A folk artist who started painting in her 70s, Grandma Moses has become the symbol of the ultimate late bloomer. Several generations have had her as proof of the old adage that it is never too late to start something new.
Part of my thinking process as I stalk 60 is trying to decide — not what new things to start necessarily — but what things I currently do or try to do should be continued or abandoned.
Growing up, growing older, means dealing with the acquisition of skills, the exploration of life paths and the narrowing down of those choices to the precious few that offer that golden combination of personal satisfaction and moderate success.
We may turn former vocational interests into hobbies when we realize that something we love to do is never going to pay the rent. We may become fans of, or a patrons of, sports or arts; to keep involved in things we enjoy or appreciate but have no aptitude for. The hardest realization however, may be the one that tells us it is time to give something up altogether.
Maybe I am too young to be having these thoughts. After all, the Grandma Moses gambit tells us that one can be in your 70s or beyond and still be viable in a field of endeavor. Then again, the reason Grandma Moses began painting was because she gave up embroidery — an art she was talented at.
So that tells me that I may — or I should — examine what things, interests or activities I need to stop. Things to step out of as an active participant or presenter; taking up a place on the sidelines as a fan or supporter. Perhaps then as the dust settles there will be something left behind. Something that will fulfill me but not drain me — something that will provide pleasure and satisfaction without stress, expectations, or financial risk.
