Clean Desk

Clean Desk

By John R. Greenwood

It’s not much. It’s one of those desks that comes in a box and requires a handful of swear words to put together. The best part is, it’s mine, and I just found it again. It took a week’s vacation to get to it. There were holiday work stoppages, snow storms, and other household commitments to contend with first. After the Christmas decorations were back in the attic and the pile of books and journals that seem to grow by the day were sorted and put away, I tackled the seemingly insurmountable goal of clearing my desk. It was time to grow up and write like a grownup at a desk and not like the undisciplined couch sloth I’d become. Sitting on the couch with my feet up on the coffee table and the laptop on my knees was amateurish and counterproductive. I promised myself that 2014 would find me writing more seriously. I also needed a kick in the pants if I wanted to accomplish something more this year. Organization is not my thing. Ideas and day dreaming are. Since I’ve been receiving AARP mailings for more than a decade, I felt growing up was long overdue. I will do my best to stay focused and productive this year. I can’t promise that I won’t be pulled off course by the occasional shiny object or colorful sunset but for at least the last three days of my vacation I will do my best. As I sit here typing and procrastinating the removal of the shin deep snow outside I can’t help but reflect on the past few years and what writing a blog has provided me. I have made friends throughout the world. I have been encouraged, inspired, and embraced by some of the most kind and giving people that world has to offer. One repetitive theme over the last few years is rebirth of the spirit. I have found confirmation that age is physical not mental. You can’t change the inevitable but you can change the view. If you don’t want to seize up like the Tin Man, don’t just stand in the rain and complain about it, grab an umbrella and do your best Gene Kelly imitation. It’s a lot easier to say than do and there will be days when just sitting on the back steps is a better choice, just don’t give up. Neutral is not as good as forward and high gear is better than low gear but reverse can be tough on the soul. If you find yourself there, start by cleaning the desk no matter how far beneath the pile it is. 

Happy New Year everyone!