"As our inner life grows ever more luminous, the chatter of the speed-and-greed world slowly fades, leaving us with greater peace, tranquility, quiet and contentment.” — Arthur Rosenfeld
I saw a great profile of one of my favorite human beings last Sunday on CBS Sunday Morning. Richard Gerehas been a bit of a guru for me ever since he found me at exactly the right moment, in the midst of a tremendously depressing afternoon in the summer of 2004. From the television, he looked me straight in the eyes and said, “Hang on, it all changes.” That was enough for me, and he was so right!
Richard now works as an advocate for the disadvantaged of the world. He recently played a homeless man in his film “Time out of Mind”, twelve years in the making. He also works to bring attention to the terrible plight of immigrants worldwide: People without a country.
I find Richard has a knack for asking the important questions, questions like, “Where am I safe in this world?” and “How did I end up here?” And then he said, “We’re all about our stories…”
fe truth I have been focused on lately is how so many of us seem to find a way to return to our original or true self through the chaos that midlife can be. For example, the constant questioning of how I ended up so unhappy with my life at age 49, led me to rediscover who I am, and what I needed to accomplish before I died.
I see now I was in search of a new sense of home and comfort within myself. I was looking for my place in this world.
What did I love and want more of in my life? What parts of my life did I need to jettison RIGHT NOW? What voices in my head were leading me to unhappiness, and which ones were wise and compassionate?
Finding the right voices to listen to has led me to this place in rural Colorado, where the birds sing me awake each morning, and…
“the sun pours in like butterscotch and sticks to all my senses.” Thank you Joni!
How did this happen? How did I end up here, feeling so fortunate?
I promise it will Carla. Decide what your highest priority is and go for it NOW! Even if it may seem crazy to others.
I decided at 49 that finding one great love in my life was no.1, even though I didn’t have a job at the time. I focused completely and then I met Mike, and everything good that has happened to me since then came through his love and wisdom. Now I’m happier than I have ever been…Life really does work out!
He is awesome! I have loved this man forever….American Gigolo, An Oficer and a Gentleman and my all time fav Pretty Woman…I also love that he is a good person and as well as a good actor… Loved this Laura!
You know me Walker, I can’t seem to stop sharing in hopes that it might help others stuck in bad places like I was when I started this midlife journey. Thanks for your “itty bitty shitty committee.” Love it and love your work!
I missed that episode of Sunday Morning, so thanks for calling it to my attention. I do know Richard Gere does lots of wonderful things most of us never hear about.
Adventures of the NEW Old Farts 
Oh this spoke to me this morning. You and the Gere.
Today, these past few months, I’ve been hanging on and so hoping it all changes
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I promise it will Carla. Decide what your highest priority is and go for it NOW! Even if it may seem crazy to others.
I decided at 49 that finding one great love in my life was no.1, even though I didn’t have a job at the time. I focused completely and then I met Mike, and everything good that has happened to me since then came through his love and wisdom. Now I’m happier than I have ever been…Life really does work out!
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He is awesome! I have loved this man forever….American Gigolo, An Oficer and a Gentleman and my all time fav Pretty Woman…I also love that he is a good person and as well as a good actor… Loved this Laura!
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Thanks you Hellion! Love that name!
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Thanks for the inspiration. I didn’t know Richard Gere is such a cool guy. And I’m so glad you are happy and are willing to share it with me! 🙂
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For some reason I love sharing it all here. It must be my loyal readers LIKE YOU! THANKS DJan!
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Thanks for sharing your midlife journey–it’s a great time to start sorting out the meaningful from the ‘other’.
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You know me Walker, I can’t seem to stop sharing in hopes that it might help others stuck in bad places like I was when I started this midlife journey. Thanks for your “itty bitty shitty committee.” Love it and love your work!
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I’m a big fan of Richard Gere. He won my heart many years ago and I still would follow him anywhere. Will have to look up that CBS piece online.
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Thanks Judy…there’s link on this piece to it. It’s marvelous!
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I missed that episode of Sunday Morning, so thanks for calling it to my attention. I do know Richard Gere does lots of wonderful things most of us never hear about.
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He’s the MAN as far as I’m concerned! He uses his celebrity status for GOOD in the world!
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Lovely post. For me, somehow it all goes back to writing being “home.” Good reminder to find a way to incorporate that more thoroughly.
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