It really is amazing what clarity comes with age. At least until glaucoma sets in…

Years ago, I remember nearly suffocating with responsibility. I felt so completely trapped in a career that was making me miserable. So much was demanded of me with my family, work and Life in general. I would never do it, but I completely understood why some people just walked away from a seemingly perfect life.

But time marches on. Children grow into adults. Parents pass on. And one day I woke up and knew that suddenly it was safe to simply…be myself.

I frequently tell people that I’m at the tail-end of my career as a Pharmacist. This is singularly the greatest motivation I have to keep working. I’m not trying to move up the corporate ladder or seek an advanced degree. I’m not just “biding my time” until retirement; I’m actually ENJOYING my last few years. (Think about THAT for a few minutes my pharmacist friends!) For once, I’m not afraid to speak my mind, to demand excellence from my coworkers and to fight for what’s right for my patients.

I feel that a great weight has been lifted from me in so many aspects of my life, and this feeling is liberating. I’m an athlete, but if I don’t feel like getting out of bed for a 5AM run, I don’t. If I want to have an extra glass of wine after dinner, I do. If I feel like wasting money on a flippity fish for my spoiled rotten cats, I do.

The point is this: There are so many aspects in life that I have little or no control over. I have learned to accept this. I latch on to those little things that I CAN control, and make the most of them. I can appreciate the ability of doing the little things MY way.