Oh, what to do.

reteP

reteP

Member
Location
Northern Rivers, Australia.
I just turned 70, and reality came closer to my face. I have vast interests and hobbies. Too many to finish all the projects I have started, let alone planned to do. As they say, the past is history and tomorrow is a mystery. We can never guarantee we will see tomorrow. Prudence tells me that time is running out.

Oh, what to do? This sort of thinking actually stopped me from progressing into any of me interests and hobbies. I thought, 'what's the point?' Yes, what is exactly the point I was basing these negative thoughts on? ... the same old common reasons ... my ego!

I wanted to complete my projects. But what do I usually do with my finished projects? They more sooner than later become neglected and stored away; or pulled apart for some other project. That is my reality, and it's been like that all my life.

So what to do? I am going to forget about the need to finish my projects. All my fun is in the actual creation of my projects, finished or not. I decided to not worry if I can get any of them finished. Just have fun creating regardless of outcome. So now, as soon as I come to a stand still on a project, I pack it away for maturing my next move, and start/restart another project that I feel I can carry on with for awhile. So far, this philosphy seems to keep me going; and I am having more fun with it all than I ever had in my life. (No more expectations on my behalf = freedom).

My current interests include: art, electronics and ham radio, competitive cycling, my herb garden, woodwork, microscopy, photography.
My new interest is bird watching and sound recording. For which I am building a microphone dish, and a nestbox with camera for this Spring. And of course, visiting Senior Forums.
 

reteP said:
I just turned 70, and reality came closer to my face. I have vast interests and hobbies. Too many to finish all the projects I have started, let alone planned to do. As they say, the past is history and tomorrow is a mystery. We can never guarantee we will see tomorrow. Prudence tells me that time is running out.

Oh, what to do? This sort of thinking actually stopped me from progressing into any of me interests and hobbies. I thought, 'what's the point?' Yes, what is exactly the point I was basing these negative thoughts on? ... the same old common reasons ... my ego!

I wanted to complete my projects. But what do I usually do with my finished projects? They more sooner than later become neglected and stored away; or pulled apart for some other project. That is my reality, and it's been like that all my life.

So what to do? I am going to forget about the need to finish my projects. All my fun is in the actual creation of my projects, finished or not. I decided to not worry if I can get any of them finished. Just have fun creating regardless of outcome. So now, as soon as I come to a stand still on a project, I pack it away for maturing my next move, and start/restart another project that I feel I can carry on with for awhile. So far, this philosphy seems to keep me going; and I am having more fun with it all than I ever had in my life. (No more expectations on my behalf = freedom).

My current interests include: art, electronics and ham radio, competitive cycling, my herb garden, woodwork, microscopy, photography.
My new interest is bird watching and sound recording. For which I am building a microphone dish, and a nestbox with camera for this Spring. And of course, visiting Senior Forums.
Click to expand...
Very interesting perspectives. Thanks for sharing.
And welcome to our forum.
Kaila
 
reteP said:
My new interest is bird watching and sound recording. For which I am building a microphone dish, and a nestbox with camera for this Spring.
Click to expand...
You're in Australia, then, where your seasons are opposite of those of us, in USA?
Thereby Spring is coming for you?
while we are in summer now, which will follow with Autumn....

Watching the Eastern Bluebirds, and Cardinals here, lately. :)
 

reteP said:
I just turned 70, and reality came closer to my face. I have vast interests and hobbies. Too many to finish all the projects I have started, let alone planned to do. As they say, the past is history and tomorrow is a mystery. We can never guarantee we will see tomorrow. Prudence tells me that time is running out.

Oh, what to do? This sort of thinking actually stopped me from progressing into any of me interests and hobbies. I thought, 'what's the point?' Yes, what is exactly the point I was basing these negative thoughts on? ... the same old common reasons ... my ego!

I wanted to complete my projects. But what do I usually do with my finished projects? They more sooner than later become neglected and stored away; or pulled apart for some other project. That is my reality, and it's been like that all my life.

So what to do? I am going to forget about the need to finish my projects. All my fun is in the actual creation of my projects, finished or not. I decided to not worry if I can get any of them finished. Just have fun creating regardless of outcome. So now, as soon as I come to a stand still on a project, I pack it away for maturing my next move, and start/restart another project that I feel I can carry on with for awhile. So far, this philosphy seems to keep me going; and I am having more fun with it all than I ever had in my life. (No more expectations on my behalf = freedom).

My current interests include: art, electronics and ham radio, competitive cycling, my herb garden, woodwork, microscopy, photography.
My new interest is bird watching and sound recording. For which I am building a microphone dish, and a nestbox with camera for this Spring. And of course, visiting Senior Forums.
Click to expand...
definitely sounds like you have a full and entertaining life. You're your own person now, you have no boss to answer to, you can start and finish projects at will.. as you enjoy them , in whatever way that might be... you're luck to still have an avid interest in so many things... good for you..(y)
 
seadoug said:
I actually think your interests and hobbies may contribute to helping you live longer, so my advice would be to keep up with all that you enjoy. I wish I had lots of interests and hobbies. It would make my days a lot more fulfilling.
Click to expand...
Thanks for your share.

I used to think the same way. Long time ago I was suffering from depression and boredom. I got sick and tired of being sick and tired, and I had to do something about it.

All that changed while I was sitting in a doctors waiting room. I had nothing to do but stare at the fabric of my chair's arm rest. It occured to me that I had to make myself become inquisitive. So I wondered how a machine would weave the fabric I was staring at. I got intrigued, and my boredom left. That was the last time I ever got bored or depressed _ some 30 odd years ago.

Like everything else, the only power we have is choice. In this case I chose to get interested.

In fact, it was such choices that got me, at 37 y.o., to study high school maths, science and english (my second language) so I could get into the University of Sydney. Then three years later I gained a graduate degree in health science, majoring in rehabilitation counselling. So a class dunce choices to become class dux (actually, I came second).

Counselling was the best career move I ever made. I worked in drug and alcohol rehabs for about 20 years, and then palliative care counselling for about 5 years. I do occasional volunteer counselling work when called to do so. I never go burnt-out; that's because I chose not to be responsible for other peoples choices, only my own... which was to be the best I can be at the time, and learn from my mistakes or inefficiencies.

My mentor always said when parting company 'Take a risk'. There is always an element of risk when making choices that are right, and often they are not easy. Unfortunately, as a young fellow I often chose what was easy over what was right (and I had to pay for letting fear dictate my choices).

Seadoug, I am babbling on again.
Cheers.
 
reteP said:
I was suffering from depression and boredom.
All that changed while I was sitting in a doctors waiting room. I had nothing to do but stare at the fabric of my chair's arm rest. It occured to me that I had to make myself become inquisitive. So I wondered how a machine would weave the fabric I was staring at. I got intrigued, and my boredom left. That was the last time I ever got bored or depressed _
Click to expand...
Welcome, reteP. That was very smart of you!
 
You are exactly like me. I am almost 70. Many projects started - very, very few completed. I have also purchased many, many art courses online and have not finished any of them. I too, have decided, to enjoy the journey and not worry about the final destination. And I am never bored as I go back to previous projects/courses and it's like, oh, this is so much fun to do this again.
 
reteP said:
I just turned 70, and reality came closer to my face. I have vast interests and hobbies. Too many to finish all the projects I have started, let alone planned to do. As they say, the past is history and tomorrow is a mystery. We can never guarantee we will see tomorrow. Prudence tells me that time is running out.

Oh, what to do? This sort of thinking actually stopped me from progressing into any of me interests and hobbies. I thought, 'what's the point?' Yes, what is exactly the point I was basing these negative thoughts on? ... the same old common reasons ... my ego!

I wanted to complete my projects. But what do I usually do with my finished projects? They more sooner than later become neglected and stored away; or pulled apart for some other project. That is my reality, and it's been like that all my life.

So what to do? I am going to forget about the need to finish my projects. All my fun is in the actual creation of my projects, finished or not. I decided to not worry if I can get any of them finished. Just have fun creating regardless of outcome. So now, as soon as I come to a stand still on a project, I pack it away for maturing my next move, and start/restart another project that I feel I can carry on with for awhile. So far, this philosphy seems to keep me going; and I am having more fun with it all than I ever had in my life. (No more expectations on my behalf = freedom).

My current interests include: art, electronics and ham radio, competitive cycling, my herb garden, woodwork, microscopy, photography.
My new interest is bird watching and sound recording. For which I am building a microphone dish, and a nestbox with camera for this Spring. And of course, visiting Senior Forums.
Click to expand...

Oh to be young again. Alas I turned 71 earlier this year. Imagine my despair ... ;)
 

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