The Way It Is
William Stafford There’s a thread you follow. It goes among
things that change. But it doesn’t change.
People wonder about what you are pursuing.
You have to explain about the thread.
But it is hard for others to see.
While you hold it you can’t get lost.
Tragedies happen; people get hurt
or die; and you suffer and get old.
Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding.
You don’t ever let go of the thread.
Money in and of itself has no meaning. When one feels OK inside, as in "I am/I have enough", money becomes an extension of that spiritual fullness. When there's a bit too much of a hole in one's soul, money can become just another false god used to fill the emptiness, akin to alcohol, workaholism, or sex. Jonathan, you have brought much meaning to a lot of people. I for one carry your gifts with me each day. May you feel your fullness now.
Lots of unbiased data on the bill: https://usafacts.org/articles/whats-in-the-one-big-beautiful-bill/?utm_source=USAFacts_Klaviyo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=07_07_25_Flagship_OBBBA%20and%20trade%20%26%20tariffs&_kx=ZynK5EGkE-D_TxiWwrqCJspAzMFGUbJX4TZHzIdAvI5-CXiHaSLYGDqJKLML-R5o.SH8aQb
We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.
T.S. Eliot May you read a novel all day if you wish and know it as wise 62 year old. I love you Jonathan as do so many others.
I trust you realize how much people love you, more probably because you care and bring that caring to all of us, than for your particular financial expertise. If you never printed another word and went off to do the things you delayed because of your commitment, I'd be happy for you. Reading your post, I think of Valerie Harper's words when she beat the statistics of her diagnosis: "Don't go to the funeral before the funeral." You have my gratitude and appreciation.
Work sets a lot of the agenda and keeps you busy, then you retire and life asks you to make a decision or two. Do I want to keep busy because I don't know how to sit still, or do I want to learn to be comfortable being still. I chose the second and now when I want to be active it's not because I feel guilty about or am bored with taking my rest. Socially I'm lucky, I still go to AA meetings after 43 years, sponsor several guys and have friends. I go to the gym 3 times a week and talk with millennials (when they aren't looking at their phones and have their earbuds out). I hike with friends in the mountains in which I live, and make a concerted effort not to eat out in restaurants, most of which use more salt on one meal than I would eat in a week. My wife and I eat vegetarian and are both fit at 77. None of this has one iota to do with money.
Comments
The Way It Is William Stafford There’s a thread you follow. It goes among things that change. But it doesn’t change. People wonder about what you are pursuing. You have to explain about the thread. But it is hard for others to see. While you hold it you can’t get lost. Tragedies happen; people get hurt or die; and you suffer and get old. Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding. You don’t ever let go of the thread.
Post: How Important Is Money?
Link to comment from July 19, 2025
Money in and of itself has no meaning. When one feels OK inside, as in "I am/I have enough", money becomes an extension of that spiritual fullness. When there's a bit too much of a hole in one's soul, money can become just another false god used to fill the emptiness, akin to alcohol, workaholism, or sex. Jonathan, you have brought much meaning to a lot of people. I for one carry your gifts with me each day. May you feel your fullness now.
Post: How Important Is Money?
Link to comment from July 19, 2025
https://usafacts.org/articles/whats-in-the-one-big-beautiful-bill/?utm_source=USAFacts_Klaviyo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=07_07_25_Flagship_OBBBA%20and%20trade%20%26%20tariffs&_kx=ZynK5EGkE-D_TxiWwrqCJspAzMFGUbJX4TZHzIdAvI5-CXiHaSLYGDqJKLML-R5o.SH8aQb
Post: What to Know About The One Big Beautiful Bill
Link to comment from July 12, 2025
Lots of unbiased data on the bill: https://usafacts.org/articles/whats-in-the-one-big-beautiful-bill/?utm_source=USAFacts_Klaviyo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=07_07_25_Flagship_OBBBA%20and%20trade%20%26%20tariffs&_kx=ZynK5EGkE-D_TxiWwrqCJspAzMFGUbJX4TZHzIdAvI5-CXiHaSLYGDqJKLML-R5o.SH8aQb
Post: What to Know About The One Big Beautiful Bill
Link to comment from July 12, 2025
We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time. T.S. Eliot May you read a novel all day if you wish and know it as wise 62 year old. I love you Jonathan as do so many others.
Post: Tasting Retirement
Link to comment from April 26, 2025
I think you're onto something, my friend.
Post: Don’t Push It
Link to comment from April 12, 2025
Thanks for helping us all to get real on the inside.
Post: Four Thoughts
Link to comment from March 1, 2025
Jonathan, it's a privilege to know you.
Post: No Regrets
Link to comment from September 7, 2024
I trust you realize how much people love you, more probably because you care and bring that caring to all of us, than for your particular financial expertise. If you never printed another word and went off to do the things you delayed because of your commitment, I'd be happy for you. Reading your post, I think of Valerie Harper's words when she beat the statistics of her diagnosis: "Don't go to the funeral before the funeral." You have my gratitude and appreciation.
Post: The C Word
Link to comment from June 15, 2024
Work sets a lot of the agenda and keeps you busy, then you retire and life asks you to make a decision or two. Do I want to keep busy because I don't know how to sit still, or do I want to learn to be comfortable being still. I chose the second and now when I want to be active it's not because I feel guilty about or am bored with taking my rest. Socially I'm lucky, I still go to AA meetings after 43 years, sponsor several guys and have friends. I go to the gym 3 times a week and talk with millennials (when they aren't looking at their phones and have their earbuds out). I hike with friends in the mountains in which I live, and make a concerted effort not to eat out in restaurants, most of which use more salt on one meal than I would eat in a week. My wife and I eat vegetarian and are both fit at 77. None of this has one iota to do with money.
Post: Sailing Away
Link to comment from June 8, 2024