Is There Life After Retirement?

Ok, so this is a “just can’t sleep” night. Yes, there are a few things on my mind, but mostly – nothing insurmountable. But here’s the thing …

You know how a tune, or a jingle or even just part of a song’s reprise will play in our minds, in an endless loop? Yeah, I know you know. Well it finally dawned on me that – if I want the song to quit playing in my head – what I need to do is to STOP and fully listen to it. Because really? I think it’s a way that our brain is trying to give us a little advice.

Tonight (today?) my 3 AM song is the late, great Dan Fogelberg’s “Part of the Plan“. So this time I listened. And now I’m going back to bed. But before I do, I thought I’d share it with you. The lyrics are totally on point, but don’t just read the words. Listen to the music of it. It’s the chorus that’s really speaking to me right now. But I know at least a few of you out there might need all the verses. 😉

You’re welcome. And good night.

Part of the Plan, Dan Fogelberg, 1974

I have these moments all steady and strong
I’m feeling so holy and humble
The next thing I know, I’m all worried and weak
And I feel myself starting to crumble

The meanings get lost, and the teachings get tossed
And you don’t know what you’re gonna do next
You wait for the sun but it never quite comes

Some kind of message comes through to you
Some kind of message comes through
And it says to you

Love when you can
Cry when you have to
Be who you must
That’s a part of the plan
Await your arrival
With simple survival and

One day, we’ll all understand
One day, we’ll all understand
One day, we’ll all understand

I had a woman who gave me her soul
But I wasn’t ready to take it
Her heart was so fragile and heavy to hold
And I was afraid I might break it

Your conscience awakes and you see your mistakes
And you wish someone would buy your confessions
The days miss their mark, and the night gets so dark

And some kind of message comes through to you
Some kind of message shoots through
And it says to you

Love when you can
Cry when you have to
Be who you must
That’s a part of the plan
Await your arrival
With simple survival and

One day, we’ll all understand
One day, we’ll all understand
One day, we’ll all understand