Branna’s Profound Platform for Purposefulness
Branna’s Profound Platform for Purposefulness
At age 65, Colonel Harland Sanders established the Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise and Laura Ingalls Wilder began writing the “Little House on the Prairie” series. Grandma Moses didn’t earnestly aspire to her artistry until her mid-70s. Today, ardent aging adults are achieving goals and pursuing passions like never before. I Can Relate! I am having the time of my life as a columnist here at The Times. And you know what they say about having fun . . . time flies when you’re having it! So where did the time go?
“Tempus fugit” comes to mind from my long-ago Latin learnings, reminding us of the fleeting, irreversible nature of time – a reminder to treasure life and use it wisely. Shakespeare himself had similar sentiments, surmising that hours can feel like minutes when we are enjoying ourselves.
Yes, It was one year ago that I rediscovered my regard for writing. ‘Remember my recent exploration of idioms? Well, I continue to “get a kick out of” creating and couldn’t be “a happier camper!” You all have weathered the wild wanderings of Branna’s bloviations for 52 weeks and counting. You have regaled my relational renditions, recitations and off-the-wall recall of the joys and junctures of life.
It is said that we older individuals have a deeper understanding of ourselves and a clearer focus on what matters, and I couldn’t agree more. Our existential life experiences bring us to better resources, networks and resilience to handle changes and challenges. I no longer seek approval through my writing or otherwise. Rather, I prefer to proffer a personal pondering on one’s pleasant life experiences and proposed purpose.
Confucius coined the quote: “We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one.” The older we get, our time and energy should position more toward the genuine pursuit of happiness.
My family will tell you that my home is teeming with testimonials and quaint quotes meant to remind me to make each day count. Keen quips like Bil Keane’s “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift – that’s why we call it the present” drape my dining room wall. But my foremost favorite manifests the mindfulness of Ms. Maya Angelou, lavishing my living room with “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”
This past year has provided me with a profound platform for purposefulness. It has allowed me to explore life’s ages and stages, its plights and perplexities, as well as the sheer joyfulness of the journey.
Thank you for taking the time to travel this road with me!
Can You Relate is a column from Noblesville High School grad Branna (McCarty) Shores. Branna believes that “HOME is where your story begins.” A Noblesville native and proud alum of NHS and Purdue, she is a professional speaker, advocate for mental health and work / family balance and retired social worker. Branna is the mother of two grown daughters, six precious grandchildren and wife of one brave husband! Her passions include singing, writing and sharing the lighter side of life through lessons learned, both personally and professionally. She can be contacted at branna18@gmail.com