John Y’s Musings from the Middle: Life Advice

Life advice at 11:30pm on a Monday when no one has asked for it.

Wishing I knew more answers at this point in life but glad I have so many left to try to figure out.

It’s nice to go through life feeling you have the answers to most everything important question and that those answers need not be questioned.

It’s secure and seductive.

And there are parts of life that aren’t complicated and where plain truths are all we need to know—and simply stick to them.

But life, to me, is a mystery and we can only see through a glass, darkly for now. But we should, in my view, look and think and imagine anyway.

If I hold all the same opinions at age 50 that I had at age 25, I can’t help but feel that I haven’t asked enough of myself. And if I hold the same opinions at age 75 I held at 25,

I’m afraid I’ll feel I learned nothing in this life. And maybe even insulted God by not paying closer attention.

Does this mean go buy some self-help books or CDs? If you want. Maybe take a course. Or talk to a friend who you haven’t met yet because they are too different and may challenge your beliefs.

Or do what I’m doing now, watch and listen to The Who’s “The Seeker”. And pretend you are being deep when you are really just relaxing and unwinding. And maybe preparing to imagine something new.

Whatever you choose. I do recommend being a seeker. It’s not as scary as it seems. Each day is as mysterious as it is predictable. You can come up with rambling Facebook posts. And, best of all, the music is awesome! ; )