The Second Half

I'm writing this on Sunday, February 4, which won't mean much to many who might listen to this. But for those of us that know, you'll know that, at least for 2018 - it is Superbowl Sunday - That's right, an unofficial national holiday here in the US and for anyone who is a fan of the National Football League. 

Tonight, the underdog Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots and their dynasty of Super Bowl wins. The reason I even bring this up is to address the playing style and general hype around the New England Patriot's quarterback Tom Brady. (Side note: Even if you don't follow American football, this should be worth while.)

At 40 years old, Brady is one of the oldest quarterbacks to continue playing a game generally dominated by younger players. He is still arguably at the top of his game, with a strategy of nutrition, training, and focus that eludes many of his competitors. He plays like it's the last time, because he knows that well, it might be the last time. 

Age is something I feel gives this perspective. You tend to understand the fleeting nature of life..but also understand that being in a rush is counterproductive. You know more of what's at stake and you see some basic plays with much more clarity than before. You become better at controlling the tempo of interactions. You look at subtitles. 

But, on nights like tonight, another thing begins to happen. At 37 years old, I realize now that I am, in reality, in the "second half" of life, based on the expected life span here in the US. And it may be much later in the game than I think because of the effects of chemotherapy as a child, my history as a cancer survivor, other health issues, or the possibility of basic freak accidents - things can bring any of us to an untimely end. 

This realization has led me to really want to take a stock of where I am now and what lies before me as I try to live life to the fullest. I'm taking a real inventory and would like to invite you to join me. Each day for the next week or so, I'll be jumping into another subject in life, detailing some of my own story, and giving you a type of frame work so you can follow along and apply to your own life. 

But my message tonight is simple...it's later than you think. We have time..it makes no sense to force or rush things..but we also have a tremendous lack of time. Paradoxical? Sure. But this is life..it is a paradox in itself. 

I hope that you'll join me and that we can all take control of the game of living this thing called life.