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| 2014 |
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| 1975 |
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| The whole deal |
When I look at the two different photos I'm reminded of Kris Kristoferson's "So many questions, So many answers." One can't help comparing the two photos. Is the first photo really me? Was I that person? What was I like in 1975? Was I better in 1975 or 2014? Which person do I like better?
Because there is such a world of difference one wonders. I have usually been a satisfied person. The first photo shows me when I was well into my career and family life. Times were busy and at times chaotic. Teaching was a busy career. It was go, go, go all day every day. It was the same at home with young kids. Somehow I had the energy to succeed in both worlds. There was little time for reflection. Much life experience was still to come.
In 2014 the pace has slowed. I have time for reflection. I have time to look back on life and learn what was actually taking place. Sometimes I say I would like to start my teaching career over again with all the experience I had when I retired.
When I look at these two photos. I'm happy about who I was but I'd much rather be the me of right now.
That's pretty cool. You have a great outlook on life. And I'm pretty happy right where I am at this point in time too. I wonder how many other people can say that??
ReplyDeleteWe hear an awful lot of complaining , don't we?
DeleteHiya Red, You were quite dashing in the 1975 photo moustache and all! Oh I am way to tired to start over again. I like the relaxing in the chair Red, older and wiser...you got the scanner going too! Good for you! :)
ReplyDeletethank you! My computer is too slow to scan with any quality so I'm waiting for a new computer.
DeleteOh I like both of them. I also love where I ended up as they say a happy life with lots of lessons. B
ReplyDeleteIn my early 40's I reached a point where I knew who I was and I liked the person I found.
DeleteGood morning Red,
ReplyDeleteI feel as though I have aged far more rapidly since about 45 years old. Life never seems to slow down with it's trials and tribulations, but I do think that out priorities change for the better as we get older, and have a better understanding of those things that need to be worried about, and those that don't. You look quite contented now.
The years go by faster as the older we get the shorter a year is compared to our whole life. Our life experience starts to accumulate and helps us make sense of things.
DeleteIndeed
DeleteThose years slip by, and I never realized I was going through change until I do the long term comparison with photos. I still hear the same person, it is my body that sometimes doesn't.
ReplyDeleteIt also feels like we have the same person in our head from a long time ago.
DeleteInteresting reflections Red, you were a handsome fellow in 1975, the moustache has disappeared but I can still see it is you. I always wonder that time has flown so fast, I still remember so many things from the past. I can't imagine I am as old as my parents now....
ReplyDeleteThank you. It's funny how my wife remembers many things that I don't remember and I remember things she doesn't remember.
DeleteI think everybody has said that at one point in their lives. We chalk up all life's experiences, figure things out and then reflect. WE think - WOW, now with all this past wisdom and experience I would love to start over .....and this is what I would do. I have said that myself. I like the me I am right now. I have earned my spot and I too have time for reflection but dear Red, you know even when we retire, we're not really retired, eh. WE just do other STUFF. ha,ha Have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteGood point we do other stuff that we like and we can also say no.
DeleteVery thoughtful, Keith! I just wish I could convey all I learned from teaching to the young people. I did mentor several student teachers, but we all have to make our own mistakes to learn from them. Sometimes I want to slap administration upside the head, but I'm happy to be retired.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading a book on Dementia Care and the author makes a good point. It's about coming to terms with where you are now. I found it so hard to quit working, and feeling less than useful in the world. Having hubby sick, this made me realize how useful I am here!
Having student teachers was very rewarding. I don't know how many I had but quite a few. I decided the June before that I would retire. I had control and my last year was awesome. No tears at the end.
Deleteyou have a kindness about you now that shows. not that you weren't kind and generous with your time and knowledge before, but there is a gentleness to your spirit that comes through in that last shot. :)
ReplyDeleteHey, I like your interpretation. I am what you say.
DeleteI did something similar a while back and put pictures of myself fifty years apart. It's quite a shock in some ways, but heck, Red, you look GREAT today. Your forehead is a bit higher, I notice. :-)
ReplyDeleteI have school pictures for about 25 years. I intend to scan them and use them in a post or too.
DeleteI think almost all of us would like a second chance to do things better with the knowledge we now have. Too bad we can have life do-overs....or maybe not! You do look different and you probably were. But in both cases you have that subtle smile.
ReplyDeleteI see very little resemblance. But I do feel in my head that I haven't changed much.
DeleteI think every stage in life has something special to offer. Now that I'm in my middle years and my kids are more or less grown up, I am enjoying more freedom, and different experiences. Embracing the present day 'you' is the best way to go.
ReplyDeleteI think there's a certain time whee we find ourselves and are more satisfied the rest of our life.
DeleteI wonder how many seniors are content with their lives. You are indeed fortunate to be at peace with yourself.
ReplyDeleteWe have a boatload of seniors, Keith's age and older, delivering Meals On Wheels, doing Hospice, volunteering in the theatre. Men & women in their 80s who are active, like our main man, active in the Arts, the outdoors, enjoying life! My hubby, age 65, is the youngest MoW Dispatcher!
DeleteYou raise a good question. From the people I see many of them are content with life. It's very sad when you meet someone who is very unhappy.
DeleteQuite thoughtful, Red!
ReplyDeleteI liked the photos and your attitude Red.
ReplyDeleteSometimes when I see photos of myself as a much younger person it makes me a little sad. but I have had a wonderful life, and I would not go back again.
ReplyDeleteYou look handsome in your young photo :)) Its great tht you say you would like to start over again!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post! You were handsome in 1975 and you are handsome now. Like Linda, I too feel a little sad when I look at photos of myself when I was younger, but I have really enjoyed life more since retirement age. I am so thankful to have time to work at home and not have to be at public work every day.
ReplyDeleteHi, I've seen you around a few blogs, and I don't know why, but never visited you until today. Anyway ... to the photos. I don't get it, I don't see any difference. Oh, wait a second. Now I see. You've lost the stache!
ReplyDeleteWhen I think about my 1975 self I'd run a mile before returning to that age. I couldn't possible cope with all that busy-ness. So much better now to live happily with the results. I see from your photos what I notice with mine - the eyes and the smile don't change. I think we must be lucky.
ReplyDeleteOh yes! I like both yous. But you look very settled and contented now, Red. I like that about you.
ReplyDelete