The Clubhouse Turn
Reflections on a Milestone Birthday
As a child, my dad would send me into the liquor store to pick up cigarettes and a Racing Form. Back then, Eatontown, NJ, was small enough for that.
Growing up near Monmouth Park Racetrack in Eatontown, I was immersed in horse racing lingo early on. Today, as I turn 65, I find myself reflecting on my own "clubhouse turn"—that crucial moment in a race when you've covered enough ground to glimpse the finish line, but still have plenty of track ahead.
What I’ve Been Thinking About
In the lead-up to today—an undeniably significant milestone in anyone's life—I've been grappling with a surprising revelation: I'm this old, and yet I still know so little about myself. How can I not know what I truly love? What moves me? What makes me come alive?
This uncertainty has led me to realize that what truly matters isn't the validation we receive from others, but rather:
Staying curious about ourselves and the world around us
Nurturing relationships that challenge and support us
Finding joy in everyday moments, even as we search for bigger answers
My Mantra Going Forward
Through months of reflection, I've distilled what I want from this next chapter into three principles:
Know Thyself: Not just as a philosophical ideal, but as a daily practice of self-discovery
Apply Thyself: Because knowledge without action is like a Racing Form without a bet
Go Where the Love Is: I've learned that life's too short for unnecessary discord—seek out people and places that nurture your growth
What This Means in Practice
Living by this mantra means pushing through comfortable routines and familiar resistances. It means trying new things, even when they're uncomfortable. Meeting new people, even when it's easier to stick with familiar faces. Learning new ideas, even when they challenge long-held beliefs.
The beauty of this approach is that it creates a positive cycle: as we learn more about ourselves, we can better apply our talents, which naturally draws us toward supportive communities and meaningful connections.
A Question for You
As I round this particular clubhouse turn, I'm grateful to have you along for the journey. I'd love to hear about a time when you discovered something unexpected about yourself—what prompted that discovery, and how did it change your path? Your insights might just help illuminate the track ahead for all of us.
– Jim