Becoming A SOL and Killing Time Beautifully
Choosing the identity of A SOL and giving the remaining years a direction I could call my own.
MY STORY -MIDDLE AGE
Becoming A SOL and Killing Time Beautifully
Eventually, I arrived at an identity I could accept comfortably: A SOL—a Student of Life.
I had lived through enough certainty, contradiction, achievement and disappointment to recognise that there was still much to understand. Being a student gave me a way to continue without needing to pretend otherwise.
I also found myself looking at time differently.
Between birth and death, we have an interval to live through. I sometimes describe what we do within it as “killing time.” The phrase may sound dismissive. To me, it raises a practical question: how do I wish to spend the time available?
My answer became clearer—pursuing Peace, Happiness, Quality of Life and Longevity through activities I considered worthwhile.
I identified thirteen interconnected dimensions deserving attention. They gave a place to my wellbeing, relationships, learning, work, practical interests and contribution to others.
I also chose commitments through which I could put my understanding to use. I wanted to build capability, undertake useful work and participate in life with a clearer sense of purpose.
This is where I find myself now: entering my Commitment stage, gradually bringing those thirteen dimensions into everyday practice.
I remain human, with habits and contradictions still to work through. But I have a direction I have consciously chosen.
If I am killing time, I would like to learn the art of doing it beautifully.
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