Celebrate ABMP's 25th Anniversary!
What Do You Dream Of?
As I was driving to work today, I stopped at the light next to a guy driving a 1970ish Cadillac Fleetwood convertible—an icon of a time gone by. It was particularly styled out: leopard-print dashboard cover, big fluffy sheepskin seat covers. While not in great condition, this boat was sweet looking (adding to the wanderlust, I was driving my wife’s Prius this morning). Now, it’s August—still clearly summer in Colorado—but we get to enjoy very comfortable morning temperatures. I used to own a convertible (actually have owned 2), but don’t currently have one. But as my 40s become my mid-40s, and the college tuition iceberg looms, I entertain myself by thinking about what classic convertible I’ll be driving to ABMP in the summer of 2016. It’s okay to daydream, right?
In my world, you bet it is. We are all increasingly conscious about our decisions and how they affect our environment, and I have entered that phase where I question what it is I need, want, or don’t care about. I need very little; I have been blessed. I want even less. Availability of time, health, peace, and my loved ones fill me up. The fun thing about aging (and there aren’t A LOT of fun things) is that you shed the insecurities or preconceptions of youth, and get increasingly comfortable in your own (sagging) skin.
Of course we live in America, and we continue to consume (we have to, for our economy’s sake). So like everything else, moderation is the key.
Living in a capitalist society means we are focused on growing our business, our livelihood, and driving interest in our goods and services. So I don’t think apologies are required for wanting to be successful in your given path, and then celebrating your success with something that gives you satisfaction and meaning. For instance, a couple of my ABMP colleagues own horses, and doing so feeds their souls. Horses are also healthy investments (a lot of throughput, if you know what I mean).
As you become an adult, you start to further define who you are, and what drives you. For me, my wife, my sons, ABMP, playing hockey, running, and occasionally playing in a band float my boat. And from time to time, driving a convertible. But not right now.
What do you dream of?
A Blog from ABMP's President
Everyone is Right
Les, I dream of the day when people in their mid-forties stop saying how tough the aging process is!
Those of us in our mid-sixties say, “Just wait!”
Comment by Cliff Korn — August 3, 2011 @ 12:18 pm
Cliff, I’ll remind you of that when your tee shot goes farther than mine.
Comment by Les Sweeney — August 4, 2011 @ 8:33 am
Spending a year sailing around the world. Been a dream since I was a kid. My goal is to do it my 40th year. 6 years to go.
Comment by Benjamin — August 4, 2011 @ 1:39 pm
You’re in your mid 60s and think it’s tough? So did Colonel Bradford in the book The Ancient Secret of the Fountain of Youth by Peter Kelder. But after years of searching, he found a monastary deep in the Himalayas where the Lamas lived… When he arrived, he was seen as The Ancient One lol cuz even people in their 80s!! looked and felt younger than he did… If u want to take control of your health and vitality and even lose a few years from your appearance, I’d highly suggest this SHORT yet extremely impactful read
I dream of a world in which everyone is comfortable everywhere they go, because they know, no matter what, they are with family, and in good company… and I have the power of flight
Comment by Justin Matthews — August 5, 2011 @ 12:37 am
Summers in the Mediterranean Les. Summers in the Mediterrannean. I dream of them every day. Oh, and a stronger dollar.
Comment by Emmanuel — August 7, 2011 @ 6:54 am
Thanks for a great picture and reminder of how good life really is, Les. Like you, I don’t need much – though I still dream big – and am very blessed by a number of simple pleasures.
I just wrote this list for a local paper and appreciate your call to share it again.
• Live in a foreign country, preferably Italy, Spain or France for a season or several
• Become fluent in a foreign language – Italian, Spanish or French – for obvious reasons (see above) but also just because being bi-lingual is a skill I’d like to master
• Be a part of a Guardian Ad Litem program
• Buying a chunk of land and then turning it into a nature preserve or park
• Running or funding a rescue and training center for dogs that can’t always find a home easily like Rottweilers and Pit Bulls. I’ve had two Rottweilers – Dolly and Bart – both sweet dogs – and hope to help more of them find a home filled with love and lots of treats.
• Compete in the Adult National Figure Skating Championships, perhaps in ice dancing
• Compete (and win) on a reality amateur chef cooking show.
• Host a show on the Travel Channel in which I get spa and massage treatments around the world. Move over, Samantha Brown! (Anyone have any connections at the Travel Channel?
• Write a personal memoir, novel or travel memoir, and a series of books to help other massage and spa professionals succeed.
It’s fun to dream and even more fun to make some of your dreams become reality. Having something special to aim for makes life more interesting, challenging and fulfilling. Let me know when you get that convertible and I’ll get the Travel Channel to film us on a driving tour of all the spas in CO!
Comment by Felicia Brown — August 10, 2011 @ 4:45 am
What Cliff said.
Comment by Jan Schwartz — August 10, 2011 @ 7:43 pm
Thank you for your article.
Although I’m only in my mid-thirties, I’m often reminded of what should I want, and where I’m going in life. I wonder where I will be in 10- 15 yrs. from now.
To me things like that do not matter. Today I live, and dream of always being the kind of person my mother was. To help, love, n give back to others. I think that no matter where I am, and where I live. I PRAY THAT I never lose a sense of who I am, and where I come from.
Wish you all the best!
Comment by Martha — September 2, 2011 @ 12:30 pm