Bus Wisdom

Girl in conversation with a friend, on my bus, this morning: "I measure success not by where people are in life, but by how far they've come from where they started."

I am wont to look at 'successful' people my age, where they are in life and what they do, and feel terrible about where I am and what I do. It's always, "what did I do wrong; what did I not do." What this girl said on the bus this morning grabbed me by the collar and slapped me in the face. It really isn't about where you are, but how about far you've come. And yes, there are some things I would do differently if I could do them again, but the moments have passed.

I hate the frizz in my hair. I hate the fact that I love food so much. I would've liked to be an investment banker or anything that pays me shedloads of money. I regret not fully learning to play the piano. I am short on patience and perseverance. I made choices and decisions, some educated, others completely random, on a wing and a prayer. Given everything that could have and has gone wrong, I am here and happy. Yes, simply happy and content.

Don't worry. I haven't OD'ed on the positivity pills. I can be a very naggy (sic) grumpy old (the big three oh looms on the horizon) woman when I like. The truth remains: I have a lot to be grateful for, and, most importantly, I have come a long way.