Have you fulfilled your potential?

Perhaps it's better to accept that none of us can fulfil our potential, rather than thinking that potential is finite, and guilty or regretful because we haven't reached it. Better to look at what opportunities we have made the most of.
Galen you said you went into a decline after your DH died and you should have socialised more - I haven't had to travel that road, but I'm sure it is an extremely difficult one and that it would have taken every effort to just get to the end of each day , never mind thinking of socialising etc.
in other words, you did what you could.
Don't look back now - think about what you could do (work with MPS or GMC?) and what would fit you best.

I have given you loads of sympathy Tegan over the past few months. I have really tried to help you. Even after your unnecessary remark on the hair thinning thread. But you can't resist taking a pop can you?

Oh! Now you are being totally po-faced. You are always so supportive aren't you. Laughable! Go and polish yer halo.

Oh stop being so touchy JB - you introduced quite a sour note into what was a supportive thread

Galen with some of the U3A classes you do not have to go religiously every week, I also do not like to be tethered for months on end. I promise I am not being paid by U3A - I am thinking of joining my local one so I have done some research.

Well, for once we agree. Some people could do with a little bit more niceness, especially when it's a thread where the OP is feeling a bit down. Sympathy and constructive comments spring to mind.

GT you have no idea about my life, or my thinking. So keep your sodding nose out.

No Tegan. Some people could do with a little more 'niceness'. You didn't have to jump on a post of mine that had nothing to do with you, and then make out you felt "sad" because, in your opinion only, the post put me in a bad light.

Sorry to hijack thread.

Sounds pretty normal to me. At the point when we realise that we have fulfilled our biological imperative to reproduce and we have retired, then it would be strange if we did not take stock a bit. But retirement can also be a period of opportunity, even though it is a strange evolutionary development.

I'll survive! I always do.
Problem is I don't want to be committed to something. I've done that all my life with work family etc.
Il just muddle through.
Expect when k can breath and walk again I'll feel better
Thanks for all your concern
I really wanted to know if I was the only one feeling like this at my age? I'd, is it normal?

Jings, I agree, self analysis of what is past, being regretful, can be self defeating and as you say a downer. However I do think the "Today is the first day of the rest of you life" and we can have an effect on what is to come. Unfortunately, so can others, which is a bit of a bugger.

Galen you may also find something interesting at your local U3A. You would be learning and meeting people.

My local U3A has lunches out on Sundays for those who are on their own. I am sure that not every restaurant is suitable but if you went for Sunday lunch regularly, the organiser would soon latch on that it should be a disabled friendly restaurant. I am aware that they all should be but from personal experience I know that they are not. 2-3 steps to you and me are a mountain whereas others do not understand.

Now is the time to get things moving.

I quoted Meera Syal to DD2 once which caused a strop (ooh dear!)

I think CAB as someone suggested, or something similar, would be a good idea Galen.
You have so much expertise and knowledge it would be good to use it to help people and give you a sense of fulfilment.

Agree Tegan - what's that quote ' the unexamined life is not worth living' .

Some people could do with more self analysis/critiscism imo.....

No indeed. I know that very well. But on the whole I think self-analysis/criticism is not a good thing. It could be a downer, and what's the point in that?

In the words of Meera Syal. Life isn't all Ha Ha Hee Hee jings

Blimey Galen if you feel that you "could have achieved more" it makes me look like one of life's complete failures !

You are 70. Not exactly ancient is it? and with a wealth of knowledge and experience that I am sure some organization would bite your hand off for.

I wonder if this is loneliness talking? Regret even?

Like some others I don't know really what my potential was / is.

It's not something I worry about. I like my 'normal' life and having a nice home, a loving family and good friends , I feel that's a good achievement.

I expect there are many things I could have done but I've worked hard, helped others when I could and been a little bit naughty at times so maybe that was the potential I had to achieve.

Galen - I empathise with feeling low, you've had such a lot of health and personal challenges it'd be a miracle if you weren't in a reflective mood.

Law would be an interesting area for you and you've so much to give. The cuts to legal aid mean there is a real need for support for people denied legal advice. You're medical / tribunal background means you have a real grounding - CAB/Law centres/MacKenzie friend are all options. All the court buildings are accessible to wheelchair users - worth a thought. Meanwhile, my Pollyanna gene recommends a bit of blessing counting (ducks behind sofa to avoid crochet work being shot across room by Galen's arrows)

I'm with janeainsworth on this, galen. Also, you could show the charity of your choice when advertising your item, which might encourage more people to bid on it.
I probably haven't reached my potential either, but it isn't something that concerns me. Would I have been any happier as I pushed myself towards that potential? More than likely not .

Galen not sure that you'd have problems with the Revenue for selling one item on eBay. I think they are only interested in people who are running businesses.
Sorry if that's intrusive, not intended to be.

Perhaps not! - scholarship

Charleygirl's suggestion is a good one.

Galen - be proud of all you have achieved.

Which is much more than most people.
I was told I could have got a State scolarship but I was unable to go ahead and do that and I think that defined my future.

But I am content now.