Roy’s Sunday Letter for June 28, 2026
It is not helpful to use yesterday’s broken crayons to paint today’s colorful canvas
Throughout our working lives our days began early and ended late. Toda, we are learning about the Slow Down stage of life. I do have young readers just beginning their own working lives. Most readers are in their Slow Down period or preparing to be so.
In slowing down, we have learned preparation and ongoing conversation about all that was known, and the surprises and unknown as well. We did make initial decisions about financial, Wills and ‘Power of” individuals for treatment preferences and the naming of community organizations/causes to benefit from our investment resources.
The softer elements of the Slow Down stage can be more difficult and challenging for all of us. As we move away from work and daily rituals, we develop a new sense of Purpose. It seems clear that each stage of life opens new doors at all stages of life. And yet, the constant is knowing we belong to something greater than ourselves and the friends and family that gives our lives meaning.
Beth and I do not look or see that far in the future. Our Faith works its way through each decision, trusting our experiences and each other. As people, we each have different friends, causes and a pace of our individual Slow Down. We learn from each other as we walk the walk of the physical, emotional, and spiritual speed up or Slow Down of our daily lives.
As a reader, in what ways have you prepared for each of your life stages, perhaps including the Slow Down life stage?
Roy, Slowing Down and Moving Forward at the same time
Truthfully, I never expected to be alive at 80! When I was younger, 80 seemed ancient! It has forced me to slow down but I haven’t given up. Each day brings new challenges, yesterday I was very tired so the running list of things to do, did not get done. In fact I took 2 naps yesterday. I have planned for my future with investment, life insurance and health insurance. But at times I wonder if it will be enough. You are so blessed to have each other to navigate this time. I question myself each day, “ is this the right decision “ but in the end a decision must be made. Good friends can give you their opinions and that is much appreciated. Slowing down but moving forward, I like that.
Jan and I are beginning our slow down stage. To start, we are getting rid of all the unnecessary clutter we have collected over the years (and it’s a lot!) and are coming to terms with the fact that we are essentially “rounding third.” We are trying to be realistic about what we can do and what we need to let go of. We find that this process involves some sadness but also leads to freedom and hope. Thank you, Roy.
Just 6 months shy of 80 I must be in denial. Adopting the Clint Eastwood mindset of “don’t let the old man in” mindset I’ll acknowledge one must grow old but one does not have to grow up! Of course, having a wife 12 years my junior may be a contributing factor as I get a push now and again to venture to other places. Prepared for the enivitable? , yes. Prepared to give up?, no! This old Salt still has a few waypoints to get to.