Embracing the second half of life
by Connie Michaelis, Lifestyle Consultant at The Piper
I love it when readers send me emails that pertain to the second half of life. There is so much written, and occasionally, there is a gem. Someone sent along an article that used the phrase “being on the back nine” as a metaphor for growing older. At first, I was put off; it sounded a little negative. But the more I thought about it, the better I liked it!
What does golf have to do with the second half of life?
Since the article didn’t elaborate on the meaning, I asked my husband, the golfer, to help me interpret the possible allegory. He came up with some good ones. Getting to the halfway point in a round of golf has lots of rewards. Often you stop for a snack and beverage to start the final nine holes, take a break and get your strength back.
You have the opportunity to assess your front nine and figure out what you were doing well and what needs improvement. Most golfers report scores for the front and back separately as if they’re two different games. Perhaps the front nine was just a good warm-up for the best play.
The back nine is full of anticipation.
Perhaps it’s more relaxed, yet more focused. I understand that’s the key to good golf– relaxed and focused at the same time. There isn’t a golf course of any stature that does not have a beautiful hole that approaches the clubhouse. The 18th hole celebration awaits the grand arrival at the finish. Of course, the winner is the one with the lowest number of strokes. Everyone wants to avoid strokes.
As the foursome heads to the proverbial 19th hole, the winner might offer to buy a round of drinks for his companions. The back nine is a grand metaphor and there are many parallels. Just as in life, the second half may be the best. The opportunity is there to make course corrections, focus on what is important, be more relaxed, celebrate with friends and have fun! Give us a call at The Piper, 913.400.7006, and we’ll talk a little golf.
About the Author — Connie Michaelis is an enthusiastic advocate for the entire arena of successful aging. With years of work in the senior lifestyle space, Connie has become a knowledgeable problem solver for Seniors. As a weekly newspaper columnist, Connie has become known as an expert in the field and speaks and writes to encourage and support her audience.
Connie moves her audience towards embracing the necessary changes to live their best life. Changing paradigms, planning for the future and preparing for all circumstances lead to a life of peace, happiness and satisfaction. She is a lifestyle consultant for The Piper.
