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.

Planning is confusing

I'm not one much for planning anything other than what is absolutely necessary. I wear so many hats I've grown accustomed to dealing with whatever I am faced with at the moment. It's taught me to trust my instincts and forge ahead no matter what. I'd say that it's worked so far because I'm still here and have life, business, and family still intact. I've accomplished pretty much what I've wanted to. So far, so good, as they say. My approach to some things is changing though and the response I hear from some of those people close to me is rather surprising. Over my lifetime I've been advised to make plans by a lot of people I admire. Now I'm making some plans and some of those same people are acting like I'm just a little bit wacky for doing so. Examples:

I'm writing, planning on writing several stories and publishing at least one more book.
I'm planning a bicycle trip around Lake Michigan.
I'm planning a bicycle trip across the United States and maybe back.
I'm planning a book tour and several talks on CO Poisoning dangers.
I'm planning the possibility of rebuilding another classic car.
I'm enjoy working and plan to for many more years and have no immediate plans or need or desire to retire.

Some of the advice I'm getting the past few months:

You work too much, slow down.
If you want to take a bicycle trip, you better take it now.
Don't waste your time writing, go on a cruise and enjoy yourself instead.
You don't want to tackle rebuilding a car, it's too much work.
Your book has been in print for four years, it's too late for a book tour.
You really should retire while you still have the time and health to enjoy it.

I don't plan and I should have. I start to plan and I shouldn't. I just can't seem to win here. I guess I should have planned on not planning. I'm so confused. :) But I'm still planning on doing all those things to the best of my ability and have a heck of a lot of fun doing them.

AARP members/books

AARP members and the book "Joe's Story: The Book of a Lifetime" are a perfect fit. However, there is no way I can possibly afford to advertise in the monthly magazine or bulletin. How else am I going to reach you? Blogs, facebook and twitter, but I need your help to do it. Joe's Story is a great read. It will keep you on the edge of your seat, waiting in anticipation of the next page filled with adventure and memories. Because most of us soon forget our experiences there are not many true stories out there quite like this. I'm asking you to help me get the word out there by putting the website on any of your social networking. www.joesstory.com

The reviews are excellent. I am not bragging because this autobiography is not so much about me but about all those people we all know that have accomplished exceptional things in the face of adversity and seemingly insurmountable odds. There are a lot of hero's that pass through our lives relatively unnoticed. Not so in Joe's Story. It is a book you will never regret reading and will in all likelihood read several times.

Lets face it, we've all gone through good and bad times in our lives. We share the trials, pains and tribulations but also we share the adventure, laughter, exhilaration and sense of accomplishment by simply making it this far too. Now I want to share a great thing with you. This is the only way I can do it. Help spread the word about Joe's Story to everyone you know. Together we can help a lot of people experience a better life and enjoy a few laughs along the way. I'd appreciate it. Thanks................Joe Cramer, Author......Joe's Story: The Book of a Lifetime