Returning from a trip to the Bluegrass State has left me reflecting on life, which is often a result of my trips.
The purpose of this trip was a bachelor party and some wedding preparations for one of my lifelong friends. During the events, the realization that we were not the young kids playing video games in his parent’s basement anymore hit us. A great reminder to enjoy being young because, in the blink of an eye, you will be by their side as they say, “I do.”
Coming back to the Crystal Coast with school about to get back into session, I went to the open house at the school I volunteer at, where I went when I was younger, to see what the coming school year has in store. An expansion of the school was just finished, and when I turned the corner, expecting the same ole hallway I'd been in for 15 years, it was different—symbolizing change. Then, seeing the nervous sixth graders come in to see what the next three years of their lives might look like, it took me back to when I was in their shoes.
When I was younger, I couldn't wait to grow up and have responsibilities in the world. Now that I have arrived at that point in life, knowing how much this world requires of people, I would be lying if I said I do not miss some parts of being a kid. Most of us adults feel a similar way. Now, I see some of these kids eager to grow up; the cycle repeats.
This month's personal lesson was that, as life goes on, even in the dark times, you should make the most out of the chapter of life that you are currently in because one day, way down the road, you will miss it. You will miss being in the basement playing the PS2. You will miss being nervous for your first day of school. You will miss being your younger self.
“Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional.” - Walt Disney.
Peyton.
