Youth Is Wasted On The Young
Posted: Monday, April 21, 2008
by Mr. Keith
IChooseThin
I am ready for another birthday and my age is kind of in limbo somewhere between being young and being old. I used to not even think about age unless it was to buy beer. Now I don't consume beer because I refuse to drink my calories.
My children think I am old but I do not consider myself as old..., yet. When I was a teenager I always was looking forward to being a bit older so I could "go out and have more fun." Now I am happy to just have "fun" at home.
When I sit down to eat I have to ensure the meal does not have too many calories. When I was younger I never worried about what I ate, as long as it tasted good. Heck, I did not even have to worry about being hungry. I just ate because I wanted to eat. Today I fight the battle of the bulging belly because it is an ever expanding subject that must be kept in check. In my younger days I wanted a bigger chest and larger muscles. Now I am happy to just not have aching muscles. To add insult to injury I have to go to the health club and PAY to exercise.
When I was a younger man I would go out and party and the night did not begin until it was midnight. Today midnight is ninety minutes past my bedtime.
When I was younger I could watch the girls go by and flirt mischievously at will. Today the girls just call me "sir".
When I was a young man in boot camp I could run till they told me to stop. Today I find it hard to not just stop. I used to be able to do lots of sit ups and today I struggle to just sit up. Not too long ago I could walk fifty miles with a pack and a rifle, today I don't like to park too far from the Walmart door.
A few years back I would call in sick at work anytime, for almost any reason. Today I have enough sick time accumulated for any medical emergency that may arise for short term loss of pay. My priorities sure have changed.
I remember saving to buy that really cool cassette player for my car. Now I save for a really cool mortgage payment. (Okay, it really is not that cool!) What are cassette players my son just asked me? He thought it was ancient because one tape could not hold 40,000 songs like his Ipod.
When I lived under my parent's roof I was expected to do chores which were a drag and now I have to drag my kids through their chores.
I used to hate school and wanted to work to earn more money. Now I work and wish I had more time for school. I still do not have enough money. (Some things really never do change)
Looking back on it all I realize I woke up and that I rushed through my life. I was always trying to get through school, get through boot camp, and get through college. I rushed through my gift of time traveling as a Marine Officer not realizing I was a world traveler and did it for free. I woke up today and my children are growing and will soon be off to college. Life and time are unstoppable and as I look back through my personal history I now realize that the one thing I cannot hold onto is time. It is like sand pouring through my hands. As you read this do not feel as if I am having a midlife crisis because I really am very happy at this very moment. I just know that the one thing I had is gone and I did not even know I had it in my hand as it was pouring through. I had youth and it was glorious. I had the gift of life and health and stamina and parents and last but not least the gift of time. What I had then I now have to make an effort to maintain.
I really love life and try to live it to the fullest but now I truly understand the phrase....
"Youth is Wasted On The Young" .
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More commentsMr. Keith. That article fits almost every one I know. Fantastic wording. Well written and straight from the heart. Although, I think I probably reached that accessment twenty years before you got there. Thanks for a delightful article. Sandra
Mr. Keith, I'm 59 years old now. The older I get the better I feel. Of course not physically but mentally and emotionally. Good article
Here's a thought ~ perhaps your youth (or anyone elses's) isn't wasted at all...it's merely what brings us to HERE. There are reasons why all the things you mention are the way they are...and they're all fabulous reasons. And by the way, there are lots of folks who STILL live youthfully...regardless of their 'age'. Attitude, Sir, is everything. just a thought....Thank You for the comment. The gist of the story basically that "you" do not appreciate what you have when you are in your youth, not that you wasted the time. It is merely a statement that when you are young you are oblivious to the gift of youth. I appreciate your comment, God Bless! Mr. Keith
Mr Keith, your article reminded me of something. I can hardly wait for this Sunday to be here...in effect, I am wishing away part of my life. While I have much to do and am staying busy, I need to embrace the next few days and see how much I can make of each day. Thanks, I needed that.Everyday is a gift. I was once told what it would be like to be on death row. Knowing this would be the last time to brush your teeth, last time to eat... I try to live in the now because the past is gone, the future is not yet here so all we have is the now. Thanks! Mr. Keith
This was a good article. I love the way you di the comparison.
" used to hate school and wanted to work to earn more money. Now I work and wish I had more time for school" yes..how priorities do change.
I too enjoy my life at this time of my life I just wish I could enjoy it more actively. Nice article Mr. Keith
Another great job. When I teach, expeically the early years 1-2-3-4-5 sometimes the students will ask, "how old are you Mr. M" to which I reply 30" They respond with common MR. M, no one is that old. I guess once we pass that magic number it is all down hill? Yes and so your the guy taking my space close to the door.Thanks for the words of praise!
hi Mr. keith, very well written, funny in it's sarcasm. i feel the same way. i could be a grandmother anytime, and i'm trying to tell myself that i'm not old. my best friend's daughter just had a baby. hard to comprehend. sitting on my swing helps a lot! thanks for sharing, best regards, sue
I really enjoyed this article! I can really understand where you are coming from, because I look back upon the same things.Thank you for your time and more for your gracious comments.
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