TIME OUT The idioms for time are endless. Time flies, wasting time, turn back the hands of time, to kill time, behind the times, in the nick of time, etc. In retirement, some complain that they have too much time on their hands. Is that such a bad thing? In our work-obsessed North American culture, where people forgo vacations, work on weekends and busyness is a badge that people wear as if it’s an accomplishment, what’s wrong with having idle time to just ponder the wonders of life? Do you feel you are living on borrowed time? Then make sure that this fall, you spend time doing what you love with the people you love. Do not spend minutes and days living in the past. Regrets, sure, I’ve had a few, but why ruminate over them and play past scenes from the movie of my life in my mind when there is so much living still to do – and golf to play! Is time on my side? Does it really matter? I try to live in the moment and stay present whether I’m golfing or spending time with family. How about the idiom, “to act one’s age.” Is it so bad to possess a teenage spirit, carry a childlike curiosity and get a little silly once in a while? Does this make one less mature? If this is the case, I’m okay with that – even if it embarrasses my teenagers. I leave you with one final idiom – “Be the ball!” – made famous by Chevy Chase’s Zen Buddhist character Ty Webb, who repeats this mantra before every putt in the 1980 slapstick comedy Caddyshack. This three-word phrase simply means to clear your mind of all other thoughts and focus on the task ahead. Here’s wishing you a golf season ahead filled with making more putts, shooting your age (or leaving the scorecard in your bag), not always acting your age and sometimes showing your silly side. And, most important, taking time to – like the tycoon movie character Ty Webb – stay in the moment. Because even though time might not always feel as if it is on your side, what really is time but a construct? Use it wisely. Embrace every second – on or off the golf course. Golf CSANews | FALL 2023 | 41
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