Happy belated birthday!! I used to work with a country music DJ, he was well over the hill. But every year we used celebrate his nth 40th birthday party!
Well done. We have some of the same experiences (I'm 12 years older than you; my dad died when I was 42). My father's death nudged me to move into photography and to curb my workaholic tendencies. It also made me re-evaluate my relationships with my kids; I became a much better parent as a result. I subscribed and look forward to reading more of your stuff.
I'm 20 years older than you, and I've gradually come to think that "over the hill" means you have a better view of what's ahead. It's not just toiling up the trail, focusing on the next few steps. Now there's a vista -- it adds some perspective.
Before I get accused of deep thoughts, let me tell you where this idea came from. For my 40th I got a card with a drawing of some cartoon people in front of a landscape. The caption was "here are all your friends wishing you a happy birthday. Don't see yourself there?" (I opened the card...) "You're the one over the hill."
Happy birthday! About the down hill thing, I've often thought that it means the rest of the journey is relatively easy, but from time to time I've used to mean that the rest of the journey is marginally worse, or in decline. What's the true origin of the phrase and how should we be using it? I have no idea! But I got your gist, and I really appreciate the wisdom in this one. Thanks for another great post!
It's just a number. Some people are old at 30 and like your Grandmother, some are not old at 70! So jump on the snow skis, the motorcycle or the snow mobile and enjoy the downhill. It's actually easier than climbing up hill!
Happy birthday Lyle! Interesting observation on the “all downhill” line. I’m in the same camp as you, but love that reframing of it into a positive. I’ll be using that more in my own life in the future, whenever I hear anyone utter that phrase.
It's been a long time since I read the Four Hour Work Week, but the thing that stuck with me from that is a similar sentiment to what you have shared... That we should take "mini retirements" throughout our life, rather than not creating space to enjoy the journey and not having any guarantees that we will have the circumstances to enjoy a long retirement.
I'm also sorry to learn of your Dad's passing.
Thanks as always for sharing with such authenticity. I can't help but apply a microjudgement in that I've now learnt we are 1 month apart in age, as well as sharing other significant aspects of our life path. So it gives your writing another level of resonance for me.
Happy birthday, Lyle! We share the same birthday! I hope your day is full of life as you anticipate all the goodness that lies ahead of you and celebrate the years behind you.
Happy birthday Lyle! May your yesteryears leave marks of wisdom on your soul. May you wear those marks with gratitude and pride. Stay blessed!
Happy belated birthday!! I used to work with a country music DJ, he was well over the hill. But every year we used celebrate his nth 40th birthday party!
You and me both Lyle. Enjoy the 2nd half, it's why we work so hard in the 1st half. You earned it.
Well done. We have some of the same experiences (I'm 12 years older than you; my dad died when I was 42). My father's death nudged me to move into photography and to curb my workaholic tendencies. It also made me re-evaluate my relationships with my kids; I became a much better parent as a result. I subscribed and look forward to reading more of your stuff.
I'm 20 years older than you, and I've gradually come to think that "over the hill" means you have a better view of what's ahead. It's not just toiling up the trail, focusing on the next few steps. Now there's a vista -- it adds some perspective.
Before I get accused of deep thoughts, let me tell you where this idea came from. For my 40th I got a card with a drawing of some cartoon people in front of a landscape. The caption was "here are all your friends wishing you a happy birthday. Don't see yourself there?" (I opened the card...) "You're the one over the hill."
This was beautiful.
Happy birthday! About the down hill thing, I've often thought that it means the rest of the journey is relatively easy, but from time to time I've used to mean that the rest of the journey is marginally worse, or in decline. What's the true origin of the phrase and how should we be using it? I have no idea! But I got your gist, and I really appreciate the wisdom in this one. Thanks for another great post!
Happy Birthday…. Wishing you the best in the year ahead!
It's just a number. Some people are old at 30 and like your Grandmother, some are not old at 70! So jump on the snow skis, the motorcycle or the snow mobile and enjoy the downhill. It's actually easier than climbing up hill!
Happy birthday Lyle! Interesting observation on the “all downhill” line. I’m in the same camp as you, but love that reframing of it into a positive. I’ll be using that more in my own life in the future, whenever I hear anyone utter that phrase.
Happy birthday Lyle!
It's been a long time since I read the Four Hour Work Week, but the thing that stuck with me from that is a similar sentiment to what you have shared... That we should take "mini retirements" throughout our life, rather than not creating space to enjoy the journey and not having any guarantees that we will have the circumstances to enjoy a long retirement.
I'm also sorry to learn of your Dad's passing.
Thanks as always for sharing with such authenticity. I can't help but apply a microjudgement in that I've now learnt we are 1 month apart in age, as well as sharing other significant aspects of our life path. So it gives your writing another level of resonance for me.
I felt so happy for you while reading the last two paragraphs of the post. I even felt a bit lighter myself 😊 Happy birthday, Lyle 🎉
Happy birthday, Lyle. It sounds like the wisdom of age is already setting in. 🙂
Happy birthday, Lyle! We share the same birthday! I hope your day is full of life as you anticipate all the goodness that lies ahead of you and celebrate the years behind you.