A friend I hold in high esteem says, “when we get to where we’re going…perhaps we should stop. Unless the going was the point.”
That’s a fascinating premise to me because it explains a lot about the reasons we are here on this earth and if we’re making a difference. It touches on the well-known ‘midlife crisis’ as well. If we are writers, and I assume if you follow this blog you are, the premise strikes a chord.
In my earlier days I was a motorcyclist and my wife and I traveled extensively throughout Europe. Even at my somewhat advanced age we plan to ‘get in the game’ once again because it exemplifies the definition of unless the going was the point. A motorcycle is a poor choice for high-tailing it down the expressways of this world to get from point A to point B. But it’s a step back from the plane or automobile if one enjoys the freedom of alternate routes and the wind in one’s hair. Just as horseback is a step further yet, but somewhat impractical today.
I’ve experienced many jobs and several professions in my life thus far and am far from retired, writing for you—as well as myself—well into my ninth decade. It’s not much of a money pump, which would be nice, but money is more of a convenience than a necessity. I’ve authored thirteen books in the past thirty years and going there was always the point.
It never occurred to me that perhaps I should stop and I suppose that one day when I collapse in the street, it will be with several projects half completed. As for destinations, who knows where the next one will lead…and is it even important?
The thrill, the juice, the exhilaration was in the going.
