I’m a retired journalist, almost 69. How should I use the time I have left? What matters most? I’m looking to explore paths, ideas, poems, photographs, philosophy. Not diversions or distractions—I’ve lost too much time on those already.
Some answers are easy: a wife I love, two wonderful daughters (and sons in law), three great grandchildren. I love books. I love nature. I love art. I love reading and learning. I love history, but often find it depressing.
For years, I put too much faith, I think, in journalism and politics, and those are still important, but insufficient.
So why start this Substack now? Like Dante at the start of his “Inferno,” it seems like as good a time as any to try to understand the dark wood we live in, and how to make it less gloomy, less problematic.
I’ll write as often as I’m able, every few days I hope. It’s an experiment.
IMHO, I would use a different adjective re the grandchildren ~ terrific, darling, wonderful, marvelous ~ "great" is, at first glance, misunderstood. That being said, I look forward to peeking into your mind from time to time. Best!
Hey Chris, I'm a bit older and consider similar issues. I have identified, in broad terms, what's important to me but still struggle with how much to give those areas. Photography, for example, is a lifelong love but the FB groups I subscribe to all seem to be about spending a bunch of $$$ on equipment. I have the equipment I am comfortable with but I want to learn how to use it better without that being the only thing I do! I am beginning to think there is no room anymore for casual interest.