Milepost 26

A milepost is something that tells you that you have not come as far as you think. Occasionally, it is prefaced by “What, already?” or “Good Lord,” and you imagine that you are making real progress. Don’t be deceived–you have probably met this one before and gone round again. It might dawn on you as you pass by and the path gets muddier that you have indeed been here before–familiar circumstances. You can cope? Sometimes it appears in a different guise and kids you that it is a wonderful opportunity. You will cope unless old habits take over. Watch it! We’re creatures of habit; we take comfort in routine. Another initiation . . . so what? And the rest of the gang is probably thinking that you have done it before, big head.

By the time we write an autobiography, we are getting on a bit unless we are naturally famous or have a full-size felling axe to grind. Our wives and friends have heard all our stories before, so we can be comfortably ignored. Guides and social friends, be warned: leave the lady at home before you make that earth-shaking speech.

However, even if we do not want to look back at our lives and gloat over the time when we thought we were actually achieving something–which all too easily goes before a fall, and that is the bit we shall remember–it is surely better to keep our eyes and ears open for opportunities. A sense of humor, a taste for the ridiculous, and–all too often–a total lack of timing have opened many doors for me and shut a few, with force.

I wouldn’t have it any other way!