Reaching the pointy end of life ! ? !

Well the pencil isnt really that pointy, but I am sure you get my drift... what does one do when they reach the pointy end of life. ?

As we get older, our priorities about life change. our worldview also changes, we start thinking about the end and what is next, well maybe I am the only one thinking of it.

My friends tell me I am not old...I am 66, have received my pension concession card, even though I didnt even apply for it .... and so please excuse me, while I start thinking about the next possible 15 -20 years of my life.   ( The Pointy End )

Life dishes up a whole pile of stages.... we grow through these, not even thinking about them really, well not until something comes along to upset our applecart. Then we do start thinking about life and its temporary nature.

People around us pass away and we are faced with our own mortality.  I dont know about you, but I have asked myself the question many times.... " Who am I ? "....I mean, who am  I really ?

Have you ever found yourself asking the big questions ?

As you apprach the pointy end, I suspect it is normal for us to ask those questions.

Did my life count for anything ?

Did I make a difference anywhere ? to anyone ?

Did what I invest my life in, really achieve anything at all ?

Ahhhh, the pointy end, when we all try to catch up and try and make sense of it all, and try and complete unfinished projects, and mend broken bits and pieces in our lives.

I dont think I am going to die tomorrow, but who knows really when that day will come for me. or for you for that matter.  none of us know that day.

So here are some thoughts, ideas if you will, for facing this stage of our lives.

• Forgive others for the stuff... you may not be able to forget it, or even reconcile with someone else for the "stuff".... but forgive them anyway and let it go.  No point hanging onto it. 
• Live each day, out to its fullest....enjoy each moment, make the best of it... enjoy those around you. 
• Smile a little more, look for things to laugh at...even if it is yourself.
• Enjoy your family..... have them over for meals, sit and listen and be there.
• Have that meal and enjoy it....even if tomorrow it causes you indigestion.  Lol - (hey I am no doctor dont take my word for it ) (just enjoy life)
• Pray often, prepare your soul for whatever lays ahead for you.
• Sleep in, if you are able to... let your body relax and refresh.
• Do a jigsaw, it teaches us patience and to slow down.
• Go out for a coffee or a meal, meet with a friend, chat...and make sure to listen.

and perhaps, if you are living in the pointy end, it might be a good reminder to take the words of  Max Ehrmann ...in his thoughts from Desiderata, and just sit back and ponder life with all its fullness and joys and also all its sadness and hardship.

GO PLACIDLY amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. 

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. 

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. 

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. 

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. 

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. 

Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

 Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. 

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. 

Be yourself. 

Especially do not feign affection. 

Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass. 

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. 

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. 

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. 

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. 

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. 

You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. 

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. 

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. 

And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. 

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. 

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. 

By Max Ehrmann © 1927 Original text

.........

Life can throw  us all kinds of stuff, cant it ? the world is complicated, there is a fair amount of hardship, conflcit and struggle all around us.  and it isnt going to change in any hurry, so why not choose how you  will face the world today ? 

As we will all face the pointy end of life at some stage, there is no avoiding that. 

Let us choose "HOW" we will face it.

It isnt over just yet, you are still alive to read this....so do your best to live today with the best options you can choose.

Add some value to those around you.  whinge a little less today and laugh a whole pile more.

And if you are blessed to live another day tomorrow... do it all over again.

just my thoughts on the pointy end of life.

( the metaphor)

AND...finally, BTW.... I dont want to be a blunt pencil. I want to be sharp for as long as I can.

So keep sharpening those skills and mindsets. Keep sharpening the pencil so it keeps writing straight and true.  Keep reading your bible, if that's who you are.  Keep going to church. Keep praying each and every day.

Thats what I intend to do.