It would have been financially great if I had stayed at one job for 30 years. Those who retire after 30 years can do a lot because they have time and financial security. I chose to have incredible experiences throughout my younger years. I traveled annually to many countries. I followed what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it. I explored different ways of being in a variety of different environments.
At the time, I didn’t consider future stability. I anticipated that the diversity of my experiences would insure my marketability. My life was definitely enriched. I was open and free, able to meet people and go to places on a whim. I lived in hostels, jumped off of cliffs, went paragliding, explored nude beaches, swam in foreign bodies of water, and danced all night in clubs that might not today allow me entry. I’m glad that I did those things while I was young and willing.
It’s a trade-off. Some people have the money, wherewithal, and opportunity to explore and live an adventurous life and retain financial security. Others accept that this is the life that we chose. The experience of living life to its fullest was worth the cost. I don’t know. I can’t say one way is right or wrong. It is what it is.
I have led a very interesting life. It has taught me to be adaptive, which is helping me during this period of uncertainty. I still complain and have feelings of frustration, fear, and worry. However, I consider this period as another change, another adjustment. I know that I will get through it. I tell myself, “Bear with it. Be open. Be receptive. Flow. Don’t be judgmental. Don’t be rigid. Don’t have fixed expectations.” It’s an interesting time.
When I was young, I used to watch this cartoon. A man would walk on a plank and come to its end. Right when he stepped off, another plank would rise to meet him and he would continue walking. This happened repeatedly. That was the only thing that happened in the cartoon. Being a child, I liked repetition. I would sit there and watch this man walk off this plank and on to another one over and over again.