I was recently informed that I am completing a 9 year cycle of life. That would mean that from 2017 until now various life situations that have been in flux for 9 years are starting to come to an end. My simple explanation of this process is the completion of loose ends.
As you can imagine, I prefer a good list of to dos more than most. For example, I recently discovered a calendar from my high school years which had increments of 15 minutes marked for tasks to be completed. One curious section for 45 minutes was marked off as “RELAXATION” on a Sunday afternoon. Neurotic maybe? This respite was tucked into a pretty aggressive study schedule from 5 am to 11pm. Getting things done 100% was the goal. I think that accepting loose ends and less than optimal outcomes are the mark of maturity. I wanted my efforts to be buttoned up as the saying goes and people, places and things complete.
Wisdom might be the acknowledgement that life cannot always be buttoned up and accepting a less than optimal result is better than all or nothing. The great thing about the 9 year cycle is that the 10th year is the start of new things. 2025 is coming to a close and loose ends, unresolved relationships and nagging challenges have been settled, maybe less than optimally but settled nonetheless.
My dance card is empty and I feel prepared to step out to a brand new tune.
Albert R. Hartley
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