23 Comments
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David O's avatar

This took me back to my own college graduation week. Graduated on December 28, 1970. Commissioned an Army second lieutenant on December 30. Married on January 2. Reported for active duty at Fort Benning, GA on January 5th, then spent the next 39 years with the Army as my home. Now settled down, still with the girl of my dreams, after 54 years of exploring the world together. Visited country number 80 (Malta), earlier this year and planning for the next adventure. There’s still a lot of the world to see.

Terrell Johnson's avatar

There SO is, David -- love what you've shared here. Wow, what a week you had between December 28 and January 2 of 1970-71; what a whirlwind that must have been! What's next on your travel adventure list?

Diana M. Wilson's avatar

Wow..I have to think about how the 'chains of habit' are negatively impacting my life--and also, perhaps, how they are positively impacting my life....

I really don't want to be "that person"--if you know what I mean, and since you wrote this fabulous essay, I'm guessing you do.

I've always had a theory that when I stop trying to discover new music, that's the point at which I will be cloaked in my own irrelevance. (I truly don't want to get "old" in that way! I want to be like your 85-year-old friend!) D

Terrell Johnson's avatar

Me too! It's so refreshing -- and rare -- to see that perspective in anyone over a certain age, my own age, actually, you know?

Jerry's avatar

Several thoughts. “Those not busy living, are busy dying” credit? The more you know, the more you realize how much you don’t know. If you’re not sure about that visit a library! Substacks are great windows into the world: and books, lots of books. You tube music is great path to world music. And it’s too hot to run very far. Thanks for your thoughts.

Terrell Johnson's avatar

It is too hot right now to run too far, isn't it?! The dog days are always like this... it can be *really* hard to summon the enthusiasm to run when they're like this. But we know this will pass, too...

Jerry's avatar

The last few years, getting older, my tolerance of heat and humidity has disappeared. When I try running or paddling in bad conditions it turns into a death march and usually leaves me depleted for at least the next day. So, I’ve learned (amazing for a runner!) to just accept it and resume when it’s safer. This also is true for extreme winter conditions here in Michigan. Happy trails.

Nilima Srikantha's avatar

I doubt if I'll ever figure anything out. . . but, that's the mystery of it all that keeps us going!

Terrell Johnson's avatar

Same! Let me know when you figure it out! :)

Nilima Srikantha's avatar

I will! Probably won't be this lifetime, but I'm sure we have many more to go! :)

Clark Rose's avatar

Every time I think I have "it" figured out, life shows me a whole new perspective. For me humility and openness are key...I still have much to learn. Thanks Terrell.

Terrell Johnson's avatar

Thank you, Clark!

Greg Puckett's avatar

This is great, Terrell. I figured I would know everything I needed to know by the time I reached fifty. Now that I’m sixty, I understand I know very little and will always need to learn. It’s both tiresome and invigorating.

Terrell Johnson's avatar

I feel like I know less and less with each passing year, in fact... I never would've guessed this when I was 16!

Blue's avatar

I’m with you completely Terrell I always thought that eventually I would just be grown up and feel like an adult ….. well at 52 I’m still waiting 🤣❤️great picture too by the way. Keep wandering my friend

Jim Gilroy's avatar

This resonates. I feel I’ve pretty much drifted through life, but have some how made it to 74, though never really “became” anything in particular except maybe the important things: husband, Dad, Grandpa. And the music thing - my playlist is so old and pop references in the crosswords kill me.

No running today. Walking. Good weekend all!

'Q''s avatar

first off: yes, Field of Dreams should have received a Best Picture nomination/award (no doubt) ⚾.

Thanks for sharing that quote: "The chains of habit.."

I can't unhear that now and I'll be thinking about the each time I trod the path familiar.

✌🏾

Jill Key's avatar

Great perspective. Being a runner speaks volumes about having passion and drive for life, at least I think so.

Terrell Johnson's avatar

I think so too! Thanks so much, Jill :)

Tyler Underwood's avatar

Great story

Terrell Johnson's avatar

Thanks, Tyler!

CRAIG . Can We Talk's avatar

Wow. Great story