In our western society being young and youthful looking is greatly valued. People go to great lengths to stop the march of time. In caveman days, being young and virile was an advantage because hunting, reproducing, and sometimes fleeing danger were all essential to survival. However, these days, the Man Cave or She Shack take on a very different function - more of fun and relaxation. So why do we continue as a society, to fight the aging process? Why not accept and revere the gathering of wisdom and liberating insights that come with each passing year?
Oftentimes, ironically, our youth is spent wishing to be older so we can spread our wings and be more independent, and ignore the gifts that are right in front of us. Then, at a certain, self-proclaimed age, we panic and try to no avail, to put the brakes on the aging process.
If my 62 year old self could speak to my 16 year old self, I would share the following:
There are other little nuggets of wisdom in my back pocket but I am sure my 16 year old self has long since tuned me out. That's okay because I am still practicing and discovering them experientially myself. The whole purpose of life is to be curious, have emotional experiences and face challenges that slowly strips back the layers or masks that we've built up since birth. Throughout this process I have come to realize that the pure source of love, joy, power and acceptance is not an outside quest but rather an inward journey of self-awareness. So 16 year old self; your 62 year old self feels grateful, blessed and abundant despite not matching up to society's view of success. Enjoy your youth, trust your inner compass and fear not; you will eventually, "Find the Gold in Getting Old!".
Oftentimes, ironically, our youth is spent wishing to be older so we can spread our wings and be more independent, and ignore the gifts that are right in front of us. Then, at a certain, self-proclaimed age, we panic and try to no avail, to put the brakes on the aging process.
If my 62 year old self could speak to my 16 year old self, I would share the following:
- don't worry so much about pleasing people or living up to others expectations; the people who love you unconditionally just want you to be happy
- the outside may age but the inner child remains intact
- don't try to fit in, be yourself and your tribe will find you
- confidence, self-acceptance and self-love are ageless attractants
- challenges are simply the catalyst for growth and not punishment
- life is constantly changing so appreciate the good and face the bad; they too shall pass
- discover your strengths and passions and master them
- take care of yourself; you only have one body to carry you through this life and nurture it
- try new things, press beyond your comfort zone, question and never stop learning
- don't work so hard that you have no time to take in the tiny, fleeting moments of joy present each day - be more of a human being rather than a continual human doing
- you don't need to have everything figured out; make a conscious decision, if you don't like the outcome, choose again
- you are worthy by just being alive; the purpose of doing and feeling is discovering just how powerful you really are despite what you have been told
- choose to be happy and grateful now, and not in the future, so no matter what adventures or desires you pursue, you will lead a more satisfying life of contentment and not a life of want
- you are made from a loving source, you are love and you are never alone; the Universe has your back -just look at the beauty and balance of nature
- despite what you think, you never know it all and that's okay
- be open-minded and flexible with your beliefs so you have room to grow and are open to limitless possibilities
There are other little nuggets of wisdom in my back pocket but I am sure my 16 year old self has long since tuned me out. That's okay because I am still practicing and discovering them experientially myself. The whole purpose of life is to be curious, have emotional experiences and face challenges that slowly strips back the layers or masks that we've built up since birth. Throughout this process I have come to realize that the pure source of love, joy, power and acceptance is not an outside quest but rather an inward journey of self-awareness. So 16 year old self; your 62 year old self feels grateful, blessed and abundant despite not matching up to society's view of success. Enjoy your youth, trust your inner compass and fear not; you will eventually, "Find the Gold in Getting Old!".
RSS Feed