For most people, college takes only four or five years. For me, it was 41 — with a 37-year break — and I graduated in December 2018. Since then, I became a chaplain and earned another degree as a Master Financial Coach with Dave Ramsey. Most recently, I joined the John Maxwell Team as a speaker, author, and coach. You’re never too old, right?
Indeed, the last several years have been an incredible ride. I’ve learned quite a bit, re-learned even more, and found a few things that life has reiterated and re-emphasized. I often tell people that I’m 63 going on 35, and get up some mornings wondering what I want to be when I grow up. And that’s true.
There have, of course, been ups and downs and some roller-coaster seasons. But no matter what comes, I’ve learned that life is a journey, my present status or place isn’t my home, and it’s good advice to enjoy the ride.
Here’s a list of things that fit into those categories in no specific order. Can you relate to any of these?
- God knows exactly where I am. Every minute. Every hour. Every day.
- The first 30 pounds are easier to lose than the next 10 or 20.
- You can start over, even late in life. And it’s okay.
- Starting over is not always easy.
- I actually have a bucket list.
- God specializes in second chances. Even third and fourth chances.
- Mom and dad are both gone, but they taught me a lot that I am only now seeing. Isn’t that just like life?
- Sunsets, walks along the river, road trips, relaxing on the balcony, coffee at Starbucks, and even detours and hard times are fabulous with someone special.
- You really can do anything you put your mind to! It’s all in your head.
- They still make good movies occasionally, but Tiger King isn’t one of them. TV is a vast wasteland, hardly turn it on anymore.
- You are never too old! I graduated from college two years ago and became a Master Financial Coach last month. More to come!
- You can still experience “firsts” no matter where you are in life. Still, many more firsts to come!
- I may sleep, I may daydream, and I may waste time. All the while, God is always working in the heavenlies on my behalf!
- Things aren’t always as they seem.
- Sometimes, you just have to tell your heart to beat again.
- People are different. Sometimes very different.
- Some friends stick with you, thankfully. Others don’t, and they unfriend you. On Facebook and in life. #friendsareimportant
- I got that from my dad. Been saying that a lot lately.
- Your feet feel better if you wear the right shoes.
- You can’t steal second base with your foot on first, and if you chase two rabbits, you won’t catch either one. Geez, wish that woulda have gotten down in my heart 40 years ago.
- It’s good to know what makes your heart dance.
- You are what you eat, and you are what you think. Remember that one. It’s life-changing!
- You can learn a lot from your kids. They’re still teaching me. #stillaprouddad Josh Bailey Jason Bailey Destin Bailey
- Every situation and circumstance in life has a tipping point.
- People don’t always tell the truth. Moreover, they know they aren’t telling the truth and still spread the news. #smh
- Random baseball games. Homemade soup. Health. Road trips. Breath-taking views. Heat, without humidity.
- Being sentimental is good, and remembering your heritage is even better. You gotta leave a legacy.
- You can meet the right person late in life. Where were they all this time?
- Some things don’t turn out as you expect. Sometimes they turn out better.
- Seasons end. Seasons start. Finish strong.
- Some new terms and phrases I learned more about recently: Vegan. Vegetarian. Flatten the curve. Chapel. Quarantine. Radon quality. Bishop Castle. Social distancing.
- There are multiple uses for an empty Starbucks cup.
- Decision determines destiny. #johnmaxwell
What have you learned in recent years? Leave a couple of those lessons in the comments below.