the evidence of such a thing. A few friends of mine growing up were cut from that cloth. I think it was a bit of persistence by their parents, but I also think it was an innate form of self awareness beyond my ability to grasp at that age. Not sure I would trade places however, my life experience is what it is – and I value many moments beyond any sense of lost opportunity from lack of preparedness.
Anyway, I am now a cowboy set out on an impossible journey. I have the cold rain and a hard wind blowing in my face, but ride I must. I will urge myself forward and do my best to shelter from the elements – but I am going to ride on against the wind.
In the parting chorus as I run yet another day, I will hear the refrain echo from Mr. Seger’s verse:
“Let the cowboy ride”
Guy Reams (156)
365 Member
