I thought it was just me!
I turned 55 this year and have been pondering this for a while.
Perhaps triggered by our parents popping off, we see ourselves move to the front of the queue.
I rationalise it as being quite natural. When we have a full pint of beer we are not thinking about running out. We do not know how much is left or when we will take the last swig though.
What to do?
I had a bit of a review and have been making a few changes. Lost about half a stone as I was kidding myself I was OK but was not. Just had a 55 screening at the doctors and apparently I am supposed to be pleased I have a 4% chance of a heart attack in the next 10 years when the average is 9%. 4% still is a bit of a worry.
So really putting some effort into looking after myself. I tend to slacken off cycling in the winter - just with the weather and dark , so getting back into running and did my first parkrun last Saturday. Working on lengthening the odds must be worth it. Stand on any street and you see people doing all they can to shorten their odds.
Next up is work. I have basically hated my job for the past 5 years and so I am winding it down to finish it in early Jan. Plan is to do things I like doing and minimise the bit I don't like doing. Big leap of faith but I decided it has to be done and to not worry about it.
Then there is the "bucket list". Don't like the term but it sums it up. If I make it to old age, I will be happier about it if I have done all the things I want to do. Or at least tried and failed at them. The work change is to make some time to push on some things that I have just not been able to give enough time to.
Lastly, I am quite sure that as I get older, I will be happier I have lived to that age rather than be unhappy with the limited time left. Given the two options that is the better one.