There is nothing more sobering than sorting out pension paperwork and realising you probably won't be around to take advantage of all that saving up and sensible planning. It makes me think- so what is all about? Life.
As you can see I am in philosophical mood today.
We have been burning old financial paperwork and filing important stuff away. I found a large box of photos and started sorting them out and labelling them.
There are some wonderful ones and I can wait to start scanning so I can start posting a few.
Everything from me at sixteen, college shots, shots of our engagement and teenager as a teeny boy. Holidays, parties, nativity plays and weddings. Where does the time go?
All over in what seems like the blink of an eye. And so much change right in front of my eyes: people who have moved away, people who have died, people who we don't see anymore, people I can hardly remember, people who have divorced, people who have re-married. Fascinating.
And all those different haircuts, and fashions... and remembering how I felt and what I was doing at each stage of my life. What was important, what motivated me, hopes and fears. Memories captured on paper, bringing back lots of different emotions.
It makes me realise what a great life I have had. I have made mistakes and have taken wrong turns, but perhaps these things have made me what I am today. Perhaps they were all part of learning lessons.
The bad things seem miniscule and irrelevant to me now. They are firmly in perspective now. In fact, my main regret is that I worried as much as I did.
13 comments:
You may have regrets Jo, but I can't see you having made many wrong turns or bad decisions. And BTW, just make sure I'm not scanned in there...
x
I think a good many of us have wasted a lot of time worrying.
We just watched our wedding video (19 years prior) and it is amazing to see the folks who were in our 'circle' back then....memories of a good life. take care Jo!
What a poignant post. I like hearings your ups AND your downs, and I like your realistic take on things. You will be in my thoughts.
Its really good to take time out and celebrate your life so far. So many of us spend time looking at the past with regret which is a shame as we can't change what's happened.
All we can do is move forward and make the most of what we have.
Can't wait to see the photos.
SDx
We were just saying the other day, when an ex-colleague of my hubby decided to keep on working and defer her pension, what a shame it would be if she's there slogging her guts out and maybe doesn't hang around to reap the benefits of the extra pension. Or is maybe too old or infirm to do what she thought she would.
Photos... don't they make you PLEASED that you took them. Enjoy sorting them.
Lots of hugs and thoughts with you, Jo. You are in my mind a lot at the moment. Have a wonderful day. xxxx
Jo: regrets, what are they? Is there a life lived without them? We all have them but I'm glad you can narrow yours down with true perspective now to the important one of knowing that worrying too much is a waste of time. We could all do with learning that lesson. Thank you for reminding me today. I will take this to heart and remember it was you who told me.
Enjoy your happy memories and make many more.
Sending you big hugs dear friend.
Pat :-))
great blog. although, i personally haven't been through this (i've never gotten married, i'm 16), i really connected. it's great. keep writing. will you check out my blog please: www.listenthenspeak.blogspot.com
Good post, Jo. I'm a bit sore round the edges about photos having lost a few (sob). But it is the memories which matter the most. The love. Family, friends, people. A nostalgic Hxx
I'm looking forward to seeing some of those old photos. Make sure we get to see the crazy 80's hair-do and the bat-wing tops please!
Like all the women here, I'm thinking of you every day.
Hi Jo,
One of my regrets is that I never asked my grandparents about their lives when they were young as Id love to hear about it now. You should do something with those photos so that people after you can find out more about you. Thats why I started my Freedom Years Blog, I wanted to leave something behind for my family.
We are all still youngsters inside older bodies.
I think you have taken the very words from my mouth! All the time I wasted worrying too.
Cancer puts a different perspective on life.
Will be interesting to see your photos.
Maggie X
Nuts in May
Talking with you about these things has really deepened my sense of how precious all of this- life- is, but also, yes, being able to see just how amazing so much of it has been. Being proud as well as grateful.
I have to say, it was fantastic to see you- always- but whilst traveling I missed your blog! Glad to be back. :)
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