Time stand still
I’m not looking back
But I want to look around me now
Time stands still
See more of the people
And the places that surround me now…
The late Neil Peart, drummer for Rush and one of the greatest to ever slap the skins, wrote the lyrics for “Time Stand Still” in 1987. It was his take on the non-stop touring that the band had done throughout the 1970s and ‘80s, and how it was crucial to stop once and while to essentially enjoy the ride in that moment. “Instead of getting nostalgic about the past, it’s more of a plea for the present,” Peart was quoted as saying.
As you get older, it’s very difficult to not be nostalgic and sentimental about the years behind you. Lately in particular, I’ve been reminiscing a lot about the first 20 years of my life. Through movies now three decades old, songs from the era, and through my own memories, I’ve been finding comfort and warmth to be found in those days long gone by. Looking back at them now, it seems like a far less complicated time.
The earlier part of Peart’s quote, however, warns against looking back too much. It’s certainly nice to reminisce, but living too much in the past can negatively affect yourself and others around you here in the future. That’s why historians tend to be a melancholy bunch; they spend all of their time reflecting on what was instead of attempting to enjoy what currently is.
As an amateur historian of sorts, I can be prone to melancholy at times for the same reason. And all that recent reminiscing I’ve done no doubt has to do with the fact that I’m turning 40 next week. I’ve had ample time to mentally prepare for this ‘milestone birthday,’ and my son is ever fond of reminding me how old I am on a regular basis. Easy to cast stones when you’re six.
I’d be lying if I said that this one doesn’t feel different. Based on the ‘round number’ milestones that people tend to be obsessed with, I don’t really recall my 10th birthday specifically, but typically every birthday in the first decade or so of your life is an absolute blast. No doubt it involved a few of my Fordwich buddies, some Rock’Em Sock’Em VHS watching, and one of mom’s famous money cakes. Angel food, pink icing. It remains a tradition to this day.
I definitely don’t recall my 20th birthday, which was marked in Ottawa during my college tenure. This was at the height of my crazier days of yore when every outing’s objective was to push your liver to the absolute brink of spontaneous combustion. Probably came close a couple few times. And by probably I mean definitely.
My 30th birthday was much more reserved, which was how I wanted it. After my college years, living in Calgary in my late 20s and the few hazy years in between, physically I was ‘plum tuckered out,’ as the true old timers like to say. Calm and quiet was very much welcomed at this point.
Turning 30 also felt different to me mentally. I was getting married later that year, and in serious discussions with Nicole about starting a family and buying our first house. Big ticket items that initially seemed terrifying for someone who felt like they still had the thought process of a teenager. I’ve spoken to many people in their senior years, and they also claim to still have the same mindset, despite pushing 60, 70 or even 80 years old. No matter how much knowledge and experience we accumulate, the brain still apparently operates as a younger entity. A fascinating organ.
There was honestly a period of my life when I didn’t think I would even make 40. There were long stretches that I lived completely recklessly, with little consideration for the consequences to ‘Future Dan,’ and how Future Dan would eventually become ‘Present Dan’ and resent ‘Past Dan’ because of those choices. I don’t think anyone lives without some regrets, and if they claim not to have any they’re probably lying. I have plenty myself, but I’m also a strong believer that the bad choices I made ultimately led me to a place where I found true happiness and contentment. So were they, in retrospect, bad choices?
Never have I experienced more personal change than in my thirties. I expect my forties to be much along the same thread, if not more so. And that’s just fine by me. Life is all about new experiences and delving into the unknown – parenting alone has given me plenty on that front.
And while time can’t completely stand still, everyone should take Rush’s advice once in a while to simply stop and live in the moment. Not looking back or looking ahead – but pausing to enjoy and take in what is. That, folks, is what living is all about. Whether you’re 20, 40 or 100.
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On the subject of time, I have to give a shout-out to an old friend of mine who gifted me a little speckle of immortality last month.
I first met this individual around 25 years ago in high school, and it was obvious to me even then that he was going to succeed at whatever path he chose for himself in life. He was proficient at literally everything – academics, athletics, the ladies… you name it – but there was never any evidence of a swelled head about him. He was always modest, kind and driven. Not to mention funny as all hell.
It’s fair to say that I liked Jared Keeso from day one, and it’s been delightful to see him succeed at the high level that he has. It’s certainly deserved; you have to work your ass off in the entertainment industry to get anywhere of note, and the man has absolutely crushed it.
Anyone familiar with Jared’s brainchild Letterkenny likely watched the series finale around Christmastime. Yours truly and the title of my bi-weekly op/ed rambling was name dropped by Wayne during the cold open of the last episode, when the boys were sitting on the porch, having a pint and discussing the latest offerings in the Letterkenny Banner.
I’m pretty sure Jared had hinted to me during a chat a couple years ago that he was going to do this. But poor memory that I possess, I had of course forgotten, so it was pretty mint to see. Chocolate chip mint, really. There have been plenty of Listowel-esque references entwined within the show throughout its storied running, and I’m honoured to be among them.
Thanks for reading Banner Blitz (as seen on Letterkenny) and I’ll see you back here in a fortnight.
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This is a bi-weekly opinion column; for question or comment contact Dan McNee at dmcnee@midwesternnewspapers.com.
