Adrian Lester, inside the March 21st issue of Saga Magazine:
I had to match what I thought I would be at that age with what I actually am. Then I had to work out what I could possibly achieve in the future and let go of a few things.
What profession you’re in – you always imagine (a certain accomplishment) and you live every day thinking that’s possible.
But at 50 a bell goes off in your head you should hold with lighter fingers those aspirations that belong to a 23-year-old.
I seldom watch the telly, but I had been a fan of Hustle on BBC. I had watched every episode (some repeatedly) for each of the eight seasons. The other show that I liked was Life – which I had “binge-watched” on the BBC iPlayer, all six episodes of it.
A common denominator of those shows? Adrian Lester, of course. He had this stupendous overflow of charm and wit which made him such a joy to watch.
About five weeks ago, I had my chest cut open to get my ailing heart fixed.
As the old saying goes, when you’re at death’s door, there’s no more things to hide. No more pretense, just a sober look at what you had got to show for your years, and the regret which would come with the things that you wished you had not gotten done.
And like Adrian Lester, I had somewhat taken a more realistic look at my goals and consoled myself to let some go – I may (only?) be 44, but I am no longer under the illusion that I have decades (or years) left before I draw my last breath.
The problem is you think you have time.
Jack Kornfield
Of course, I still maintain a laundry list of “Things To Do Before I Die”, but knowing that I might just not see tomorrow, as long as I move an inch closer towards getting those things done today, I’m happy.
Tomorrow is promised to no one.
