Investments in the Rest of My Life

I’d just finished a terrible round of golf with my son, and I told him then and there I was signing up for golf lessons… that lessons would be “an investment in the rest of my life.”  He replied, “Dad, you say that about everything you buy.” 

I’m not sure how to take that.  I definitely don’t want to give off “I’m getting old” vibes – or have I just developed a pattern of excuse-making when I spend a lot of money?  I hope not the former and I don’t think so for the latter.  I have recently made two what I think are rational (albeit expensive) decisions to acquire “the rest of my life skills.”  These are capabilities which I can enjoy longer if I learn them sooner.  And I think doing them with vigor will support my being stubbornly young.

First, there’s the expensive golf lesson package.  I want to get a smooth and reliable golf swing someday.  I don’t care if I’m ever a great golfer, I really don’t.  I want to be able to enjoy a nice golf course with friends and family… to be solid enough that even pretty good golfers like having me along.  I want others now and then to say, “good shot” rather than, “I think your ball went over there,” so I swiped the Visa card. 

I also purchased a package of private dance lessons for me and Cheryl.  Over the years, I’ve generally avoided dancing.  Cheryl loves to dance, and I’ve been a stick in the mud.  My eldest son is getting married in September, and I know more weddings and dancing occasions are coming.  Either I learn to dance now and start having fun, or resign myself to minimal, obligatory, and awkward appearances on the dance floor for the rest of my life.  I swiped the card.

So yes, I’ve decided it’s now or never to learn a couple of new things that will probably enhance my life.  I’m managing to work these things into my schedule, even while I work full time, because “now or never” seems to be now.