65 ffs

As I approach my 65th birthday I find myself reflecting on where I thought I might be at this point in my life.

I think …I thought I’d be retired.

My dad (a teacher) had retired at 55 and was given a ‘lump sum incentive’ to take early retirement.

I remember him playing tennis, playing his cello in a quartet and taking walking holidays whilst mum cooked his meals, did his washing and gave him his spending money every week….different world completely ….

I don’t think he was ever bored – but I don’t think he ever had much fire in his belly – he was quite happy living his life of music and sport and my mums home cooking.

He was very content.

There’s a lesson in there somewhere.

I, on the other hand, am still working, still chasing the next job, still stressed and still looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

I wouldn’t say I feel particularly old, but there are bits of me that are failing, many parts of me that ache, and a few bits that need replacing or at least refurbishing….

…Yet I shall be still be out in Manchester’s finest restaurants and bars in the coming weeks, celebrating that I’m still an active part of the business …and celebrating that I’m still alive.

…And celebrating that I don’t get spending money given to me by my wife.

So.

Happy birthday to me.

 

Mike C