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Amanda T. Walker's avatar

It’s a rebuilding year for me as well. Prayers and safe “travels” along the journey.

J Mark Harvey's avatar

Your thoughts on the “maybe one day” list is resonating with me.

I had my 69th birthday yesterday; I’ve been retired for six years today.

I stepped into retirement with expectations… so many things that I wanted to do and wanted to be, and newly found time to do it all. But I learned that I’m still the same person I’ve always been. The years click by and most of those expectations are gathering dust on the shelf.

My health is still pretty good, but when you start piling up the years, you know the time is running out. I’ll probably not write that book or learn that language or play that instrument.

I saw a post from someone recently (and wish I had recorded who it was) who talked about her father’s struggle with the same issues.

He said that he was actively moving things off of his bucket list and onto a fxxx-it list. He found some peace in saying, “You know, I’m just not going to worry anymore about ever getting that one done.”

I’m not quite there yet but it seems like a worthwhile goal.

Thanks for your wisdom.

Aimee Byrd's avatar

Maybe you really like how things have actualized as they are! Or, choosing to pursue one thing, like playing that instrument, might mean saying no to the other possibilities. I think that is a hard part of going for it—that commitment puts the others further out of reach.

Thanks for sharing this. The eff it list is also a contender!

Charles Meadows's avatar

I really like your determination to let your kids see your face light up to see them. Kids deserve a certain amount of that unconditional love from parents.

I hope you're still ruminating on the Song! I might end up being more of a Hebrew Bible guy than a NT guy - if a hobbyist like me can actual have a specialty, lol! I thought of you the other day when I encountered some white presby men on twitter discussing sacrifice in Leviticus. I think maybe my a$$hole detector went off...

Hope you all are doing well. May 2026 be a good year for the Byrds!

Aimee Byrd's avatar

Thank you, Charles. And yes, I will always be ruminating on the Song!!

Steve Petry's avatar

I need to quit “shoulding” myself to death as one of my counselors once said to me. Thank you for a life giving New Years post Aimee.

Bryan Redford's avatar

Thanks so much for your helpful insights today Aimee. Each one resonates with me! Keep making a difference.

Elle's avatar

Beautiful. This has really hit a nerve (in a good way)! Thank you.

Kenny Riley's avatar

Thank you again for your thought provoking (in a very good way 😊) writing..... May you continue to do so and as it's the start of the year, I wish you the very best for 2026 🥃