When I get old... - Kevin Pashuk - Canada

Kevin Pashuk

6 years ago · 2 min. reading time · ~10 ·

Blogging

Kevin blog

When I get old...

“We're here to put a
dent in the universe.
Otherwise why else
even be here?”

~ Steve Jobs

I have a problem.

It is most pronounced when I look in the mirror.

I think the damn thing is haunted.

Framed in the mirror, is the face of an old guy looking back at me.

The problem is, I don't feel anywhere near as old inside as the person looking back at me.

While the visage in the reflection shows a few, okay, lots of years of experience, the person inside of me still feels about 34 and 3/4.

I can't help but wonder what the heck happened?

Where did the time go?

I get the same feeling when I talk to my 'contemporaries'.

While they talk about such things as 'slowing down', 'retiring', or those 'millennials' taking over, I want to talk about the next big project, or putting another 'dent in the universe'.

I'm not ready for that.

I see newly retired friends get into a rhythm of, how can I say it, purposelessness.

I'm not ready for that.

That's not to say I don't enjoy the benefits that come with age, including having our kids launched out into the world. I no longer spend my evenings going to sports practices, sitting on the sidelines. I now have time for hobbies, and the ability to afford them.

What I'm talking about (and mainly to myself), is what can be done so that the 'fire in the belly' (as some of my Chinese friends are prone to say) doesn't diminish.

As I approach my next birthday (which happens to have a zero at the end) and I move into my next decade, I tend to think about this a lot.

How do I continue to be full of hope and optimism that I can still make an impact?

It was so easy in the early days.

There was lots of runway ahead, and lots of opportunities to recover from any mistakes.

Today, the runway is much shorter.

But that shouldn't limit me.

It is said that once you are 'over the hill', you pick up speed.

So... watch out you whippersnappers!

I would encourage you to stand back and watch.

I'm about to dent the universe.

Again.

____________________________________________________________

Image: K.W. Pashuk

About the Author:

I’m the Chief Information Officer for Appleby College, in Oakville, Ontario Canada, where my team is transforming the delivery of education through innovative application of technology.

I'm convinced that IT leadership needs to dramatically change how IT is delivered rather than being relegated to a costly overhead department.

In addition to transforming IT in my role as CIO, I look for every opportunity to talk about this... writing, speaking and now blogging on BeBee (www.bebee.com/@kevin-pashuk) , LinkedIn, ITWorld Canada, or at TurningTechInvisible.com.

I also shoot things... with my camera. Check out my photostream at www.flickr.com/photos/kwpashuk

#Chief Information Officer #Oakville #Author #Ontario Canada #Appleby College

in Café beBee

Comments

Ken Boddie

2 years ago #44

This revived post reminds me, Kev, that I used to worry about so many things when I was younger. These days, however, my ‘stupid people filter’ is clogged up and my ‘give a damn batteries’ are flat. BTW, Kev, why is it that everyone close to my age looks so damned old? Still, these days I don't have to worry any more about long term investments. As Maggie Smith's character said in ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’, “At my age, I don’t plan that far ahead. I don’t even buy green bananas.” 🤣😂🤗

Glenn Melcher

2 years ago #43

Hi Kevin this is a fabulous share back from a time now long long ago..

but it’s just as relevant as it was the day You placed it in 2017 🧩💎🪄

Kevin Pashuk

4 years ago #42

#54
Thanks for digging up the archives @FayVietmeier

Fay Vietmeier

4 years ago #41

Kevin Pashuk Kevin~ I somehow happened upon your post from 2017 Your words resonate. Our mirror only reflects the outside ;~) There is beauty & wealth on the inside. Thanks for your wisdom, humor & passion. We are in like-think ;~)

Kevin Pashuk

6 years ago #40

#52
Thanks Edward. Keep dreaming!

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #39

#50
lol, pear and apple?!

Kevin Pashuk

6 years ago #38

#48
Thanks Lisa. And thanks for sharing on Twitter! Age is just a number when you keep your body in shape. Pear is a shape, isn't it?

Kevin Pashuk

6 years ago #37

Thanks so much for your kind words Lada. I appreciate your spirit!

Lisa Gallagher

6 years ago #36

Really enjoyed this buzz Kevin Pashuk. I don't doubt for a second that you won't put many dents in the universe. As the old cliche goes, "Age is just a number." But the mirror... I can relate from a female perspective. I honestly never knew men were hard on themselves about aging until I began reading articles and comments by many men. You have the right attitude and I honestly believe that keeping busy, finding new passions, and not thinking of oneself as 'over the hill,' adds more years to our lives. Now, go get 'em'!

Lada 🏡 Prkic

6 years ago #35

Kevin, this is a nicely written post. Every your thought resonates with me and makes me feel a bit nostalgic. I often ask myself the same question, where did the time go. But I try not to think how still long is a runway ahead of me. Instead, I'm full of long-term plans. It makes me feel younger :-) Still trying to make a difference. Otherwise, why else even be here?

Kevin Pashuk

6 years ago #34

#43
Thank you for the kind words Ali, and thanks for sharing!

Ali Anani

6 years ago #33

#29
Karen Wilson- please remember that mirrors may not show the real distances. In your case your comment shows your great quality. I am always moved by your comments.

Ali Anani

6 years ago #32

#35
absolutely amazing this is Kevin Pashuk. you and I were discussing the same topic on my latest buzz. - I shared your amazing buzz. Truly it is a wonderful read.

Ali Anani

6 years ago #31

Seeing in the mirror a face that is not exactly you then do you say? An amazing buzz to read and think. A must read

Kevin Pashuk

6 years ago #30

#35
Thanks Chris! And thanks for tagging Ali.

Kevin Pashuk

6 years ago #29

#31
I'm with you Zacharias. I'm quite fine to skip the birthday celebration, but find new reasons to bring cake to the table (with some vanilla ice cream of course).

Kevin Pashuk

6 years ago #28

#30
Thanks Graham. As I inferred above, there are some things that come with age that make your life easier... like the freedom to wear slip on shoes without worrying about what people think. (No shoelaces to trip over).

Kevin Pashuk

6 years ago #27

#29
Thanks Karen. My advice? A great attitude and a big smile erases a whole lot of 'age'. The other thing? Put a piece of tape over the 'selfie' camera on your phone.

Kevin Pashuk

6 years ago #26

#28
Thanks Ana-Maria. As long as you keep yourself fit and healthy, age is truly a matter of attitude.

Kevin Pashuk

6 years ago #25

#27
Sometimes the dent we make Flavio is in the 'universe' of those we influence... our family, co-workers, friends, community, and for some of us, the much bigger world. While I won't make a difference for everyone, I can make a difference to those with whom my life intersects.

Kevin Pashuk

6 years ago #24

#25
#26 As long as this body holds out (so far, so good) I'm not going easily Javier. You are right... 60 is the new 40.

Kevin Pashuk

6 years ago #23

#24
If I take off these spectacles... all the wrinkles disappear! Thanks for the advice Ken!

Kevin Pashuk

6 years ago #22

#23
Thanks Milos for sharing your post. A good reminder to savour the moments and experiences while we can.

Kevin Pashuk

6 years ago #21

#22
What a wonderful motivational story Joanne. Thanks for sharing.

Zacharias 🐝 Voulgaris

6 years ago #20

I hate birthdays for that same reason. This nasty habit of theirs to increment one's age is despicable and quite irksome. Fortunately there is cake at least, and good company!

Graham🐝 Edwards

6 years ago #19

You GO Kevin.... nice motivational piece.... I am also picking up speed — although it has struck me I should tie my shoes.

Javier Cámara-Rica 🐝🇪🇸

6 years ago #18

Today, a 65 y.o man/woman is a CHILD !!!!!

Javier Cámara-Rica 🐝🇪🇸

6 years ago #17

Kevin, I can't imagine retiring early or even at 65. I want to keep on working until the end. Retiring ? No thanks, it makes my blood boil!

Ken Boddie

6 years ago #16

From one who is more chronologically challenged than you, Kev, I suggest either you stop looking in the mirror if you don't like what you see, or else congratulate yourself on still having such sharp eyesight. 🤣

Milos Djukic

6 years ago #15

Kevin Pashuk, please check this one "The Moments of the Beauty and Expressivity". https://www.bebee.com/producer/@milos-djukic/the-moments-of-the-beauty-and-expressivity Thank you, very nice post. And yes, you are great, my friend.

Kevin Pashuk

6 years ago #14

#10
Thanks for the chuckle Paul about your mother in law. You are right. Thanks to medical marvels we do live longer. But sometimes our youth is preserved by other means. Your comment reminded me of a song I heard years ago and long forgot, so I went on Google and found this: Side by Side We got married on Sunday: It nearly lasted till Monday. When the guests were all gone And we were alone Side by side. We got ready for bed then I very nearly dropped dead when Her teeth and her hair she laid on the chair Side by side (middle eight) Imagine my amazement When out popped her glass eye so small - She laid it on the table, Then propped her leg in the hall Well there I stood, boken hearted: From most of my wife I was parted, So I slept on the chair (There was more of here there) Side by side. (big finish) Yes I slept on the chair There was more of her there! Side......by......side!

Kevin Pashuk

6 years ago #13

#9
Absolutely Noemi.

Kevin Pashuk

6 years ago #12

#8
Thanks Sara. IMO, being a musician does keep the mind nimble (and you do hang out with a bunch of young, bright, creative types). I was bemoaning to my wife just this week that many people who play instruments in their 20s seem to drop it when the 'tyranny of the urgent' consumes their lives. They don't know the value of what they are giving up.

Kevin Pashuk

6 years ago #11

#7
... and denial is just a river in Egypt. Thanks Pascal.

Kevin Pashuk

6 years ago #10

#6
I would have never guessed Franci. Thanks for the kind words.

Kevin Pashuk

6 years ago #9

#5
Thanks Chas... I love the line "I may not jump as high, or as far, but, I still jump."

Kevin Pashuk

6 years ago #8

#4
Thanks Paul. Considering that Colonel Sanders was 65 years old when he founded Kentucky Fried Chicken, then turning into Beatniks after our kids leave home isn't such a far flung idea. Sounds like it worked out well for you.

Kevin Pashuk

6 years ago #7

#3
Absolutely right Marisa. We must guard the youth in our minds and our hearts as long as we can.

Kevin Pashuk

6 years ago #6

#2
Thanks Don. If you wanted a foretaste of 'dirt sandwich', perhaps Ken Boddie could send over some Vegemite. You are the youngest beezer I know.

Kevin Pashuk

6 years ago #5

#1
Thanks Renée. I can see the new Internet meme now... "Purposelessness - A direct trip to the adult diaper section of the pharmacy." How did you find out your 'real' age?

Sara Jacobovici

6 years ago #4

Funny, I seem to have bought the same mirror Kevin Pashuk's comment). I wonder, Kevin, if music makes a difference?

Pascal Derrien

6 years ago #3

Touching 😀 age is just a number Kevin .........

Paul Walters

6 years ago #2

Kevin Pashuk As you so rightly pointed out, your children have forged ahead and are creating their own lives which you play a much lesser role. ( Kind of sucks when you are no longer in the centre of their universe) However, you have done what has been required of you as a parent and their success bears testament to the job you did for all of those years. Faced with the same situation a few years ago we thought...let's be completely irresponsible !!!! Sold the family home, and other assorted properties, gave away our goods and chattels and took off to spend time living in other countries, learning new languages, changing professions. I am now a full time travel writer and novelist ( who would have thought?) My partner re invented herself as an academic doyen and now moulds PHD students into English speaking professionals. Putting a dent in the universe? Not sure about that but shit, we are having a damn fine time and growing older a little more disgracefully !! Great buzz, now away and start building up that head of steam!

don kerr

6 years ago #1

Rock on Kevin Pashuk. I won't behave my age nor feel it 'til they feed me a dirt sandwich!

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