When I called my father last weekend to see how he’s coping with coronavirus self isolation he told me he’s taking the opportunity to learn new skills. At that point the achievements were making pastry for the first time and setting up Skype on his tablet so that he can keep in touch with his granddaughters. Granddaughters who now think they have a very cool grandad. When we spoke again a couple of days later he’d started playing online Bridge and no doubt there will be another string to his bow by the next time I call. In addition to the skills gathering he’s making plans for things he wants to do when all this is over and we can get outside again.
His positive attitude at 85 years old felt as if it was putting me to shame a bit and got me to thinking about all that I’ve prevaricated over in recent years. The thing that I don’t want to finish up regretting never having done. At a time like this when so much is out of our control it feels like a good idea to write down some things that are.
I might be making myself a hostage to fortune but I’ve been thinking about:
- Grabbing opportunities if they arise..rather than being slightly scared by them.
- Stepping outside of my comfort zone..looking for new avenues to expand my baking.
- Travelling..it’s only when you can’t you realise how much you want to.
- Writing more..I’ve enjoyed this blog so much since I started.
- Maybe even learning to drive..I’ve survive this long without but they say it’s never too late.
I could go on and probably will. We’re going to be inside for a while yet so I’m sure my list will grow.
In the meantime stay safe and I’ll let you know if dad learns anymore new skills.
David in the kitchen. 
Funny you should write about this. I have been thinking along those very same lines. And when I look at your list, it is quite similar to my own list. I would like to step out of my comfort zone more often (in every arena). Grabbing those opportunities when they arise is a good one two – kinda goes hand in hand with leaping out of the comfort zone. Tavel? Yes. I wrote two blog posts earlier this year where I critiqued both the current state of global travel (primarily a harangue against the airlines) and my own attitudes toward travel. Now that travel has been taken away from me, I find myself begging for it to come back. I am planning the excursions I want to do most as soon as it is possible. And I second your desire to write more. You are a natural! As for driving? Well, I think it can be fun, especially with a manual transmission and a car with a little pep. With an automatic transmission (which most cars have nowadays) it’s easy. I drive a manual but i have always driven that kind of transmission. Fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person