13 Comments
User's avatar
Lucy Frances's avatar

Not so much a direct comment on this post, though as ever I enjoyed it, but knowing your interest in second half of life, have you come across James Hollis? I've started with Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life. I think you may like it. He's as good a writer as Rohr.

Expand full comment
Deborah Sloan's avatar

No I haven’t come across him but will look him up. Might be someone else for me to talk about other than Rohr! Thanks!

Expand full comment
Áine O'Keeffe's avatar

My aversion to commitment extended to refusing to make another appointment at the hairdresser after a cut, despite knowing that I’d be begging from below an outgrown fringe for an urgent appointment approximately 7 weeks later.

Expand full comment
Deborah Sloan's avatar

I'm not sure why but I have this constant fear that my hairdresser is going to do a runner so I book like not only one but two appointments ahead!

Expand full comment
Harry Cullen's avatar

I have realised that a number of things I signed up to and religiously attended are now the weekly decision of which excuse can I justify crying off , This is partly due to the fact that I seem to be permanently tired , with a very low energy level , Youngest son dosnt help by stating “ sure dad you are just a grumpy old man now “ Perhaps so but in my head I’m still a re cycled teenager !!

Maybe reading your missive , maybe I’m at that age now where my affairs are to be re looked at and adjusted , Secret envelopes of what I wish when my days end and I’m called , Yes, commitments are now officially “flexible”

Expand full comment
Deborah Sloan's avatar

Harry, I am sure you are not a grumpy old man. I think excuses mean something is no longer for us and it is good to revise our commitments from time to time. What I like best is a day with no commitments and I can see where my mood and energy take me...

Expand full comment
Laura H-M's avatar

I’m with you on the commitment to topping up the supply of candles. Accidentally-on-purpose bought five today in Dunnes…

Expand full comment
Deborah Sloan's avatar

I am always accidentally buying things. Now heading to Dunnes...

Expand full comment
Renée Finnegan's avatar

I'm thinking of something deeply profound as a response, but...looks like I'll be here for a while. That said... I chuckled my way through your Tuesday twist and love it!

Expand full comment
Deborah Sloan's avatar

Thank you R, I am glad you enjoyed it and I added to your Tuesday!

Expand full comment
Mairead's avatar

And actually, when it all boils down to it, I much prefer having an empty diary and never agreeing to anything or committing too much to anyone. It’s not apathy. It’s freedom.

Expand full comment
Mairead's avatar

I love this ! Our earlier years are about saying yes to things as it’s expected, the right thing to do, the nice thing to do. I avoid committing to things now, in case I can’t get out of it. Yes, it’s freedom.

Expand full comment
Deborah Sloan's avatar

I think it’s best not to commit now to anything as it’s much easier to say no at an early stage rather than feel resentful when stuck with something!

Expand full comment