Back Story
How were your teenage years? Were you the cheerleader or football hero? Did you hate wearing glasses? Bleach your teeth? Did you study or glide through classes on pure luck? What things pop up when you place yourself back in your youth? We explore those times in this story.
Coming Into Your Own
What do you remember about your youth? I remember being a sponge; soaking up everything around me, trying out different styles.
In early times, the sponge soaked up someone else’s look, mannerisms, and values. I wanted to look like this movie star or sound like that rock star.
Then do you remember coming into your own? What age was that for you? When you took control and decided for yourself how you wanted to look, sound, think, love, and behave, distinctly from those around you.
That coming of age was a wonderful revelation. When you actually drop the adaptations and create yourself. Here you are, years later. Are you still that person from your early adulthood?
Or have you reinvented yourself more times over the years? If there’s anything you don’t like about what you created, change it. There’s still time. Every day you live is a chance to get better, a chance to change.
Be a sponge again. Try out new habits and new looks. Take up new pastimes or passions. Soak up the joy of the day and make it your own.
P.S. In Woodstock, there is an annual event where non-profits present their missions and troll for volunteers. It’s the perfect place to find a cause worth supporting. New volunteer activities lead to more ops for social contact and new friends. In your town, there is also a source for discovering volunteer opportunities. Your next passion may be waiting for you right there.
Show #218
An assn friend of mine from Chicago told me five years ago that he had bought a place in the Villages. I told him that, as a relatively young, long-time liberal democrat, he would be in a definite small minority there. “I’ll be fine! I love it there.” Well, he soon discovered a HUGE Trumpite following and a lack of realism. Unfortunately, Chris died last year before he was able to change the complexion of the Villages’ community. I know I will NOT be moving there!
My friends who have lived there for 2 years now have enjoyed the small town atmophere of their compound. New friendships with neighbors are erratic though. They keep dying!