I bought a house once. The sellers had lived there since it was built, which means it was their home for 28 years. They were older, and wanted the cash & to downsize to a small condo or apartment. Pretty common, especially in LA where home values grew beyond anyone’s wildest imagination, buying in the 1970’s.
Anyway, they sold it and got the cash. It was more than they’d ever been able to save, likely X4. Then their son helped them get a new place and everything was set.
But after a very short time, less than 3 months… the old man died. A few weeks later, she died too.
I don’t proclaim to have any great moral to this story… just a hint at a life lesson. We can’t put a price tag on roots. When you decide to move on, the deciding factor should be more than money, or if it’s money then find a way to let go of anything you’re holding onto. Roots can’t be pulled up without some mental prep, understanding and presence.
We can move through life easily with little attachment. Centenarians seem to have one thing in common. They let go of loss and adapt to change.
I believe this to be a fundamental key to the lightness of being. To carry less baggage and learn to let go.
Not sure who needs to hear it. Maybe just me 🙂
Love, Jude
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Something to ponder for sure. Been thinking of moving out of Illinois, but you’re right – roots to family and friends grow deep, but there are other things in life to let go of pretty easily that we think have a big influence that really don’t mean that much.
I needed to hear it. Thanks Jude.
If you haven’t already , watch -Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones on Netflix , looked into Centenarians and how why they live to over 100 and beyond . Liked it so much watched it twice .
Although they aren’t any full.proof method to make it to 100 , these were the key traits lifestyles that proved most important to better your chances …strong social networks,strong sense of community,Mediterranean diet and engage in regular physical activity,strong sense of purpose,and faith based foundation to name a few .
Watch it Jude if you haven’t already, I know you will enjoy it.
Myself although I don’t think you can eliminate all stress in life , I really try to worry about much of anything, since my sudden cardiac arrest almost 3 1/2 years ago , I am just grateful for each and everyday, life is good and God is great , Hey I’m still here enjoying my life, my wife , my boys.each day with them is a blessing , yes everyday is a good day , some better than others, but they are all good days , possessions are just that, we amass alot through our lives , most of it meaningless in the end , the greatest and best possessions, FAMILY , treasure it , nurture it, protect it with all your might and heart, its the only baggage that means anything .
Love your post and your music, hope your closer to releasing more new stuff and vinyl , thanks for being part of the soundtrack in this wonderful journey of life I’m in, made it a lot sweeter and enjoyable my friend !
Thank you! ❤️
“it’s enough to be on your way, it’s enough just to cover ground, it’s enough to be moving on…home..better build it behind your eyes, carry it in your heart, safe among your own” – James Taylor
It took me a couple of years of therapy to learn to “let of some things I was holding on to” mentally. Now if I can just convince my wife to let go of some of the physical things she is holding on to!
How would you Jude,
My first time commenting but I’ve read all of the posts since I’ve joined.
I have to say I love your introspective point of view.
I’d like to think it is from the grassroots down to earth mid western town we grew up in.
Sometimes it’s almost like you’re speaking what I’m thinking.
It must have been the water or just the friendly good natured common sense area and
moral values that we do have.
Values that seem to be fading away with every generation.
. I’m truly happy we were born during the generation we were, because we had both education
In common sense. I would certainly love to sit down to have a meal with you once again.
Remembering when we went different directions and now both still doing what we loved and were meant to do.
I still enjoy your music immensely. Your talent shines through.
For the first time in my life I will be releasing my first album in about a month.
I spent a long time, in 25 different bands all across the country honing my craft. It has always been my hope to
make a difference. Now it’s my chance to see if I can.
Thank you for remaining who you always were.
Sincerely, Jeff Shelton
That really rings true for me. I have been getting rid of my parents’ things for the past year. But I also think a huge key for older people is to engage with people younger than yourself. If all of your friends are your contemporaries then you will experience a lot of loss. Having younger people in your life keeps you more in the loop and interested. Keeps you younger too.
We all need to learn to let go. At the age of 62 mortality is staring me in the face and I am *at last* letting go of all this stuff I’ve been carting about with me all my life. I inherited my grandparents furniture at age 18 – the sideboard and blanket box still contains stuff that they put in there, why on earth am I keeping it?! I also have my mum’s stuff, my Dad’s, my brother’s 😮 Initially it gave me comfort, now it’s like a millstone, it has to go. I will be so much freer once it’s gone. Wish me luck!
Tennessee, Jude. Just sayin’.
We emigrated to Australia when I was 6. My parents said they wanted a better life for us. They both endured bombings, evacuation during WW2 as they were growing up and obviously wanted much more for their children.
From the age of 6 ,my home life was English, My school and outside life was Australian.& just because we were all White Anglo Saxon did not mean that we instantly got on ..we were hated as poms Roots ? Hmmm I was able to piss off folks from both sides of the world with equal valour simply by calling something a different name. Never really felt I belonged to either, felt I belonged to both and back to neither I have been back to the UK and felt just as at home there as I do here . In love, only ever felt a soul / real connection to two men, both English but my Aussie influences rendered both futile. Ive come to believe my soul yearns for the UK but my head says to stay put. Who knows what we really leave behind when we wander. I’ve been so beautifully blessed with an abundance of resilience. I find it very hard to let go and know I let things go on a little longer than they should…but I also think that is my heart giving my head time to say what I need to before the final goodbye. These days, I’m pretty sure I will know I’m home ( where my roots are ) when I run into the arms of Jesus. May be where my roots have been all the time.. Thanks for the opportunity to speak Jude …..for now we still have it.
its TRUE ! I retired at age 66 1/2 December 24, 2024. once I made the decision to really Do IT I did a lot of pre-planning and thinking. How to simplify, Downsize, get rid of useless and unnecessary stuff…… how will I manage my finances, living on Social Security and a few band gigs here and there… I live alone, no pets, so I am only responsible for Me. the BIGGEST reason to stop working when I did was to rid my life of the Stress and MISERY of the JOB ! I loved my boss of 10 years and actually loved the work BUT the bullshit that went with it was overwhelming. Now 7 months into retirement…… I am much happier. I play in the yard with my flowers and squirrels and rabbits, I play music in a band with friends I have been playing with for 30 plus years… Yes I had to re-adjust my life and Learn how to be more frugal with my money but I am pretty sure I will live longer this way….
I can relate to this. I sold my house and downsized when my daughter went to college. I got rid of half of my possessions for spacial purposes and I’m still doing it to this day. When I make my next move my goal is to be able to carry most of my possessions in 5-6 small suitcases.