The traditional symbol of a five-year anniversary is wood. In relating it to Sunset Years marking five years in January, I like to think wood represents robust roots and relationships with my readers, not wooden writing of my posts.
The second anniversary post discussed the technical challenges in setting up my blog. I’m thankful to have taken advantage in 2017 of the ‘window’ of opportunity; frankly, the rather arduous project would likely defeat me now. Indeed I frame planning for and living our later years in terms of ‘windows’ — to represent the necessity to see clearly before taking decisions. Because we want to open and close metaphorical windows at propitious times.
Opening windows seems a positive act. Think of springtime, when we throw them open to let fresh air fill our homes. However, just as we may not open the windows during an April shower, we must deliberate before proceeding, or not, with new opportunities or changes. Some decisions are easier to take than others. Starting a blog? What’s the worst that could happen? A wounded ego if I couldn’t figure out its set-up or, once launched, no one read it. But how about if or when to retire? Or whether to move to a new city or town? To downsize, upsize or stay in the same space?
Closing windows may entail saying goodbye to activities and aspirations. Examples for me: giving up golf and pickleball, both games that gave me pleasure — until they didn’t. From an article in Good Times, Dr. Heather Herriot says, “Adults being able to either re-engage with new goals or disengage from ones no longer attainable is associated with better lifestyle outcomes.”
No one scores a hundred percent in taking the right decisions at the right time. When we err, resilience — combined with an all important ability to live without regret — will salvage us.
My blog happily occupies considerable time in conceiving, researching and writing topics. Today’s post is number 126. Thank you readers and contributors for joining me on this journey, which is not over yet: a pledge, not a threat. In other words, I’m not ready to close the window on Sunset Years. •
AN INVITATION
Will Sunset Years mark a 6th (iron) anniversary? The likelihood increases exponentially if readers accept my standing invitation to become writers, as ten have done. Please send me your musings for publication.
Patricia Young says
Congratulations, Pam, on your successful first five years of Sunset Years! This morning, your thoughts on “closing windows” made me fear you were leading up to the announcement of the closure of this particular one. It was a delight, therefore, to hear this is not the case. Now your faithful readership can look forward reading your thoughts on a wide variety of topics for years to come. Thank you.
Pat
Linda W says
Your blog is always a pleasure to read and often teaches me much I don’t know. I am glad you are continuing with it Pam.
Marlie says
Love your words both written and spoken.
Ian says
Congratulations, Pam, on five years of Sunset Years! I have enjoyed reading ALL of your posts and look forward to seeing many more as you advance happily towards your Aluminum Anniversary!
Catherine McCallum says
I have enjoyed your posts ever since I was introduced to them since our reconnection. I appreciate the time and effort you put into each one. Thank you.
Ken McLean says
Thank you very much Pam for your interesting comments over these five years.
Marie McLean says
Congratulations, Pam. I appreciate the hard work and thought you put in to every post.
Linda Richardson says
Congratulations Pam on this anniversary. I look forward to each post and am always curious to see what topic you choose. The variety speaks to your broad and sometimes eclectic interests and, of course, your ability to suss out what might pique the interests of your readers.
Sonya R Bardati says
Congratulations Pam. A big 5 year, love to read your words of wisdom.
Tim McPhail says
I always get a positive feeling when your blog arrives in my inbox. Thank You Pam.
Wondering :
Have you run out of Fun Facts for Fridays ? I learned a lot from your research of some obscure yet fascinating subjects,
Marilyn RB says
Thank you Pam! I’m so happy you will continue your blog. I, too, was afraid this post was leading to another announcement. Phew! Thank you for sharing your insight, humour and compassion! Short of getting together for conversation and laughter, reading your posts not only bridges time and distance, reading them encourages us, your reader, to be more thoughtful, engaged, and active people. Thank you! I appreciate the time and great efforts you put into writing and always look forward to your new posts.
Pam McPhail says
I am pleased, honoured and humbled by the gracious comments of many readers. Thank you for your time in reading and commenting on this post and others.
Chris Krueger says
Congratulations Pam! Five years! I always enjoy reading your posts. They always give me something to reflect on. Thank you.