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When I was a boy, I didn’t have a worry in the world and had no reason to, because of
—family. They supported me, were critical when necessary, and shaped the way I view the world today.
Each day was filled with spontaneity and doing things I loved. From sun up until early evening, weekends were filled with activities. We would play to our heart’s content and never let down a game of basketball, soccer, baseball, or kickball until the streetlights came on. If you lived in the suburbs you know what that meant!
When I was a boy, my world wasn’t riddled with distractions and limitations. No one said things would be easy, nor did they reference any goals as impossible to reach.
My parents didn’t pressure me to become the perfect student or greatest at anything. Personally, they were well aware that my head was all over the place with multiple interests and just let me be.
The early schooldays were mediocre. I didn’t pop up in the morning craving science class or was the first to raise my hand with the answer to a pressing question. Showing up to get the work done was good enough for me.
Despite my lethargic attitude toward academics, I longed for adulthood. The women, riches, and the career of a lifetime couldn’t come sooner.
Those were the days. Oh, to be young, naïve, and a product of a system focused on work and not dreams.
As I grew older and well into my adult years, it was clear popularity wasn’t of interest or taking the same path as everyone else. My college major was undeclared, working part-time to stay afloat was required, and classwork ok at best.
Still, I had my family, friends and personal interests.
In retrospect, it looks like more pressure should have been stressed on the side of my parents, but I’m thankful. Exceedingly thankful for being able to pursue the small things, indulge in hobbies that led to nothing but joy, and question every aspect of my teaching.
Their parenting shaped a mindset of a man who refuses to settle or involve himself in actions that aren’t in his best interest.
Sustainability is my richness and attracting the right people has more value than pleasing everyone.
My head continues to spin on a swivel, and pick-up sports with friends go well into the night. The only difference is that I’m older, wiser, and understand life is not some complicated, esoteric set of rules we must abide by to be comfortable in our own skin. It’s more of a blank canvass laid out to create our idea of a masterpiece.
Life is meant to be tricky, complicated and filled to the brim with things that you love.
It all goes to say as a good friend of mine often quotes, “Live to do as much as you can, for as long as you are able.”
C’est la vie.
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Photo: Getty Images
