Blog draft jan 16 26

Becoming the New

Morning comes. Sometimes it is early and very dark. Lately, I’ve been sleeping in to around 6 am. I know, that is very early for some of you, but for me, I’ve had a lifetime of waking up anywhere from 3:30 to 5 on a regular basis. Anyway, the later hour produces some light through the blinds. Grey day or clear, the day begins. Coffee is made, phone is charged, drapes are opened, and the computer comes alive.

Blogs are posted and written, emails are answered or dumped, and the internet is scoured for news, stock market gains or losses, and weather. Then the real day begins with thinking through the options, making breakfast, watching a bit of TV, then shave, shower and dress.

But what will become of the rest of the day? Huh! When retired, options exist. If the weather is fair, errands are considered, listed and then down to the car and off to do those very errands. Afterward, what is to become of the day?

Well, if the errands list is long enough, it may be time for a nap or lunch. But after that? What?

You see, I have the time to ask these questions. Retired, remember? I have time to do whatever. The question remains, to do what? And then, the inevitable why? Always the purpose, the aim. What will I do with the rest of my time, life, whatever?

Well, in recent years I have not traveled. I want to. I’ve said this here before, the southwestern deserts, New England and possibly Montana. I have the time now, and the new car, and the money to travel. There are limits of course, but now I can do what I put off for so long. What will I actually do?

The family and friends said they would help me travel not alone. So now it is up to me to design the calendar, the routes and the purpose so others can fit into that schedule. The details are up to me to develop, then share for coordination. This is the new that is just a small part of the rest of my life. What more is yet to come?

I still want to make a difference in the lives of others. I have done that so far. There is much more to do. What focus will that take? Education? Personal development? Something written and shared? Or something counseled and urged?

Will this be about government, politics, culture, history or something else? What are the most important needs today? And do I have what is required to make a difference?

All of this requires fresh thinking. A lot of it. But it demonstrates just how much needs to be done and for what purpose. There is time and ability to do this. Each of use can do this. Knowing the what and the when is the real challenge. Will I do this? Will you? The rest of humanity awaits our decisions.

January 16, 2026

 

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