Seeing The Past

-flashback to my 20’s, it’s not me today

I went to a concert over the weekend to see Credence Clearwater Revival, or what’s left of the group. The music was great, it really was good old rock and roll, but the feelings were funny!
There was a lot of gray hair in the crowd, including my gray hair. When some of the great old chart toppers were played, there were a number of people up and trying to move like they did in the “70’s. Much of it was not a pretty sight.
I did not get a charge out of watching 60+ years’ olds on stage. They do not look particularly becoming with tattoos, but then that’s my taste. They could still play, and they could still sing, but it’s not how it was 40 years ago. Things change.
When CCR was the world’s best selling band, I was in a whole different lifestyle, and I certainly remembered that during the concert. As well, I felt grateful that the lifestyle, by choice and with help, not because of age, has changed.
In CCR days I was building a career, starting a family, and developing the exterior person who acted on the business stage.
I was active in addiction and lifestyle issues that I’m not proud of. I was living the life of a double agent, and I wasn’t James Bond! These thoughts came through my head during the concert, and watching the older folks trying to be young again gave me a feeling of gratitude.
Things have changed dramatically in my life, particularly in the self-esteem and spiritual areas. The past is just that, and I will not ever try to recapture it by going to “oldies” concerts. I love living in the day I have today, and with the elements and people that are part of my life today.
Over the weekend, I had a chance to talk with friends about the concert. I wonder if it is seeing myself getting older that is having an impact, even though I think I’m comfortable being 60. While there was an energy and a recuperative power in my 20’s, there are so many positives today, not because of age (despite it actually) but because of the journey of life recovery.
Friday night at the concert was a flash back to the past. I saw it, enjoyed the music and the company of who I was with, but realize, I can’t, and don’t want to, relive the past.
Contemporary concerts going forward, oldies in recorded form!
This thinking is likely not for every one, CCR concerts will still be packed, but it makes sense to me. I saw the past, and want to live in today!