Gaining Traction

Lately I have the feeling of gaining traction. You know the feeling. You are stuck in the snow and your wheels are spinning but suddenly you detect some forward motion. Will it continue or will you encounter another obstacle that stymies your progress? Will you overcome the slippery snow to be launched forward in your progress? An appropriate metaphor for an aging man seeking growth in new pursuits.

Things that impede your progress are not always bad. The process of working through situations provides feedback and insight that if listened to will enable you to better respond to future impasse. To be honest, I am adept at driving in the snow, a skill learned from always living in areas with challenging winters. Resiliency and capabilities are learned qualities from facing life’s challenges. Of course, there will be times when your skills fall short of the challenges. In such times, you can either walk away and abandon your vehicle, or call for assistance. That is your choice, which will define how you proceed in life.

My felt progress is from greater diligence in checking off the daily to-dos and starting things that I have always feared being judged for. It is not easy to ignore fears of failure and judgement and I’m not sure it is humanly possible to do so. The question is whether you allow these fears to make the decisions for you. I am getting much better in being mindful of the presence of these fears and acting despite them. And my guitar playing seems to be moving in the right direction as well, after several years of stasis. The dots are being connected and the path forward is becoming clearer. Now its just a matter of discipline in my practice regimen and finding creative ways for practice to be inspiring.

Yes, I’m feeling traction in life. I am fully aware of the presence of future obstacles that will challenge my progress. This time, I have greater strength and conviction to stare down the black dog in the shadows of life and continue with less fear and greater strength. To my older male brethren, are you prepared to take on your challenges? Let’s do it together.