Comments on: The Road Not Travelled http://blog.mattarmstrongmusic.com/2010/02/21/the-road-not-travelled/ One man. Just a little off. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:52:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Matt http://blog.mattarmstrongmusic.com/2010/02/21/the-road-not-travelled/comment-page-1/#comment-2968 Matt Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:12:06 +0000 http://blog.mattarmstrongmusic.com/?p=1174#comment-2968 <p>I've largely come to peace with the fact that I'm going to be single the rest of my life.  And I am able to find some enjoyment in that.  </p> <p>This post was (perhaps inarticulately) more about the fact that, as a single person, I have no more milestones in life left to me except retirement.  I can "work on" stuff or "be there" for people, but there's nothing left to say, "On this date, at this time, I will complete this phase of my life."  It happened with school, with getting a job, with going back to school.  But the other milestones that should be ahead for me aren't.  </p> <p>My real struggle is with the fact that I don't know how to live my life happily without some major milestone to work toward.  A co-worker suggested that perhaps my next milestone should be buying a house.  That's one that I honestly didn't think of, but that is probably a really good one to focus on.  It gives me a goal, gives me a rough time frame.</p> I've largely come to peace with the fact that I'm going to be single the rest of my life.  And I am able to find some enjoyment in that.  

This post was (perhaps inarticulately) more about the fact that, as a single person, I have no more milestones in life left to me except retirement.  I can "work on" stuff or "be there" for people, but there's nothing left to say, "On this date, at this time, I will complete this phase of my life."  It happened with school, with getting a job, with going back to school.  But the other milestones that should be ahead for me aren't.  

My real struggle is with the fact that I don't know how to live my life happily without some major milestone to work toward.  A co-worker suggested that perhaps my next milestone should be buying a house.  That's one that I honestly didn't think of, but that is probably a really good one to focus on.  It gives me a goal, gives me a rough time frame.

]]> By: WhiteEyebrows http://blog.mattarmstrongmusic.com/2010/02/21/the-road-not-travelled/comment-page-1/#comment-2966 WhiteEyebrows Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:00:27 +0000 http://blog.mattarmstrongmusic.com/?p=1174#comment-2966 OK.. time to look at the glass half-full.   One of the things I always enjoyed about being single at a later age was the ability it gave me to be a resource to my extended family.  I was able to easily travel to family functions, because it was always just one plane ticket.  I was able to spend time helping and counseling cousins when they wouldn't listen to their parents.  I was able to be the much-needed extra adult when my nieces went to Disneyland.  I was able to enjoy building friendships and serving in church without so many of the time limitations everyone else had. Single people also have a great chance to focus on a productive career.  Whether that's spending 60hrs/wk at your current job or running a side business, that freedom of time is something that most people stand envious of. Being single has its advantages, but they all hinge on surrounding yourself with people.  I personally believe that joy in life largely comes from the associations of people we surround ourselves with, whether that's extended family, business associates, or just friends,  The challenge then becomes being the type of person that people want to be around... and that's 100% up to you and the attitude you choose. OK.. time to look at the glass half-full.  
One of the things I always enjoyed about being single at a later age was the ability it gave me to be a resource to my extended family.  I was able to easily travel to family functions, because it was always just one plane ticket.  I was able to spend time helping and counseling cousins when they wouldn't listen to their parents.  I was able to be the much-needed extra adult when my nieces went to Disneyland.  I was able to enjoy building friendships and serving in church without so many of the time limitations everyone else had.
Single people also have a great chance to focus on a productive career.  Whether that's spending 60hrs/wk at your current job or running a side business, that freedom of time is something that most people stand envious of.
Being single has its advantages, but they all hinge on surrounding yourself with people.  I personally believe that joy in life largely comes from the associations of people we surround ourselves with, whether that's extended family, business associates, or just friends,  The challenge then becomes being the type of person that people want to be around… and that's 100% up to you and the attitude you choose.

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