Maturity and what to do with it.

Now that I'm beginning to grow up the expectations of maturity become more muddled than clear for me. As a man fully growed I'm expected to make rational decisions, speak slowly and eloquently, be in control of my fortune, be wise beyond my years, understand women, (well maybe not that so much), in other words: successfully operate in a reality based upon common sense. To tell the truth, I'm not yet finding that an easy task. That's where the muddled part comes in, the reality stuff. The reality that is supposed to come with maturity gets messed up big time with the dreams, ambitions and aspirations I still possess in my still youthful soul. I ask you: What am I to do with those yet unfulfilled dreams that my mind still craves to accomplish?

Some things are simply fact:
*I will never run a four minute mile.
*I will not swim across Lake Michigan.
*No mountain climbing either.
*Driving in NASCAR is so completely over.
*Standing alongside Mr. Universe in muscle competition won't happen.
*Setting another record for push-ups, chin-ups or sit-ups is definitely a no-go.
*Although the desire still remains, driving a motorcycle at 145 miles per hour happened for the last time four years ago. (I made a promise.)
*And then there is always the not having much hair anymore thing.

I have no regrets mind you, I am happy with this stage of my life. This is not a lament sort of thing. This is rather a celebration of the future that still remains ahead of me and the planning, adjustment, acceptance and work that it takes to use all the wisdom, experience and common sense I have accumulated to pull off the dreams still remaining. What? You say! Why do I pursue doing ambitious stuff both personal and business while so many of my peers have resigned themselves to rest and retirement?

Because I am still able and having a great deal of fun and satisfaction from the responsibility and adventure. Kind of like politicians but without the money and other perks.

A perfect outcome to a difficult situation

During times of trauma, be it serious or simply inconvenient, when it involves other people you are never quite sure of the outcome. The smoke has cleared, the words spoken and action taken concerning our being confronted on a public sidewalk by barking, aggressive dogs intentionally allowed to run loose by their owners. It involved two good people that, perhaps weren't aware of what havoc their dogs could wreak upon their neighbors: us. They have taken corrective steps and are now restraining their animals as far as I can see. I am gratified!

Sometimes a defensive mechanism will prevent us from seeing that our innocent or ignorant decisions aren't exactly as harmless as we had thought. It's embarrassing and difficult to face. Especially when confronted by someone saying they are dead wrong. No one likes being told they are wrong. It's a normal reaction to deny it and defend themselves. It's what happens after they've had time to think about it that is a sure sign of who we are.

The dogs are no longer a problem. Thankfully no harm was done other than the trauma. Good people make mistakes from time to time but when all is said and done, good people eventually do the right thing. They did this time too. It's a wonderful day in the neighborhood.