Terry, 48

Terry lives in the desert city of Palm Springs and is always quick to reach out when someone’s in need. When he found out I was unwell, he emailed me right away asking if there was anything he could do, even offering his home as a wellness getaway whenever I was feeling up for it. Terry is the type of person you want in your life as soon as you meet him—you just know he’ll make things fun.

---

WHAT 3 WORDS DESCRIBE YOUR 20S?
Fun, carefree, experimental

WHAT 3 WORDS DESCRIBE YOUR 30S?
Introspective, creative, adventurous

WHAT 3 WORDS DESCRIBE YOU NOW?
Wise (at times), worried (about money as I grow older), hungry (for more)

WHAT IMPORTANT LIFE LESSON DID YOU LEARN IN YOUR 30S?
That humans are flawed … so do not be too hard on one’s self or others. Do not judge. Be empathetic and kind.

WHAT IMPORTANT LIFE LESSON ARE YOU LEARNING NOW?
I wish I could narrow it down to one answer … I’m probably learning the value of optimism, to not settle or think that there isn’t more to life than what is happening now, that with a bit of effort, I can change anything in my life. That taking oneself too seriously is a waste of energy, to not worry about things that I have no control over … And to realize that dark times come but they also go … And that failure is constant … And control over life is impossible. And, and, and …

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST DIFFICULT ASPECT OF GROWING OLDER?
My physical change (my body, my mind), the years flying by and the worry of running out of time.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST ASPECT OF GROWING OLDER?
Clarity about so much.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH IN THE YEARS AHEAD?
Nothing too spiritual, I’m afraid. Just accomplishing the realization of the life I want to have: building a modest house in Mexico while I am still able, living a life of non-consumerism and doing work that satisfies me, avoiding vapid impulses, living with ease of daily pace. Waking rested, meditating, writing, drinking coffee, eating good food, strolling to the beach, making love, learning Spanish, surfing, fishing, a cocktail in the evening, live music, walking my dog, meandering colonial streets, not watching television, reading, spending quality time with friends, family and neighbors—basically living a simple life, one of peace and keeping my sense of humor. This is my dream for myself … perhaps I am a romantic, a dreamer … but then again, good for me.