Who were you before life happened? Who were you before the bills and responsibilities? Who were you before social media? Is there any trace of you left?
As we get older the future becomes less relevant and we tilt to the past. There isn't so much of a future to look forward to and we spend most of our remaining active years reliving our past and the memories we made.
It is said that many people put their lives on hold to live in the future, creating those enduring memories at the latter part of their lives where there is little enthusiasm or verve to do so. I understand and appreciate the need to make sacrifices but not to a point where it becomes a basic response to everything.
As we get older we try to reclaim pieces of childhood that we willfully traded for some independence or any of the lures of adulthood. I remember my days as a young teenager and my insistent desire to move away from my parent's shadows and find my place in the world. I thought I would be happier, free and all that jazz, and maybe I am--that's what defines you as an adult, while as a child you are just, well, you--if that makes any sense.
I won't mind someone taking care of me for once, so I could look at the world with those curious eyes I once had, not in search of my place, but more for its beauty and wonder. I would like not to concern myself with all the burdens of adulthood.
I do have some luxuries as an adult who is pursuing one of his many passions, although this is somehow tied to income and it becomes more of a chore than a means of expression. I guess this is one of the many prices I have to pay and I am willing to compromise at this level.
However, I fear for those who have lost all connections to their soul and everything that makes them unique and beautiful. This is too much of a price to pay and many agree. Their only solace is 40 years down the line when they exhausted their youth and are given l recompense their time--life. I do struggle to believe anyone can attempt to live (again) after doing the very opposite for too long.
There is more to living than going on vacation and not having to work. It is only an adult fantasy which many realize doesn't substitute for truly living. There is more to us and life than rest. There is creativity, love and other forms of expression.
I am trying to get out of this mindset that we are defined by the material things we possess as adults. We've been told that the only way out of this rat race is to have enough (or more than enough) but many of us have realized how untrue this is.
Asides from being present i think we should all make an active effort to reclaim parts of our lives that we’ve lost over the years and that starts by having some deep introspection because many of us have forgotten who we were and what makes us thick.
I am making a deliberate effort to reconnect with my passion and interests. This i believe will make my life more richer and fulfilling.
