Grateful For That Kid
Yesterday's post highlighted the inevitable reality that someday, future us will become current us. What seems old to us today will eventually feel young. Included in my post was a cautionary tale from an old friend who is learning this harsh reality in real time. The post ended with the following: "Yes, you're younger today than you will be someday. At the same time, however, 20 years from now you'll still be younger than you will be someday. Current you is always the youngest version of you. Please help yourself help yourself. Your future self will thank you."
In a fun little twist of fate, I had a related conversation with a client just hours after yesterday's post was published. This client, mid-40s, is in the process of making a huge life transition. Culturally, it's an odd decision. However, it's one this couple has earned through two decades of discipline and wise decisions. Here's an exact quote from the husband: "I'm very thankful for 23-year-old me."
I'm sure 23-year-old him had no idea what his life would look like in his mid-40s, yet at the same time, he respected future him enough to make some powerful, delayed-gratification decisions. Now, decades later, he's about to reap what he sowed. It's such a beautiful example of this concept.
40-something-year-old him isn't as young as 23-year-old him, but 40-something him is the youngest he'll ever be. And now, also being a 40-something, I too realize that being in our 40s often feels like being in our 20s. We feel young. We feel healthy. We know who we are. We know what we value. Life can be pretty dang awesome.
Now, this couple will spend the next season of their lives creating an entirely new reality that will forever transform their family. All because that 23-year-old kid had enough awareness and respect for his future self to live with wisdom and discipline.
No, we can't go back in time and get a do-over. I don't see any DeLoreans sitting in my driveway. However, regardless of how old you are, you're the youngest you'll ever be. You still have a chance to help your future self live the life they deserve. Please don't let them down.
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