Sunday, January 15, 2012

Life is Tricky

You'd think at 61 I'd have something profound to say. Something about my life's journey and then have loads of helpful advice for younger folk.
Whenever I go to a birthday party, or have an opportunity to talk to someone on their birthday, I always ask:
What have you learned?
Looking back, it's amazing to think of all I've seen. I was born in the rural south on January 15, 1951 in a small four-room camp house with no plumbing.
I'd be willing to bet my family was well below the poverty line in the early years, but I never knew it. We always had food to eat, and clothes on our backs.
I got through school, got a little college under my belt, got drafted, saw the world, got married, got a decent job, got more college, got promoted, saw more of the world, worked hard, saved money, retired, and here I am -- at 61.
I'd like to be able to give some good advice to those younger folks, but all I can say with certainty is that life is tricky, change is inevitable, and you should take care of your knees.
So there. That's my advice on my 61st birthday.

14 comments:

  1. Sure agree on the knees. Ouch. Happy Birthday. Tied up entire life history in a few brief words.

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  2. Many happy returns of the day. :)

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  3. Happy Birthday Rick. Seems to me you're wiser than you know :-)

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  4. Sixty one is the new 21!

    Oh yes!

    Happy birthday!!! Take care
    x

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  5. Anonymous5:23 AM

    happy birthday may there be many more

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  6. Happy Birthday! Your life story is one that should be an inspiration to others. Persistence - keep working.... It beats the heck out of those sitting around waiting for someone to give them something!

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  7. Rick - Well, happy birthday, and here's to a less tricky life and even less trickier knees!

    Or to not having "trick knees" - not sure which, but hope it you don't have those today!

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  8. Happy 61st! A grand occasion, to be sure!

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  9. Happy Birthday - we were born on the same day but 17 years apart! Hope you had a great day!

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  10. Happy Birthday Rick! I think you seem very wise and must have done something right to retire as early as you have. So enjoy your day and learn something new. I love it when I have a learning moment..it always surprises me!

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  11. Happy Birthday Rick...my husband certainly relates to the knees and I'd add in 'watch your back'! Having read your book I know that you have a lot to give to people of all ages.
    Hugs~

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  12. Happy Birthday Rick! You have a lot to share about how to enjoy life in nature and music and helping people. I always feel a calmness when I visit your blog. And knees are very important too!

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  13. Great post Rick. Sometimes I feel sorry for the rich and famous because they miss out on the little things that make us appreciate what we've got. Happy Birthday my friend!

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