As I spend time with my friends here in South Florida since my life partner Brian and I moved back in February of this year, there has been a recurring conversation that seems to take place in just about every visit.
It has become clear that many of us are seeking something that could really spark our interest that would take up our time utilizing our talents and resources, and that could inspire us to live our best lives.
Most of us in our circle of influence in Wilton Manors are in the fourth quarter of our lives. Some of us are like Keanu Reeves says, a young old person. We still have plenty of time to make a difference. Plenty of time to donate our time and resources to organizations that need us so they can continue to make the huge difference they do.
But the problem is many of our community members are in a flux of stagnant. Not taking the initiative to go dream big like we did when we were kids. Take some risk like we did with confidence as we did as middle-aged adults. We allowed ourselves to become jaded. Lost our confidence. Just because the clock of life is not our dearest friend, it does not mean that we cannot make a commitment to maximize all of our potential to continue to do great things that many of us have done in our earlier years.
Every day, I spend time thinking about what I could do that could make a huge difference. Make my time valuable with the time I have left on earth to deliver value to others, my friends, my family and especially my life partner Brian Neal. I want to use my time being active and a game changer. That is my goal. There are people that need our help. There are organizations that need our time. There are new business opportunities that could be pursued and potentially successful. I am hoping that this narrative ignites you to get off the couch, turn off the TV and say no to bad habits that in many cases take up your time, kill your energy and take away your joy.
Life can be great at every stage of our lives. I can assure you that I am not perfect. I struggle just like everyone else. But I have learned how important it is to live in the moment and always face our life with pure reality. We all have talents. We all have the ability to be a difference maker.
Close out 2024 as a new and evolving best you. Roll into 2025 inspired, active and doing things that make you happy and make a difference to others and to your loved ones.
Bobby Blair is a LGBTQ media pioneer and leader known for his philanthropic work on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community. A Florida native, he lives in Fort Lauderdale with his longtime partner, Brian Neal. Blair was inducted into the GLBT Hall of Fame in 2015.
