I wasn't in a hurry to grow up...

The Passing of Time 🕰️

When I was a kid, I wasn’t in a hurry to be older. I suspected things might go downhill from there. To me, being an adult just didn’t look that appealing.

When I was 18, I didn’t rush to get my driver’s license. For some people this signals their independence. I’d already had mine for years. We all did.

Around 15 was when I was entrusted to do my own thing. As long as I left a note I could disappear for the day. There was no way to call home, let alone be contacted. So, I never felt like a car was the key to that.

At dusk you’d find teens on bikes returning home for dinner. Now you see food delivery riders delivering someone elses.

When I turned 21, nothing much changed. I looked around and saw the same people as when I was 12. I could reach out and clink my glass against theirs. The only thing missing was the ice cream cake.

When I turned 30, I bemoaned getting older. Despite more virtual well-wishes than any year prior. But I quickly realised I had only aged a day, not a decade.

By the time I was 35, I concluded life was better then than at 25. I had found my place. However, the world felt worse off. Like its weight was being carried on too many shoulders.

Now I’m 41 and my memories of my youth are waning. As though they were filmed on a camcorder. The teens on screen are caricatures of us. Like when I watched The Outsiders as a kid.

I guess the message here is “stay gold”

Then and Now 💫

In 1995: I had the thrill of opening a pack of basketball cards and checking for a special.
In 2025: I have the anxiety of opening social media to see if anyone likes me.

In 1995: I rode home at dusk to make it in time for dinner.
In 2025: I wait at home for a rider to deliver my dinner.

In 1999: I worked casually and got paid double time on Sunday’s.
In 2019: I worked every weekend professionally for no remuneration.

In 2005: my alarm played the radio. I’d listen to the local news as I awoke.
In 2025: my alarm plays a gentle chime. I look at pictures of the world’s atrocities as I rub sleep from my eyes.

In 2005: I reached out and clinked glasses with my friend for his birthday.
In 2025: my phone reminded me to reach out to that same friend 🎈

In 2005: I’d shutdown my computer and say goodbye to my colleagues at 5:30pm.
In 2020: I closed my laptop at 5:30pm but didn’t say goodnight because I knew I’d be back online at 7pm. And 8:30pm. 9:30pm too.

In 2005: I watched season three of One Tree Hill across 22 weeks.
In 2025: I watched the third season of The Bear in a weekend.

In 2005: I had a head clearing ten-minute drive home. In 2015 it was healthy 45 minute walk.
In 2025: I have a walk five second stroll to the TV.

In 1999: life was good. Different. Maybe a little simpler.
In 2025: I am still here. Happy. Learning every day. Surrounded by good people. Being made to challenge what I think I know.

There is no better time to be alive.

ZP / NpG

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