On June 2nd, I began my 46th year of work. Later in the month I celebrate 50 years since graduating from high school. And for some reason I feel like I am just starting to hit my stride.
Admittedly, I was a late bloomer, in more ways than one. I was the smallest kid in my class until late in high school, when I experienced a huge growth spurt. I played my best baseball at age 10, but my running career peaked in my thirties, and I found myself training for a second degree black belt in my mid-fifties.
My academic progress was also slow to start; a few of my old classmates from North Syracuse might remember that I gave a summer reading report on The Baseball Life of Mickey Mantle seven years in a row. But since college, and especially since starting my family, reading and learning have become essential–if only to try to keep pace with the intelligence of my wife and children.
Speaking of which, I was late to the parenting game, too. Our first child, our son Renny, was born when I was in my forties. Our daughter, Sophie, came two years later. Many of their friends’ parents are 15 years younger than me, but that never bothered me. Late bloomers like me know that patience is a virtue.
Now, approaching 70, I am just getting warmed up. I have plenty of pep in my step, and I’m excited to see what the next 25 years bring.
Our business is flourishing, having recorded a number of successive record years, and I am about to publish my first book. I’ve participated in a few peaceful protests and am closing in on my “fighting weight,” wondering what’s next.
After spending all these years wising up, gaining experience, and learning how to live, it seems ridiculous to even consider retiring or scaling back. This is my time to marshal the wisdom I’ve accumulated, to enjoy the relationships I’ve developed, and to enter this latter phase of my life with the energy and enthusiasm of a serial late bloomer, ready to blossom once again.
I am grateful for my health and the many blessings I’ve been given. While I can, I will share my perspective and energy with anyone interested. But the most important thing I’ve learned can be summed up in one sentence: wherever you are in your journey, it is never too late to reset and begin again.
Suit up! Here’s to the next 25 years. If you’re looking to get that pep back in your step, reach out to me at [email protected]. I’d be happy to help.
Comments (3)
That’s a great perspective Ralph, thank you for sharing!
Thanks for sharing. Your insight and perspective are fabulous. While I’m a bit older my goal is to share any knowledge I have gained over these many years. Keep going.
Ralph, great insight with a visionary outlook. As our life’s manual has taught us, “without a vision the people perish”. Keeping that vision alive is the key. I always believe the goals are the by-product of the process. Success is in the process. It’s all about the journey. What great teaching, lessons, and experiences you’ll share in your upcoming book. Thanks for sharing.