When I was a young man, life was filled with promise. I was athletic, talented, smart, and good-looking, and attractive to women. I was a natural leader of men, brave and honest, with a sense of humor. I loved people in general, and a few good friends in particular.
When I got to middle age, somehow, I was minding my own business, which was basically trying to be of some help, and it suddenly dawned on me -- I was struck down -- that everything I had believed about myself was a simple but total illusion.
The reality was that Others did not notice my talent or intelligence. Women were looking for mates exactly NOT like me. My bravery was due to misunderstanding danger. My "leadership" was my own idiocy in not being able to follow. My humor was displaced anger. And as for my "friends", I seemed to be completely surrounded by people who were just borrowing money and time; they were not interested in anything I was interested in or who I was; they wanted my stuff.
Life is spiced richly simple. And it's on its head. Somersault and pepper.
Avoid advice given by idiots and fools, who are the only ones in the business.
It gets worse. When young, you told "stories" and children and folks would gather to listen. Now when I speak it is only me listening. It is as if another language slipped into my mother tongue. Ignorant people think I am "boring". Educated people think I am wasting their time. My brain has become a speech impediment.
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