When someone says “I’m old,” it probably wasn’t a question. Whether or not they say it in jest, it needs to stop.
I’m 41. I’m a fairly social guy. My friends range in age from their 20’s through 60’s. Randomly, they’ve said it.
I don’t want to hear it anymore. You’re not old!
Life expectancy reached 50 about 115 years ago. Today, it’s about 80, but people can live into and past their 90’s.
If you think you’re old long enough, you’ll begin to believe it. You’ll grow old, thinking you’re old, while you’re not old. Depressing, right?
We need to think better of ourselves a little bit longer. What do people really mean when saying “I’m old”?
“Tired” – After 18, you’re an adult for the rest of your life. It’s called growing up. Responsibilities are exhausting, but they don’t make you old.
Establishing credibility in what you do takes time and energy. Sacrifices will be made. Everything you do in life becomes a matter of priority. You’re not old, you’re tired.
“Lazy” – Excuses! You just don’t want to do anything! You want to sit on the couch while your body fuses to it. Have you seen What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? I don’t want to spoil it, but an extremely large character dies. Her house becomes her crematory. There was no getting her out. It’s actually a really sad story and Leonardo DiCaprio was amazing in it.
Also, don’t blame age for your lack of knowledge. Technology, for example, makes people feel left behind. Nobody is excused from the school of life. Things change. Your brain still works. Learn. My brother is 19 and his favorite hobby is knitting. I’m serious! He’s probably better at being old than you. You’re not old, you’re lazy.
“Vain” – Recently, I had a conversation with a friend in her early 30’s. She said she was old four times. I assured her she wasn’t, and that’s why people say it. People don’t mean it, they just want you to tell them differently. Stop it. You’re not old, you’re vain.
“Unhealthy” – You cannot eat like you did through puberty. You need to find a calorie-in/calorie-out balance. The consequences of consuming desserts frequently when you’re 24 aren’t due to age. You’re not old, you’re unhealthy.
We’re programmed to joke about age between friends. It’s predictable humor, appropriate for birthdays, and only fake-laugh funny. Thank the birthday card industry. Do they even make age joke cards for truly old people? Like, “Whoa bitch! I can’t even with those tits! You’re 90, you should be dead! Here’s a shovel and graveyard plot!” I think that was on a card given to me when I turned 30.
Fact is, we can all learn from each other. There’s nothing wrong with growing up or getting older. It’s reality! Embrace it. It happens to everybody if they’re lucky. Inspire people younger than you. So what if you have a new appreciation for the value of your time. Kick back on that couch you can now afford along with on demand entertainment. Just remember to get out once in a while.
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