One of the best things about getting older, is you got nothing to prove. Once you realize that, it frees up a lot of time and energy.
You’re no longer worrying about what folks think or going to events you don’t really care about. You get better at saying, “Oh, I’m sorry. I already have plans that night.” You don’t need to tell them that those plans are with yourself.
If you’re Charlie, having nothing to prove means knowing when to take a break when he’s doing something in the yard or hiring a professional to do it right the first time.
It’s not easy to admit that you just can’t do what you used to do or that you can, but there’s a cost. At best, it wipes you out and you spend a day recovering. At worse, you get injured, and spend four to six weeks recovering. Then, you miss out on the fun life you worked all those years for.
But Charlie and me are getting better at accepting where we’re at. Here’s Charlie’s latest.
Just Getting Started
Down to Agway they’ve hired
This strapping young fella
To help loading bags
Of compost, as well’a
Mulch, manure
And of course, potting soil
Three bags at once!
That’s some kind of toil
“It’s nothing,” says he,
“If the bags are all dry.”
Once he leaves, I decide
To give it a try
One bag’s all I need
Of the Coast of Maine brand
The kid, he runs back,
“Can I give you a hand?”
For a second, I think
No, I can do it.
I pick up a corner
And then I go, Screw it!
Age-wise, I’m guessin’,
I’m fifty years older
Than he who just tossed
My bag on his shoulder
I could’ve done that,
Without any doubt:
I’d hoist the thing up
And throw my back out
For Hercules, here,
The lifting is smooth
So why should I bother?
Got nothin’ to prove
“Pace yourself, fella!”
I said as we parted.
“Yup!” the kid laughed,
“I’m just getting started!”
That’s it for now. Catch you on the flip side!
Hear Ida Tell It: Nothing to Prove