What's NEXT?

Desoto.1952. Black. "The Battleship on Wheels," when I think about it now, but then? It was what was NEXT. I had finished my required driving course, passed the written exam, got my learner's permit and NEXT I was going to get to drive the family car...with my dad.

He drove to a country winding road. No traffic. That was the idea. I slid into the driver's seat. Too much gas...too much brake...but I was learning. After a few jerky starts and stops, I was finally moving down the road! Even though I was intently watching the road, I was still having trouble keeping that car within the lines.

My dad said, "You have your eyes on the road just in front of the car. If you look further down the road, the car will follow. It will be easier to keep the car in the middle of the lane. You will also be prepared for what might be ahead."

I changed my perspective and sure enough, it worked. I was driving in the middle of the lane!

Many decades have passed since then. Why is it important now? It was just a brief look in my rearview mirror. We all know if we spend too much time looking in the rearview mirror when we are driving, it can lead to a crash. The same is true in life but remembering what we learned in the past can also avert a disaster. That first driving lesson still holds significance for me now.

First--Always embrace "What's NEXT?" Even if it requires learning a new skill. (Learning new skills is healthy for my brain.)

Second--Look AHEAD! Choose my focus point "down the road" of life so I will be prepared for "What's NEXT?"

Third--Make necessary adjustments. Apply what I have learned so I can keep my life in the right lane.

Fourth--Live TODAY! Only brief glances in the rearview mirror are all that are necessary. Prolonged focus on the rearview mirror would inevitably end in a crash. The same is true in life. Daily I use the wisdom I have gained from past experiences, but I live in the present.

So--what's next?

We have been having birthdays for decades. As the number of years has increased, it is like the white elephant in the room that no one wants to talk about! Since we can't change the fact that we are all getting older, what are we going to do about it? What are some choices?

• Positive Outlook--What's next? Embrace the challenges. Make a difference. LIVE! Connect with people that share your positive mindset.
• Negative Outlook--Focus on what I don't have now that I used to have. Regret the past mistakes and events. Rehearse the broken dreams. Miss present opportunities.
• Denial--By default, this is a negative choice. (Ignoring it will not make it go away.)

Questions to ask:

• What can I learn about this stage of my life that will increase fulfillment and make a difference?
• How can I apply what I am learning so I can flourish as I age?
• Where can I invest what I know and am learning? (Volunteering is a good choice. We may not be able to do what we used to do, but we all have something that will make a difference in someone else's life.)
• Am I willing to try something I have never done before? (Be Creative! Embrace a new adventure! Join the Art Class, Nutritious Cooking Demo, etc. at NNC.)
• Am I willing to step out of my comfort zone?
• Am I willing to enlarge my circle and make new friends?

As for me, I embrace "What's NEXT?" I choose to AGE WISELY!

What about YOU?