When I was a "20 something" - and all the world was my oyster, I used to think that I was very mature. Id appreciate the company of older friends or co-workers and felt wholeheartedly that I related much more to them- than my peers.
But- as I started to bleed that theory into my dating life, or career, or school- It would only be a matter of time before I got the "Your so young" conversation, which was usually piggy backed by the "When you turn 30, everything changes" conversation. I used to be so annoyed by those talks and hated defending my old soul and maturity.
Thirty Three amazing years later- I look back in retrospect and agree with everything that everyone said. I truly knew nothing.
Now- I oddly finding myself surrounded by many young guys with similar thoughts- struggling to prove they are indefinitely more mature than we "older" guys make them out to be. Begging for an opportunity to prove that they are the exception to the common twenty year olds and must be given a chance. But- as we all know- there is no such thing- or is there?
Can it be possible to meet a younger person (man or woman) who is wise beyond their age. Responsible beyond their means- or "lived" beyond their experience? In my opinion- No. But I'm open to hearing stories of this Lockness Monster.
I believe that life has a funny way of changing you- and most importantly teaching you about things that cannot be learned without trial and error. The most important lessons I have learned in life were learned through mistakes I made, hurt I felt and tears I have cried. Now- of course there were things I learned as well through the wisdom of parents and friends- but none were nearly as life changing as things I went through all on my own.
I hear myself turning into the crazy preacher I hated explaining with conviction that "Life will teach you more about yourself, your strength, and who you ultimately be as a person." Eyes then roll and I shrug it off with a laugh- but I know Im doing my part.
So as I continue to grow and learn (cause it never ends) the best thing that I can do, is continue the cycle of advice, and urge them to be true to themselves- no matter what people tell them. One day they will be thirty three and remember me- and all I said, or what I tried to say.
2 comments:
How naive a statement. While I congratulate you on thirty three years spent, I fear for you on how elderly and ripe an age you regard thirty three to be. I think you fail to realize the crime you just committed. Are you familiar with the idiom of the pot calling the kettle black? An antiquated phrase but someone as old and experienced as yourself should recognize it. Do you not think your predecessors feel the same about their 30 somethings? Exactly how far do you think youve come in this voyage of life?
You have reminded me that we are doomed to repeat history, as youve made the same mistake in your young thirties, that you did in your young twenties.
Allow me to impart with you something my years have taught me. Time does not necessarily yield experience. Experience does not necessarily yield wisdom. With every generation comes new knowledge. While yes you are correct that some lessons may only be learned through the proverbial school of hard knocks. Do not underestimate anyone based on something as trivial as age. Remember history has shown that entire nations have been governed by kings whos age was less than yours. Even religions have found wise sages in mere children. There are many lessons yet to be learned young one. Dont let your latter lessons learned be that in humility.
I think the Anonymous person above has a great point however, I have lived long enough to recognize that there truly is a difference between the twenty-somethings and the thirties. And while you are only speaking from your thirty-three year perspective, I am certain that what's to come will create a great deal of interesting blogs or stories about the thirties. Keep sharing your scope...and we'll continue to ride along with you.
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