For nearly all of my adult life, walking around while looking at things has been one of the activities that pleases me the most. I especially like to stretch the ol’ legs in cities, where there is no end of interesting sights, and in unspoiled natural areas, where the wonders of organic and inorganic matter never fail to amaze. And I’m also an explorer of towns that look like towns. Their old-timey ambience gets to me every time. This year I went for a healthy number of walks in all of these environments, both in the USA and in Europe, and consider myself fortunate to have done so.
However, one place where I don’t go out for walks too often is my own neighborhood, which occupies a fair amount of space in the suburbs of Philadelphia, USA. Basically that’s because my neighborhood is bland, man, bland, as is much of suburbia. Early this month, though, the urge hit me to hit my house’s surrounding blocks. Why? I wanted to check out how much of autumn’s colors were still in evidence. So, off I went in mid-afternoon. I strode along many streets, my eyes primarily focusing on tree foliage, or what was left of it. One hour later I returned to my home, having been wowed not all too much. That’s because, in my little corner of the world, yellows and ambers and russets and burgundies were close to being placed on life support. The autumnal party was just about over.
Yet, the walk had its good points. The temperature was pleasant and the air was still. Few cars made their way along the roads, and I crossed paths with only a couple of fellow humans. My mind and emotions, as a result of all of this, were in a state of relative calm. I was getting my Zen on. And I kind of liked that. You know, maybe I should enroll in a Zen monastery. I hear that they give heavily discounted rates to old f*ckers like me. Plus, I’d look great in a real long robe.
Calm as my mind was during the expedition, however, the obvious failed to impress itself upon me. Two days later it did. What I realized is that not only is fall waning in my section of the globe, but winter is drawing near. Not exactly an earthshattering observation, of course, but a useful one. Note to myself: Get ready to start freezing your ass off!
And one day after that I became somewhat melancholy as my thoughts expanded beyond winter’s approach. What struck me is that last winter seemed to be not all that long ago. For instance, I can recall in detail the events of last December’s New Year’s Eve, when my wife and I went with friends to dinner and to see John Oliver perform stand-up comedy at a Philadelphia theater. Was that really eleven months in the past? It feels like five months max.
Which at long last brings me to the main theme of this opus. Namely, our lives are flying by right before our very eyes. This would be okay if we went on and on and on. Time, then, would be irrelevant. I’ve reached the age, though, where time’s rapid pace mildly depresses me. I think semi-regularly about how much time I have left. My end might be imminent, after all. Shit. Double shit. Then again, I might hang around for another 30 years, which would bring me into my early 100s. Who knows? Whatever, if it were up to me, I’d go on forever. As in forever. I know that some or maybe most people wouldn’t choose the same. But even though the state of affairs on Planet Earth is incredibly far from perfect, overall I like being here.
“Huh? Who would want to live forever, considering that wars, floods, droughts, health epidemics and untold other calamities never go away?” I hear someone ask.
“Well, to my way of thinking, these things shouldn’t exist,” I reply. “For that matter, the whole setup on our planet would be different if I were in charge. I mean, what’s the deal with animal species — and that obviously includes humans — feeding upon other animal species? Where’s the value of life in that? And let’s not get started about other orbs in the cosmos. I shudder to think what varieties of mayhem are taking place among life forms out there.” Sigh. “It’s a pity that I wasn’t around for consultation when the universe began spinning itself into shape.”
Yeah, yeah, I sidestepped the question big time. Sue me.
And so we move along through life, hopefully trying our best to do our best. What matters in life? We all know the answers: Showing others that you care, and attending to them when your help is needed; providing properly for those that depend on us, and for ourselves; respecting the planet on which we pass our days; pursuing that which rocks our boats, as long as our passions don’t cause harm.
The list, without question, could hold many more entries. But I think I got most of the basics right. Seeing that our time on Planet Earth is limited, we might as well spend it wisely and meaningfully. And, speaking of time, it’s a late morning as I type this essay’s final words. Shortly I’ll be out the door, meeting the world and trying to keep in mind the unsolicited advice I offered in the above paragraph. Onward and upward!
(As I almost always mention, please don’t be shy about adding your comments or about sharing this piece. I thank you.)
Yeah, Another Blogger 
Time flies indeed Neil. I could feel that too. So I guess it’s even more important that sometimes we stand still and just see, really see, the world around us, including the falling leaves in our neighbourhood. It’s winter again on your side of the world. I live in a country with perpetual summer, so autumn and winter amuse me. I enjoyed reading your post. Got me thinking again to take it slow. There really are roses along the way and I must take time to smell them. 🙂 – Amor
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Hi there. Yes, it’s important to try and enjoy life when and while we can. Thanks for adding your thoughts. Much appreciated.
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Time moves faster, my thinking gets slower, gravity is winning a war with my muscles, and more people call me sir. 🙄
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Barry, I totally relate!
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A very contemplative and enjoyable read, Neil. I’m starting to wonder about the same things too as I climb into the loftier age groups.
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Hey there, Lynette. Despite what some people say, I don’t think that getting old has many pluses going for it. Still, trying to maintain a worthy life is where it’s at, no matter what age you are.
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Yep, time is now flying at warp speed. Why then is it still often so annoying?
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Yeah, it’s hard to keep an open, accepting outlook about the world around us.
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Great post, Neil. Like you, I hope to live forever, but the technology doesn’t quite seem to be there yet. In the meantime, we just have to keep on carpe-ing that diem – and your post inspires me to remember that today!
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Andrew, I’m with you on that.
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They say time flies when you’re having fun, so on the positive side you must be having a whale of a time Neil! Keep on keeping on and loving life, best wishes,Theresa
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Many thanks. I appreciate it.
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Time is a fascinating subject. I love contradictions. Paradoxes, too. Everything is a double-edged sword. The tragedies of life become our greatest teachers.
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Right, this subject is vast and multi- multi-sided. Especially when you try and look at it from non-human perspectives.
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Very smart words. And I think we’d all look good in long robes.
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Hi Mimi. Truthfully, I probably should start doing some form of meditation. It wouldn’t hurt, most likely!
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Keep on truckin!
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Joyce, that is succinct and excellent advice.
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Moving post, Neil. I have similar thoughts as I am no longer a spring chicken. Probably early winter would be the best way to describe me. Yes, Time becomes ever more precious as we age and are aware that we have more behind us than we do ahead of us.
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The final sentence in your comments is a sobering thought. Take care, Laurie. See ya!
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I think that learning to value the time left to us and spending it wisely is one of the biggest lessons of aging, Neil. Well said!!
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Thanks, Ann. It’s a good way to approach things.
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An aging friend once told me she had become more selective in her reading because she realized she would only be able to read so many more books in the rest of her lifetime. That depresses me more than anything. So many books and so little time!
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There’s so many good books out there. Have you read Giovanni’s Room, by James Baldwin? I read it this year. To me, it’s great.
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I’m walking my dog through my neighborhood in about an hour. We don’t get many leaf changes here in California but I do love seeing how people decorated for Halloween, smell the scent of cut grass, and get angry at the guy who’s front yard is still all dirt (for five years now).
Have a great week!
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All dirt? He’s going against the grain!
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It’s funny how different suburbs can be. Ours is anything but bland, which is part of the reason why we moved here to begin with. Quirky is as quirky does. As for time marching on, you hit upon a topic that can be a dark hole of despair or a wake-up call for joy. As I’ve gotten older I find I’m more joyful than despairing. Getting older seems to work for me!
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I’m glad to hear that. You’re in balance!
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When diagnosed, my husband was supposed to be dead by 2009…..he’s filled the time from diagnosis onwards by doing everything he possibly can while he can. Limited mobility now, but he still enjoys his life, helps people when he can, is happy to accept help in return.
My mother lived to be 102…she wanted to live and made the most of her life, surrounded by friends…and when they died before her, their families.
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Hi Helen. Right, moving ahead with a positive attitude is an excellent way to live.
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Hi Neil, I’m even nearer to the Grim Reaper than you… so I more than understand your feelings. .Anyone who fully appreciates the wonders of Nature, music, literature and the beauty (despite its ugly side) of all the facets of life itself (like wot we do) understandably doesn’t want to leave it all behind. Hey ho. But the knowledge that we could pop our clogs any time..(we’re putting in for an extension in triplicate…) concentrates our pleasure and appreciation of everything. So that’s a bonus! Cheers, here’s to a long life. xx
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Joy, I like the way you think!
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At least your neighborhood has sidewalks. That says something.
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Hey there. I’m not sure what it says, but sidewalks are helpful for sure. See you!
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Hey Neil – not sure I feature you in a Zen monastery! What if there’s a vow of silence? Or the abbot hears you knocking out a Bo Diddley beat on the temple gongs?
Well, onward & upward, keep on truckin’ and maintain a joyful mind.
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You just made me realize that joining a monastery is a bad idea. Anyway, what would they want with a cynical, old guy like me?
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well they’d be glad to have you liven things up!
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Maybe!!
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Great post Neil. Everything you say is so true and I can identify with it all. Life is short.
“Enjoy the little things is life, for one day you will realize they were the ‘big’ things.”
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Evening, Lynne. I like that quote. There’s loads of truth in it.
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i’ll vote for you
to be in charge, Neil 🙂
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David, I thank you!
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I mostly meander around on my bikes, cycling along I can look at yards, front doors etc and cover more distance than walking, there is also that lovely bonus walking doesn’t allow – coasting.
I hope you will be exploring new towns for a long time still Neil.
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Hi there. Good to hear from you. Exploration, on a smallish scale, is what I do!
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I’m at that point in life too. For me it’s Sundays. They seem to come too fast. Thirty years – yeah, that’s frightening. But luckily I do have lots of hobbies. For people who don’t have hobbies those last years seem to drag. Gotta keep that mind or those fingers busy.
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It’s true. Activities and hobbies can bring lots of satisfaction. Keeping active is one of the keys to a good life.
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Good post Neil.
If our time on this earth were infinite, I’m afraid many of us would wast our lives doing silly things and not accomplish as much. I always work better with deadlines. 😉
eden
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Yeah, but it’s not possible to be involved with big pursuits all the time. Doing small, regular daily activities can be a fine way to spend time.
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yes of course, I was speaking tongue in cheek … and the deadline of death is a good motivator to do at least a few good things, big or small.
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“The deadline of death”
Eden, you’ve just coined an outstanding phrase!
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I remember it took a long time to reach 30. From 30 to pushing 60, it took the blink of an eye.
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It’s scary.
Thanks for adding your thoughts. I appreciate that a lot.
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I don’t want it to end, either. I’m afraid there won’t be baseball in heaven. Or Springsteen. Or cheeseburgers. I guess the lesson is to watch more games, listen to more music, and eat more cheeseburgers while we can.
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You have excellent tastes. Baseball, Bruce and cheeseburgers are top tier.
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Amen to all (well, almost all) of the above. But forgive my climbing immediately upon one of my most relentless soapboxes: None of us are getting out of this alive. Therefore it makes very good sense to admit that, confront our mortality and consider under what circumstances we might be just as happy to float off into the ethersphere. Do you REALLY want to spend your last days, weeks, years in a vegetative state? Generally incapacitated? On a ventilator? Getting your ribs cracked by CPR? If you look closely at that stuff & write down your wishes you can save yourself (and others) a lot of grief, not to mention $$$. And THEN you can go ahead and really enjoy the day(s.) PS, dying’s way not the worst thing that can ever happen; look at all the great folks who have done it. OK, sorry. Now getting down from soapbox. Keep on strollin.’
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Hi Fran. There’s a lot of things to consider as we move along life’s pathways. Life’s complicated! Thanks for your thoughts. I’m glad you climbed onto your soapbox.
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As always, you provide a good read. I needed it after visiting your country. Ha, ha.
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I’m not sure if this is what you mean, but I’ll say it anyway: Trump’s a disgrace. He’s the worst, or close to it. So is McConnell and a huge bunch of others.
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I have the same thoughts (seems most commenters do). Time flies. How much of it do I have left. It’s … annoying!
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Indeed.
You have an adventurous approach to life, and that helps to ease the “pain” a lot, I think. See you!
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This was a delightful romp, Neil. I enjoyed every line. You can wear the robe if you like, but I can tell you as someone who continues to meditate on a daily basis that you’re a natural Zen being— clothed however you choose. Today is all that’s guaranteed, so yes to carpe diem, gathering rosebuds, and generally being alert and aware of the good stuff—not dwelling on the pretty awful current events, for example.
We have friends who are considerably older, and it’s sad to see them failing—the size of their world unintentionally diminished by their physical limitations. My hope for everyone is what Andrew Weil calls “compressed morbidity”: living well in good health well into one’s 90s—then having a quick illness and out we go. (Sorry to deprive you of another decade…maybe cryonics?)
On the matter you so graciously helped me with, I have some info that I think will interest you. If you email me at annie@annieasksyou.com, I’ll provide it.
Really great post!
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Annie, your comments, as always, are insightful.
I’ll contact you via email later today or maybe tomorrow. Thanks.
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“…if it were up to me, I’d go on forever. As in forever.”
I hear you, Neil, I hear you. I was sampling music for a thematic connection with my upcoming blog post yesterday, and when I got Joan Baez on the headphones, singing “Forever Young,” the tears started rolling. I could blame it on the gin & tonic I was sipping, but really it’s just that life is the only game in town. May it just keep going. For us all.
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I second that!
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A thoughtful piece, Neil.
When I first came on your blog I seem to recall you describing a similar walk about and it lead me to Google Maps and on to Street View and I recall being impressed by the amount of planting in your suburban landscape. It seems to me that your area is quite pleasantly furnished with trees which must make it very beautiful.
On the subject of passing years – yes, I’m with you on those feelings, of a similar age etc. with my body having the occasional fail and need of repair. What particularly nags at me is that I have a few projects I would like to complete and feel the days/years slipping by without making significant progress on these – a certain lack of ambition, self-belief, self-discipline, laziness or whatever seems to get in the way. Putting things on the long finger becomes less of an option with the passing years.
Many thanks for another enjoyable blog. Paddy
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Paddy, you’ve accomplished a tremendous amount by creating and maintaining your garden. That’s a whole lot of work, and you’ve done an amazing job.
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I agree that contemplating how much time we might have left takes some of the joy out of living our lives. There’s a line from an old Tin Pan Alley song that I like…
I’m gonna live, live, LIVE…’til I die!
And look at the autumn leaves, too!
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You’ve got the right ideas!
Hi, and thanks for dropping by.
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You are so right Neil, every day is a gift and we really should make the most of each and every one of them. I seem to have got myself in a tizzy of late worrying about everything, and everyone. Gets in the way of being a productive member of the community.
As you know however I’m still grieving for a close friend’s daughter – I’m reading the comments above and it saddens me that so many of today’s young people struggle to hang on to life at all. The world we’re handing over to them is a tough one – Things have got to change, just not sure if the will is there.
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A younger and more progressive group of leaders needs to emerge. Thugs and fools like Trump have got to go.
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Wise reflection, Neil. Isn’t getting old the strangest thing! You finally feel as if you’ve almost got a handle on how life works, and then it’s time to go. I read somewhere that, mathematically speaking, each year goes by/is perceived to be one-eleventh faster than the preceding year. At that rate, next year will be over before March. Enjoy the Christmas rush.
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You’re right. When we finally start getting things in perspective and in order, we’re old or almost old. This system sucks!
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Beautifully put, Neil. I like the sound of your utopia. But I also like that despite recognising all the negatives, you’ve found us some positives, too. Keep walking!
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Thanks for the thumbs-up, Cath. It makes me feel good.
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Hey Pal,
Andy Rooney said, “The older I get the more I realize life is like a roll of toilet paper, the closer you get to the end the faster it goes.”
So the sermon, in my view, never gets old. Be kind, take care of each other, and do your best to leave the planet in better shape than when you arrived, and have some fun – put on your party pants and rock on!
Another great essay – thank you – have a great day!
Jerry
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Many thanks, Jerry. I appreciate all that you say!
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Yes, the list gets the basics right. Hope you’ll be walking and blogging (and daring to buy green bananas) for a long time to come.
*Do It Now*
Low sun; long shadows.
Take photos before sunset:
twilight summons night.
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Hi, and many thanks.
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Thanks for reminding CB to stay on the ball. trying to be a good guy is an everyday battle with me. Hey, nice neighborhood fella.
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CB, I predict that some day there will be a statue of you in The Good Guy Hall Of Fame!
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A resting place for pigeons. And a restroom for pigeons.
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It could be worse!
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Yes Neil, time does fly. Loving care and paying attention… we’re writing in sync. Hugs for you both. Xx
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Hi Jane, and thanks. Take care.
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Neil, your strolls are always refreshing, whether they are to the corner store or the moon!
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Mucho gracias!
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And I wouldn’t think too much about mortality. Did you follow your bliss? Did you make people laugh and feel good about themselves? Well, then, you’re already immortal. 🥰
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Pam, that’s a beautiful way of looking at things.
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🙏😘
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thank you for this Neil … I also understand as I imagine a different world…I’ll play the believing game…hopelessly hopeful…I have friends who tell me when time goes fast it’s because you are happy 🤓☺️ smiles from snowy Alberta ❄️😀Hedy
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Yeah, it would be great if Planet Earth were a utopia. But it is what it is, as the saying goes. Have an excellent rest of the day, Hedy. See ya!
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My husband likes to periodically ask me, “Come on, if a vampire came up to you and offered you immortality, you wouldn’t say yes on the spot?” I think his dearest wish on earth is to become a vampire.
At any rate, your ruminations are universal ones, for sure. I saw a friend half a year ago and we got together again recently, and it FELT like it had only been a month, tops. Scary, weird feeling.
But nice summary about what it means to be alive, caring about others primarily above all else. 🙂
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Hi Stacey. I think that the Earth must be spinning faster than it used to!
Yeah, doing the right things gives meaning to our lives.
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Tempus fugit! Considering that most of us are not overly fond of having the sand in our hourglass diminish minute after minute, I think it’s odd that we remind ourselves of the time and its passing constantly.
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We can’t keep our eyes off of that hourglass. I guess it’s part of our innate psychological makeup.
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I guess you are right, Neil.
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Sage advice with I wholeheartedly agree. I’m now picturing you in a long flowing robe 🙂
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One of these days!
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I reckon we’re roughly the same age and , yeh, I enjoy my time on earth and I don’t want to leave it anytime soon — all those places to see, meals to eat, loving to enjoy, ‘New Yorkers’ to read: who wants to leave that!
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I’m with you on everything you said.
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Yes, I know exactly what you mean, Neil. As time appears to sweep past ever faster it is up to us to slow down and savour every minute. I hope you get more than thirty years! 🙂
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Hi Yvette. Somebody needs to invent a way to slow down time!
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Very nice photos Neil. Time is passing rapidly. Catch the good moments floating thru time. You are a good observer. Enjoy this short journey. Shake hands with several trees.💕❤️
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Hi AOC, and thanks. I like the way you look at things.
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The old mortality story. 🙂 I wonder how many of us haven’t had these thoughts, questions, realizations. Especially when we start tacking on the years and time starts speeding up, which it surely does. Pretty soon I’m going to find a way to slow it down, I promise. Your conclusion is an important one, Neil. Fill what’s left with meaningful intention. That’s the only way to go. 🙂
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When you find a way to slow down time, please let me know!!
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I will. I really am going to work on it. 🙂
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I can so relate to this piece. Great words of advice Neil! Now I better get off my duff…
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Caroline, I need to get off my duff too!
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If you do decide to live life in a long robe, please post photos.
But please don’t stop writing and sharing your thoughts.
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Thanks, Ruth.
Enjoy the upcoming week. Take care.
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