What is it about aging that’s so scary?

The idea that maturing is something we should fear?

I know this concept is extremely frightening to me.

I have so many reservations: Did I do enough? How have I spent my time? Did I reach my potential, or at least come close?

And did I spend my life focusing on what’s most important?

Most of the friends don’t live in the same city or even state as me. Even when I lived in California, my friends have always been in other places, spread out.

This is due to my business background and how young I was when I started in my profession. The people I met and had things in common with were simply not around me every day. They were in different places.

Today, those friendships are so very important to me. But it takes effort to ensure that those relationships continue.

My point is that when we look back on what we have all done and built in our lives, it’s increasingly important to enjoy the moment. It’s crucial that we resist the temptation to be stuck on the phone or social media all day and instead just enjoy the now.

For instance, my daughter and I had dinner together this week, a little daddy daughter time. In all honesty, that’s something that is difficult for me. After all, what do I have in common with an 11-year-old little girl?

But we ended up having a fantastic time together!

What made it great was her sharing what she had done this week and what she was excited about.

That’s the good stuff. These are the times that I will never get back if I don’t seize them now.

We all need to do that.

So, I encourage you to reach out to someone today that you haven’t spoken to in a while. Stop scrolling through your phone and social media. Don’t look at it when you get up first thing in the morning. Even better, leave it in the other room. Instead, enjoy a sunset. See a friend or family member that you have not seen in a while. Stop and listen. Laugh.

Be present.

After all, being present is the real gift!

-J.D.