I can’t drive 55

55What does this title have to do with my post today? Well, besides it being a favorite Sammy Hagar song of mine, it is also a nod to my 55th Birthday today. (If you haven’t noticed by now, I’m an old Classic Rock guy)
In any case, I have been pondering the significance of this event recently. My oldest Daughter laughed when I referred to it as the BIG 55. She said, “there is no such expression Dad”. I told her, just wait until you turn 55!
But is there actually any significance to this milestone? Well, if I live to be 110, this would be the half way point for me.
Then again, what guarantee do I have that I will see 56?
When I reflect back on my life, I can remember thinking I would not live to be 40. My lifestyle and actions as a young man had me on a highway to hell. (AC/DC reference)
But, as John Lennon once remarked, “Life is what happens while you’re making other plans”. And boy has that proven to be true.
I have learned the hard way that expectations and dreams are merely fantasies and delusions. And in hindsight, all have led me to exact place I am supposed to be right now. Right here, writing this post today.
I’m so happy to be able to do this, and that my brain and fingers still function as well as they do. I am now becoming aware that impermanence and decay are inevitable. Father time is merciless and reliable.
So is that depressing to me, turning fifty-five years old? Not at all! I’m grateful and happy for this. I have wisdom and peace now that I did not posses in earlier years. Yes, I have aches and pains that accompany this also. But so what, these aches and pains remind me that I’m alive. I have lived an active and full life- and today I get the opportunity to have one more day of it.
For me, I see that it’s not about where you are going or where you have been. It’s all about where you are right now.
I’m here, I’m alive, and I’m fifty-five! No expectations.

And while I am aware that I still have much work to do, I am kinder to the self now. Gaining mindfulness and acceptance has led to me greater peace and more loving kindness.
And what a great celebration for this Birthday, to have more love and compassion for myself and others!
If you would like to celebrate with me, please do the same. Love your self, love and accept others, be well happy and peaceful.