A wonderful description of my somewhat parallel life. I will be 72 in July and the clarity you describe is beginning to show itself. As a result, I have become very guarded with respect to time. That, health, and relationships are now front. I am grateful for arriving at this point in my life. The good is outweighing the rest. Thanks for the salient reminders, Bret. Es un privilegio conocerte.
Reading this at 25 is incredibly humbling. I find myself constantly rushing running to work, worrying about whether I’m building enough, or falling behind. I question everything: what it all means, why life has to be this way, and whether the constant hustle is worth it.
Your words made me pause. They reminded me how easy it is to overlook the simple, meaningful moments while chasing something that may never truly satisfy. There’s something deeply peaceful and almost ethereal in the perspective you’ve shared.
Wishing you continued health and many more days filled with things worth cherishing. Thank you for this.
Wonderful! And so close to home: I'll hit 77 the first week of May. My approach is to not dwell on the specific number, just that it is another tick of the clock, another to reason to keep up physical activity. All the while acknowledging the good fortune of modern medicine that let me reach 5, let alone time since.
I quite appreciate your writing: Coltrane Code, ...A Jazz Journey; and JVG YT channel for some time. Thank you!
Bret, reading this piece was like looking into a mirror. It certainly painted a broad landscape, both back in time and for the future. I am truly fortunate: I have my health, I still play, I have a wonderful family and good friends—so much to be thankful for. But even so, it’s good to have someone remind mind you of these things. Thank for all the things you write, all the music you play, and the things you and I shared back in the day. It was good, all good!
This is a beautiful acceptance of aging as rewarding, not regrettable, and living in peaceful contentment. Thank you for putting this in writing so thoughtfully.
Ha, an astute observation of aging, to be sure. And yes, it's persistent curiosity that saves us from sinking into despair. The delight of little things.
The ringtailed cat and the possom that come for the nightly treats we leave out for them. A perfect capture of a wolf spider on my husband's I phone, the face of a katydid, a rose on my plate, the waves of kids as we pass by, a cat on my lap, so very many delights I had thought inconsequential.
Bret, I’m a few days from 78 and found this piece very relatable ! From a well-known nutritionist, since you live in Mexico, where vegetables are woven deeply into the culture, you may want to read more about this: “Researchers just found a longevity compound hiding inside some of the most ordinary foods in your kitchen. One that extended lifespan by up to 18% and cut Alzheimer's-related brain plaque effects nearly in half.
The reason nobody knew about it? It has no colour. So nobody thought to look.
It's called phytoene. And it's been sitting in your tomatoes, carrots, oranges, and red peppers this entire time.” ——Sarah Otto
As someone who struggles with the onset of AI, since I respect your insights, I'd be very interested to hear about the process around your interaction with AI.
A wonderful description of my somewhat parallel life. I will be 72 in July and the clarity you describe is beginning to show itself. As a result, I have become very guarded with respect to time. That, health, and relationships are now front. I am grateful for arriving at this point in my life. The good is outweighing the rest. Thanks for the salient reminders, Bret. Es un privilegio conocerte.
Reading this at 25 is incredibly humbling. I find myself constantly rushing running to work, worrying about whether I’m building enough, or falling behind. I question everything: what it all means, why life has to be this way, and whether the constant hustle is worth it.
Your words made me pause. They reminded me how easy it is to overlook the simple, meaningful moments while chasing something that may never truly satisfy. There’s something deeply peaceful and almost ethereal in the perspective you’ve shared.
Wishing you continued health and many more days filled with things worth cherishing. Thank you for this.
@ nearly 73 I relate to all of this, tho mostly I find it shocking. WTF! When did this really start? How’d it happen?
Wonderful! And so close to home: I'll hit 77 the first week of May. My approach is to not dwell on the specific number, just that it is another tick of the clock, another to reason to keep up physical activity. All the while acknowledging the good fortune of modern medicine that let me reach 5, let alone time since.
I quite appreciate your writing: Coltrane Code, ...A Jazz Journey; and JVG YT channel for some time. Thank you!
Thank you, Bret. Your words on aging are brilliantly honest. May 77 continues with good health and time . After all that’s what really matters.
As for those words stuck at the end of our tongue..who cares !
Bret, reading this piece was like looking into a mirror. It certainly painted a broad landscape, both back in time and for the future. I am truly fortunate: I have my health, I still play, I have a wonderful family and good friends—so much to be thankful for. But even so, it’s good to have someone remind mind you of these things. Thank for all the things you write, all the music you play, and the things you and I shared back in the day. It was good, all good!
This is a beautiful acceptance of aging as rewarding, not regrettable, and living in peaceful contentment. Thank you for putting this in writing so thoughtfully.
Ha, an astute observation of aging, to be sure. And yes, it's persistent curiosity that saves us from sinking into despair. The delight of little things.
The ringtailed cat and the possom that come for the nightly treats we leave out for them. A perfect capture of a wolf spider on my husband's I phone, the face of a katydid, a rose on my plate, the waves of kids as we pass by, a cat on my lap, so very many delights I had thought inconsequential.
Thanks for the reminder!
Hi Bret,
Happy Birthday!! Maybe this might seem the wrong gift, but I don’t think so….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oCR-ptK-r8&list=RD9oCR-ptK-r8&start_radio=1
Len
It's one of those gifts that keeps on giving.
Poignant and beautiful, Bret. Thanks for sharing the insight. It took me on a stroll through my own life and memories.
Happy birthday joven...
Beautiful writing, Bret, beautifully reflective, honest and positive-which is sorely needed. Life is good.
Bret, I’m a few days from 78 and found this piece very relatable ! From a well-known nutritionist, since you live in Mexico, where vegetables are woven deeply into the culture, you may want to read more about this: “Researchers just found a longevity compound hiding inside some of the most ordinary foods in your kitchen. One that extended lifespan by up to 18% and cut Alzheimer's-related brain plaque effects nearly in half.
The reason nobody knew about it? It has no colour. So nobody thought to look.
It's called phytoene. And it's been sitting in your tomatoes, carrots, oranges, and red peppers this entire time.” ——Sarah Otto
Nutritionist (Master of Human Nutrition)
Goodness Lover Co-Founder
As someone who struggles with the onset of AI, since I respect your insights, I'd be very interested to hear about the process around your interaction with AI.
Beautifully written...I can relate to it all...brutally honest and still beautiful.
Thank you may your days linger......what was it now? Ah yes...onwards...
Well done! A beautifully enlightened viewpoint filled with honesty and truth.