waiting games
by rantywoman
The other day I saw a trailer for an upcoming series on climate change. It looks like an excellent program, but I felt a little cynical about all the celebrity involvement– Matt Damon, Arnold Schwarzenegger, etc.
“Well good for them,” I thought. “All their needs are taken care of. They have plenty of money, and spouses, and kids. They can afford to worry about climate change. I unfortunately am still stuck having to worry about my economic and emotional survival.”
In reality, though, I do think a lot about climate change, and in general, I’ve found that I’ve moved to a more spiritual place in life, where I no longer care much about the dating game or the success game. That’s not where my mind is. Unfortunately, in terms of “success,” I have to force my thoughts there because I do need a job, and I do have to build security for retirement.
That’s the trick about aging as a single, childless woman. I believe the mind wants to move on to broader concerns at this age, but the woman alone has to move on from needs that may have never been met in the first place. It’s not an easy feat, but what is the alternative? Botox and endlessly trolling dating sites?
thebitterbabe 
You have captured my thoughts more eloquently than I could.
My behind-the-pack-self is even behind me. I’m not even in sync with myself!
“The woman alone has to move on from needs that may have never been met in the first place.” Ouch. So true; I echo what Sinead says above — you’ve articulated something that I’ve never quite been able to express: “yeah, yeah, [fill in name of one’s worthy cause of choice] is all very well and good, but I need to think about the roof over my head when I’m old….”
Honestly I think that is how most people feel, which is probably why a lot of working-class people fled to the Republican Party. They resented all the wealthy celebrities touting social causes. In reality, the people behind the Republican Party are even wealthier, but they tend to portray themselves as “ordinary folks” (George Bush, for example).
“In general, I’ve found that I’ve moved to a more spiritual place in life, where I no longer care much about the dating game or the success game.”
Thanks for this – it is very helpful to have my feelings validated.
What’s it they say? Better to have loved and lost rather than never have loved at all.
Here’s what I say? I don’t care anymore/
And thanks for validating mine, too.
Mother of God – I am living in a non-English speaking country too long …
Better to have loved and lost rather than never have loved at all?!?
My English is going downhill.