Body of Work

I was thinking about the phrase “body of work”.  I actually like the term “body of work,” so I thought I had better find out what it means, and in particular, what it means to me.
It seems every human being is a writer.  Some are conscience of it, and some are not.  That does not matter really, as every life is a story.  It is no wonder there is a uni called, “the university of the 3rd age”.  I think they see childhood, adulthood and retirement, as ages many of us go through, and the 3rd age is like the retirement age.
Looking back within that framework, I can see that I have stories that make up each.  What stands out for me, is that in each stage, I had decisions to make.  Some, like what to have for breakfast, had no real lasting consequence, while others impacted big time on the rest of my life.
Personally I see the childhood age as being really important, as that is where many habits, both good and bad, were established, and became almost instinctual.  Early adulthood to me seems to be pivotal as well, in that it set in place what I was heading for.  Retirement age matters, as it seems to continue what has gone before.  Retirement age is really really important.  Alright, I so need to say that, as that is the age I am in now.  Though if grey hair is a sign of reaching retirement age, then I should have retired in my twenties.
I have found in my life, there are things that will keep me from reaching my potential.  I think it is why the saying “never make a decision when you are down” means so much to me.  Making wrong decisions can be so easy.  It is like instant gratification or long term benefit.  Choosing the former can set back big time.  Hindsight is both wonderful and alarming.
So much seems to represent either looking forward, or looking back.  For me in retirement age, it is too late for some things, but not too late.  Ok, I will never be a famous footballer now, as if that is what I wanted, I needed to start earlier and probably be three times the size.  However that sure does not stop me enjoying watching it.
I am glad someone said “it is never too late to change.”  I happen to agree with that, though I do think the earlier the better.  However, decisions that impact me and those around me for good, can be made at any time.  I happen to believe that even on my death bed, it is not too late to make right decisions.  Definitely though for me, earlier is better.