Reflections on Second Chances

Celebrating the Fourth of July

“Forever is composed of – Nows”

Emily Dickinson

The photo doesn’t relate to this post in any way other than the Fourth of July weekend is almost here, and I was feeling festive. The question of how the year could be half over is a subject for another time.

I’ve been thinking about the concept of second chances and the possibility of starting anew. New Year’s resolutions are no longer something I make. For a while, at the beginning of each year, I would set intentions for the months ahead. These days, I find my birthday to be a time to begin anew, making plans for the next year of my life.

In the past, I had mentioned that on my seventy-fifth birthday, I decided to reevaluate my life in five years, when I would be eighty, and make decisions about my future. It would allow me to make necessary adjustments to achieve my goals. This year, as my birthday approached, I pondered how I should plan for the months ahead. As I approached the first of the next month, I questioned why changes had to wait until my next birthday. Perhaps, I could start reassessing my progress at the beginning of each month, or even better, every Monday. This would provide me with an opportunity for self-reflection, helping me identify my current state and set goals for the future.

I understand that much of life, especially as we age, is beyond our control. However, there are still many aspects of our lives that we have the power to influence. I believe that we should never relinquish our right to decide how we live our lives, regardless of how limited our choices may be.

Peace be with you.