I just turned the last page on a wonderful book by former U.S. Secretary of Labor (Clinton Administration) Robert Reich, in which he writes — among many other things — a bit about a long-time friend of his who has worked for half a century fighting for campaign finance reform. He once asked this friend whether he ever became discouraged by the difficulties he encountered in his work, to which the friend replied:

“This is my life. This is what I do.” *

I hope I haven’t violated any copyright laws in quoting from Mr. Reich’s book, but those nine words so resonated with me, at this period of my life, that I felt compelled to comment on them.

Because this is what I do now: I write a blog.

The last chapter of Mr. Reich’s memoir is about “Growing Old” — a subject with which I am all too familiar — and about what he does now that he is in his 70s (it’s a lot, by the way). I identified with his descriptions of the way Mother Nature plays havoc with us as we age, and laughed at the humor with which he handles it. And, being a huge fan of his writing and his thoughtful, common-sense approach to life, I am delighted that he has chosen, not to retire, but to continue educating and inspiring us for as long as he can.

I’m a few years older than Mr. Reich, and not nearly as smart or accomplished. But I refuse to let the aches and pains of old age keep me from doing the things I love, as long as they don’t require any athletic ability — or, in fact, much mobility of any sort. (Like an old car, my electrical system still works, but the chassis is shot.)

What do I love? I love reading . . . mostly non-fiction, but also a good thriller or spy novel. In fact, I just joined a neighborhood book club.

I love following the daily news and vicariously staying involved in world events.

And I love writing about whatever enters my mind on any given day.

Friends have asked me why I keep at it, since I don’t get paid for my efforts. In fact, I have occasionally asked myself the same question. And the answer is: If not this, then what else?

So I’m not J. K. Rowling. So what? I have my daily blog, and my small but loyal following. And like Mr. Reich’s friend, I can say with some satisfaction:

“This is my life. This is what I do.”

And that’s okay.

Thanks to Mr. Reich and his friend for the inspiration.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
9/3/25

* Robert Reich, Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America, Alfred A. Knopf Publishers, 2025.