The 4F’s of Life: Farting, Fumbling, Falling and Failing
David at 54, Where Are You?
by David Zinger
I turned 54 yesterday. I know that is old for a blogger but blogging is part of what keeps me young.
Here are a few random things that I have learned:
- If it is to be it is up to we…community and connection are keys.
- You can have gray hair but a “green” (growing) mind.
- Nothing lasts, long live the Buddhist concept of impermanence.
- What doesn’t last though often comes back in a slightly altered form.
- Your children will always be your children but it is important to see how they have grown, developed, and changed.
- Nothing beats really meeting with people —- as good as email, webinars, and social networks get, I feel power, energy, and connection in face-to-face meetings.
- I have terrific hindsight, poor foresight, and I have set my sights on growth, development, and good work for at least 21 more years. Why retire when you love what you do and I love what I do. I could win the lottery tomorrow and I will still keep doing what I am doing (and no I am not drunk as I write this)!
My father once said to me when I was a teenager. “Son, in life you are going to fart, fumble, fall, and fail. You can’t prevent it. You can’t avoid it. You might as well embrace it and learn to move on.” I didn’t really much care for his statement when I was a teenager but every year I appreciate my father’s wisdom more and more.
You see, everything is impermanent and I’ll never get a chance to have my father be able to tell me his wisdom again so I can keep it alive by always remembering it and every so often sharing it with others.
Without the powerful love I received from my mother I would not have the deep reservoir of love that resides inside me and is expressed in my relationships. My mother can never tell again that she loves me but the love she gave me lives on when I express that love to others.
I would not have ever turned 54 without my father and mother being together a little over 54 years ago! So even thought they can’t read this, I can say it…THANKS MOM AND DAD, I love both of you so much!
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3 opinions for The 4F’s of Life: Farting, Fumbling, Falling and Failing
Michael Haberman, SPHR
Sep 25, 2008 at 10:58 am
Happy Birthday David. 54 is not too old to blog, I am 57 and love it. Great advice from your folks. Mine are both gone, too early unfortunately, but I am often reminded of the lessons they imparted to me. Some were intentional, some not. My Dad’s great sense of humor and Mom’s unwavering love will stay with me. I hope I can live up to both.
Slacker Manager is a great blog, keep up the great work.
Miki
Sep 25, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Good grief, you two are YOUNG. Happy 54th, David! If you’re old for a blogger, than I hate to think about what that makes me.
Now a word for all of those who, like me, had parents who didn’t know how to be loving and supportive, or worse, were actively abusive.
IT DOESN’T MATTER.
It won’t stop you from being/becoming just as much of a mensch as David, Michael and others with similar backgrounds.
When all is said and done, you will be whomever you choose to be—the difference is the amount of work it takes.
David Zinger
Sep 25, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Work fused with play surrounded by love makes it almost easy except when I have not gotten enough sleep or exercise.
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