The Perfect Path
“I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.”
~David Bowie
New Year’s Day.
I want to write something inspirational. I want to be filled with gratitude. I want to be happier and more optimistic. I want a do over.
If you seek ten secrets to stay young, or want to read about 365 new ways to make love … allow me to save you some time.
It’s too late for me to stay young. I received my first Social Security check. And, I barely remember three ways to have sex. Awake, asleep, and apathetic.
My only piece of advice: If you are vertical — give yourself a round of applause. Make that a standing ovation.
Thank God 2021 is over! I survived the year with minimal trauma.
Things I did well: I’m patting myself on the back as I type.
I received both vaccinations and contracted COVID. I was treated with the Monoclonal Antibodies Infusion and recovered quickly. I didn’t infect or deplete hospital staff. Unlike 40% of the unvaccinated population, who make the choice to use medical resources and take hospital beds from victims of car accidents and cancer patients. Not to mention thousands of people injured in catastrophic climate change events.
I continued to work as a special education teacher in the public school system in the conservative state of Arizona. In spite of our Trumpanzee governor, Dicey Ducey, my district implemented a mask mandate and made every attempt to protect staff and students. Until recently the mask mandate was over turned.
I did my best to teach children with various emotional and academic disabilities. For the most part, they were out of their minds. The result of marathon violent video games, and/or nonstop Tik Tok.
I was a foster mom to a half a dozen abandoned dogs who needed love and care through upheaval. I found forever homes for all but one.
I met new friends who have enriched my life with outdoor adventures and a wonderful book group.
I ghosted a couple of people. They talked smack about Dr. Fauci, and spouted nonsense about the vaccine. A touch of irony. I contracted COVID. They did not.
I drove thousands of miles on road trips to connect with my family. The friendly skies are not friendly, and getting anywhere by plane now is a complete crap shoot. I visited both daughters, both of my sisters, my mother and a number of friends over the summer and winter break. I have found time in the car to be an opportunity to visit hot springs, museums, odd sights, and listen to audio books.
Things I will do better:
I will retire from education on June 1, 2022, and treasure my sanity. What remains of it.
I will attend a writing conference, and devote time to develop my skill. Also, focus on a couple of writing projects that have been on the back burner. See eminent retirement.
I will create. Something. Anything. Painting, beading, decorating.
I will go on more adventures. This includes overseas travel, on the trail, on the water, and on a bike.
I will adopt a rescue dog and give a forever home to a furry lost soul.
I will pay attention to diet, alcohol intake, exercise, and health habits to enhance enjoyment of day to day life. An 81 year old friend asked me to train for a triathlon with her. I doubt I can keep up with her. I said, “Sure, why not!”
I will commit to meeting new people. And, continued deeper connection with family and friends.
The path is not clear. It never has been.
I took a detour from marriage, career, and my dream home. I worked and lived on a tropical island, taught English in the Czech Republic, and floated the Grand Canyon.
My off trail experiences are what helped me find the path to resilience, independence, and, freedom.
Maybe, I will buy a dilapidated hot springs motel, refurbish it, and offer writing retreats. I’ve actually explored this idea.
Or perhaps, I will meet my soul mate, the love of my life, move to Utah, and live on a sheep ranch. EWE!
While I’m at it, I’ll discover ten secrets for youth. Or, check out 365 ways to make love.
No need for me to know where or how the path will unfold. I do know from past experience that it unfolds perfectly.
And, it hasn’t been boring.
