What is unexpected about your life at age 64? What pleasantly surprises you about getting older? And what scares you about growing older?

Even though the details might differ from my earlier ideas, in general, my life is what I had hoped for. I have reached an internal place of calm and centeredness that I could only aspire to in my younger years. Also, my daughter is doing well; I have a loving and supportive wife; and I have financial stability. 

All that combined, frees me to live a bohemian life and deeply enjoy creating and being a visual artist. And, I have excellent health and lots of energy! I feel my body is strong, without significant chronic conditions and I am ever grateful for that. 

Another importantly pleasant surprise has been acquiring wisdom. The ability to live a life where I fully trust my instincts and understand myself well. And that includes the darker aspects, which I am able to work with, even if I cannot change them.

As for what scares me, I don’t know if I would call it scary, but understanding that I am entering an age where loss abounds (loss of family members, friends, and physical and mental abilities). It’s something I think about a lot. Maybe because I am the youngest in my family of origin (by 8 years)  and because I grew up in a culture where extended family took care of the elders—yet the US culture is very different from that, potentially making for lonely years if one happens to live long.

What singular nugget of wisdom would you like to share with a young person? 

You only have ONE body, and you have to take care of it—Had I known when I was younger, I would have done a lot less drugs!

But also, things that really matter in life are not visible to the eyes, and that includes spirituality. In fact, I wish I had developed a spiritual path much earlier in my life.

Oscar Wilde once said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” He’s right. Be yourself, and celebrate your differences. By striving to be like others, you sell yourself short. 

Who are three people from your past that you’d invite to dinner and why? 

1. My father, who died when I was young, so I could have a conversation with him as my mature self and ask him about himself.
2. My favorite aunt, Alida, just to have the pleasure of being in her company and enjoying her sweetness; and
3. I would love to have dinner with David Bowie because the guy was such a visionary. It would be fascinating to see the future through his eyes.

What’s your secret to aging well?

Lots of sleep, good food, and physical activity like cycling and weightlifting. Also, keeping myself inspired, discovering new things, and maintaining a curious mind. For instance, I recently became interested in quantum physics and enrolled in a class. And though I’ve been a photographer all my life, I’ve started studying new techniques in printmaking—I see things so differently now!

What’s your biggest regret?

I try not to think in these terms, because life takes you in a different directions. Any event can lead you to experience things that are better than you ever imagined, and/or worse or more disappointing, too! If I had to choose one event, the fact that the relationship with the person I chose to start a family with didn’t work out, would be high on the list.

What would you like your legacy to be?

I do not think in terms of legacy. I want to leave kind and loving memories in the people who knew me and shared my life with me.