It may not be about "surviving" 50 or 80, but deciding to thrive after whatever age you happen to be. Maybe the question should be how would you like to thrive next year and the year after, given the gift of time, and how to get on with it now, and not wait until everything is in place?
This is beautifully written. I think the most beautifully written thing I've ever read from you. And I've always tried to read everything you've ever written, from the day you first began to shape out letters. This also makes me think a lot, reflect a lot. I'm always going to be 26 years ahead of you, and they have been a good 26 years. So I wish you that. And I thank you and appreciate you for being you. I always have and always will. Love you. Dad
Wow, thank you dad. Thank you for leading the way and walking with me. Thanks for being you. And for all your beautiful writing over the years and still. I love our journey. Thank you for reading.
What I hope happens with Wanderlife is that its precious author keeps on writing! This was really nice, Jessica, and helpful, too. I found myself thinking as I read, Anyone who is a writer is going to find hope here!
Hey, I know I already asked you like three times. I wrote it down and forgot where I left the note. My wife’s birthday is November 20 and I want to buy her those animal cards you recommended. Can you tell me the name of them one last time? Thanks, Jessica!
So... I'm supposed to be writing my own post that I would like to send out tomorrow but instead I cannot stop thinking about what you wrote here.
I am about to turn 51 (December) and this past year has indeed been different from other years. But I thought turning 50 would be seismic and mark some kind of start to being old... and although it is true that my body is suddenly making new and still unknown demands and often behaving at odds with my mind, the catastrophic event never happened, and the truth is I don't feel old at all. What am I finished with at 50? I am finished with thinking my "before 50" life is finished, that I now must start dressing a certain way and behave a certain way... In fact, I think I'd rather ask myself "what I am starting at 50? what amazing things still lay ahead?"
Limón's poem is beautiful and thank you for linking to her reading. I am also curious about Terry Tempest Williams.
In fact, Jessica, there is so much in your post I will save it and come back to it later, keep it as reference.
This also made me realise I want to buy a physical copy of Braiding Sweetgrass - I listened to the audiobook but I think I need the actual book and fill it with underlines and post-its and highlights 😊
This may be the longest comment I have ever left anywhere...
Thank you for another beautifully written and thought-provoking post!
Thank you! What am I starting is? a great flip of the question: Done with that, now being this. Or more literally, what new projects and endeavors are inviting me in. The last couple of days since publishing this, I have me thinking in that direction....It's really interesting.
And yes, get yourself a hard copy of Braiding Sweetgrass. I'm guessing I'll be rereading it for the rest of my life. And mine is covered in notes. I loan it out and people always comment that they also enjoy the notes. Thanks again for your thoughtful comment.
It is me :) That's an interesting question nobody has asked before and I don't know the answer. I love hats, though, and love wearing them. Which one, on which day, that all depends. But like many people, I do 'wear a lot of different hats' in life and enjoy the diversity.
My wise friend. That’s beautiful and honest. You have just put into words what I’ve been feeling lately but have been too naive to articulate. I still have my insecurities and guilt and regrets, but I’m learning from them instead of being threatened by them. We are still growing! I think we are truly connected and I am glad to be growing with you!
I have been struggling with a decision of ending my volunteer work in a Justice nonprofit. Reading your words today, flipped my thoughts, what is good for me? What do I want for myself at 76? As I read your words, it gave me permission to put me first. ❤️
Thank you for your ongoing volunteer work, and thank you for taking care of yourself. It’s nice to know these questions are helpful for you, too. Thanks for being here ☺️
And I’m wholly taking in this question. As someone who moves and thinks quickly a lot of the time, and then falls into exhaustion, I feel encouraged to become more curious about that.
It’s a big question, right!?! I hear you about the exhaustion, and I am glad to have you here on this journey with me, thinking and processing and resting 😉
It may not be about "surviving" 50 or 80, but deciding to thrive after whatever age you happen to be. Maybe the question should be how would you like to thrive next year and the year after, given the gift of time, and how to get on with it now, and not wait until everything is in place?
So well said. That feels like the invitation and it’s ripe! Thank you!
This is beautifully written. I think the most beautifully written thing I've ever read from you. And I've always tried to read everything you've ever written, from the day you first began to shape out letters. This also makes me think a lot, reflect a lot. I'm always going to be 26 years ahead of you, and they have been a good 26 years. So I wish you that. And I thank you and appreciate you for being you. I always have and always will. Love you. Dad
Wow, thank you dad. Thank you for leading the way and walking with me. Thanks for being you. And for all your beautiful writing over the years and still. I love our journey. Thank you for reading.
What I hope happens with Wanderlife is that its precious author keeps on writing! This was really nice, Jessica, and helpful, too. I found myself thinking as I read, Anyone who is a writer is going to find hope here!
Thank you for this, makes me smile and warms my heart. You are a gem Don.
Thank you, Jessica.
Hey, I know I already asked you like three times. I wrote it down and forgot where I left the note. My wife’s birthday is November 20 and I want to buy her those animal cards you recommended. Can you tell me the name of them one last time? Thanks, Jessica!
Kim Krans! The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit deck ☺️. I’ll respond about my Providence dates in our other thread.
Thank you! It’s now written down on the gift list I keep stashed in my wallet 😄
So... I'm supposed to be writing my own post that I would like to send out tomorrow but instead I cannot stop thinking about what you wrote here.
I am about to turn 51 (December) and this past year has indeed been different from other years. But I thought turning 50 would be seismic and mark some kind of start to being old... and although it is true that my body is suddenly making new and still unknown demands and often behaving at odds with my mind, the catastrophic event never happened, and the truth is I don't feel old at all. What am I finished with at 50? I am finished with thinking my "before 50" life is finished, that I now must start dressing a certain way and behave a certain way... In fact, I think I'd rather ask myself "what I am starting at 50? what amazing things still lay ahead?"
Limón's poem is beautiful and thank you for linking to her reading. I am also curious about Terry Tempest Williams.
In fact, Jessica, there is so much in your post I will save it and come back to it later, keep it as reference.
This also made me realise I want to buy a physical copy of Braiding Sweetgrass - I listened to the audiobook but I think I need the actual book and fill it with underlines and post-its and highlights 😊
This may be the longest comment I have ever left anywhere...
Thank you for another beautifully written and thought-provoking post!
Thank you! What am I starting is? a great flip of the question: Done with that, now being this. Or more literally, what new projects and endeavors are inviting me in. The last couple of days since publishing this, I have me thinking in that direction....It's really interesting.
And yes, get yourself a hard copy of Braiding Sweetgrass. I'm guessing I'll be rereading it for the rest of my life. And mine is covered in notes. I loan it out and people always comment that they also enjoy the notes. Thanks again for your thoughtful comment.
Is that you modeling the hats? Which one feels most you, or are they collectively only a small fraction of you?
It is me :) That's an interesting question nobody has asked before and I don't know the answer. I love hats, though, and love wearing them. Which one, on which day, that all depends. But like many people, I do 'wear a lot of different hats' in life and enjoy the diversity.
My wise friend. That’s beautiful and honest. You have just put into words what I’ve been feeling lately but have been too naive to articulate. I still have my insecurities and guilt and regrets, but I’m learning from them instead of being threatened by them. We are still growing! I think we are truly connected and I am glad to be growing with you!
I am so incredibly glad to keep growing with you — you are a chosen sister and these coming chapters are going to be some fun!!
I have been struggling with a decision of ending my volunteer work in a Justice nonprofit. Reading your words today, flipped my thoughts, what is good for me? What do I want for myself at 76? As I read your words, it gave me permission to put me first. ❤️
Thank you for your ongoing volunteer work, and thank you for taking care of yourself. It’s nice to know these questions are helpful for you, too. Thanks for being here ☺️
I love who you are.
And I’m wholly taking in this question. As someone who moves and thinks quickly a lot of the time, and then falls into exhaustion, I feel encouraged to become more curious about that.
It’s a big question, right!?! I hear you about the exhaustion, and I am glad to have you here on this journey with me, thinking and processing and resting 😉
Very enjoyable read. Enjoy being 50.! I love the poem and will think of it every time I roll my trash bins out .
Suburban thunder!