A thought-provoking quote from Joan Didion. Thought provoking for anyone at any stage of life. Perhaps more thought provoking for those of us on the cusp of retirement, which is the transition from a life of work to . . . what?
Ms. Didion’s comment, “I don’t think that progress is necessarily part of the package,” particularly caught my eye. The weekly newspaper in my Maryland beach town had an editorial this week that began thus: “From a public relations standpoint, this has been the summer from hell in Ocean City.” My first reaction on reading that sentence was, “The editor is going to regret those words.” Maybe so, but at least he was seizing the moment, taking the risk. Civilization seems to be in decline. — John Hayden
“I’m not telling you to make the world better, because I don’t think that progress is necessarily part of the package. I’m just telling you to live in it. Not just to endure it, not just to suffer it, not just to pass through it, but to live in it. To look at it. To try to get the picture. To live recklessly. To take chances. To make your own work and take pride in it. To seize the moment. And if you ask me why you should bother to do that, I could tell you that the grave’s a fine and private place, but none I think do there embrace. Nor do they sing there, or write, or argue, or see the tidal bore on the Amazon, or touch their children. And that’s what there is to do and get it while you can and good luck at it.”
View original post 17 more words
Living Simply And Still On The Grid 
Why did the OC editor say this was the summer from hell?
LikeLike
Long story Mark. Another quote from the editorial: “It’s a different culture now than it was as recent as a few years ago.” Crime, auto and pedestrian accidents, lackluster business, political hostility, social crudity and rudeness. “It has been a summer to remember for all the wrong reasons,” the editor said. Both he and I are withholding full discussion until after Labor Day. Read more about it at http://www.mdcoastdispatch.com
LikeLike
I like Joan’s take on this life, sounds like her glass is half full, instead of half empty! Trying to enjoy everyday life. Thanks for the reminder! 😉
LikeLike
Joan Didion has endured a lot of loss and grieving, and written about it. Her insights are . . . well, insightful. As always, Eileen, you look for the positive spin, and I’m sure that’s the best way to handle life.
LikeLike