Have you ever woke up early in the morning say on a Wednesday or Thursday looking up at the ceiling thinking, I have responsibility! What the heck happened? One day not long ago, I would have woke up trying to figure out what I’d be doing this coming weekend, or I was staying up late hanging out with friends and listening to rock music or going out just because. Then you realize that same morning laying there thinking, it’s the next day, mortgage, family, kids and oh a job where everyone’s looking to your guidance and leadership on a ton of projects.
Wait, I’m 40-something and still listening to rock music, I wear jeans and shorts to work, wear Crocs to the office every chance I get, I’m driving an open-air jeep and still trying to figure out what I’m going to do this coming weekend. Granted, I’ll probably do “productive” stuff this weekend, but still, I may not. The best part about being this age with the mind-set of youth is that you can “afford” to do things now. Well, okay, my wife says I can’t afford things, but I believe I can. Anyway, while doing stuff, I listen to rock music, drive fast while heading over to Home-Depot to get my supplies and generally goof around while working on my chosen project. I’ll typically take a break and catch a Simpsons episode my son or watch any one of his other favorites.
Where’s this coming from? Mid-Life crisis? Not really, I haven’t noticed any break-downs or realizations that I’m stuck in a dead-end life or any such notion, or thought what am I doing with my life or any life-altering changes. The thing is, I feel like I’ve not really ever changed, just things have been “added” to the adult responsibility bucket. I’ve recently read the reviews on the book “Rejuvenile” by Christopher Noxon and was interested in the theory or concept of adults who’ve never really grown up. After looking at his blog and other reviews & comments, it has a ring of truth in my life. However, while the tone is a little younger than I prefer, the idea behind the attitude is very intriguing.
I think most of us, my parents included, would agree that keeping some kind of youthful spirit is key to happiness and a long life. Plus, it makes daily life a little more palatable. Trudging off to the office to meetings, phone calls and increased stress is really kind of crazy when you think about it. So, not only to prolong ones life, but stay sane, we should all be big kids when the mood strikes.
Signed – Scoop AKA Shane Cooper
