Youth is Wasted on the Young

The Fountain of Youth.  Does it really exist.  Do we truly want it to exist? What if you actually found it? Would you share it?  What if you were disappointed with the results? Could you go back Old Age?

I wouldn't go back. I don't want to be younger.  I am young enough.  I don't feel my age or act it for that matter.  I wasn't in a rush to grow up but I certainly don't want to repeat my teenage years. College, maybe, except for the studying part.  I wouldn't even go back to 'correct' my mistakes or failures. I know for a fact I would not be the person I am today without those challenges.  I certainly didn't always enjoy my obstacles but the lessons I learned are appreciated in hindsight.

Some days, I feel like I am 20 years old and then I look in the mirror and realize I really do have wrinkles and crow's feet.  I am getting age spots.  Although, I do not have any gray hair, even without the highlighting!  I must remind myself that I am 41 years old.  On some mornings, my body is quick to remind me that I am getting older as I do not recover as quickly from my workouts.  As I hobble to the bathroom, my ankles creek and my lower back is sore as I attempt to stand straight.  Yet, I am still content with my age.  The numbers have never bothered me.

I have time on my side. My maternal grandmother is 96 years old and still living a very active life on her own.  In fact, her social life is much more eventful than mine. She is in excellent health. She tells me her mind is as sharp as a tack but her body is wearing out.  Good thing for artificial parts.  When she travels, she enjoys the 'pat downs' due to her pace maker! Needless to say, she is not a typical grandmother.  She also sets the bar rather high since she graduated from college at 72 years old and obtained her Master's degree at 84 years old.  She is like a good wine, gets better with age.

Sometimes, I find myself yearning for retirement. Let me be honest, I wish for it more frequently than I should.  It's not that I want to wish my life away, but I feel like I will finally be able to completely relax when I am retired.  People tell me I will be bored when I retire.  Doubtful.  I have many many hobbies and very little time to engage in them at the present time.  This whole parenting thing and career stuff kinda takes up a lot of time!    

So I guess this is why I don't want to be young again.  I know it's about 'looking' young, but I don't want to look like a plastic doll like Joan Rivers either! Opportunities come with age. Wisdom comes with age. Freedom comes with age.  Appreciation comes with age. Happiness comes with age.  We become seasoned as we age.  And we all know seasoning is the spice of life.

I may be 41 years old by calendar years, but I am only as old as I feel.  And I don't feel old. My Dad use to tell me "Youth is wasted on the young."   I think of this often and realize he was right.  As I have aged, I realize how much freedom comes with being an adult.  With freedom, comes fun because you are in charge of your life and what you make of it.  It's about choices and I choose to be young but on my own terms.