Growing up can be overrated. As kids become cognizant, they often wish they could do more grown-up things- especially the seemingly fun things- like driving and perhaps even drinking or smoking. Ironically, as people grow older, they often look back with great fondness on their hanabata days, when a sense of naivete and innocence ruled amid the confusion of youth; the world began to unfold before their very eyes.
Two weeks back while leaving a function at Ala Moana Beach Park, I spotted an elderly gentleman rinsing off in an outdoor shower, smiling, with his cherished boogie board and fins in one hand as he washed his face and body with his unencumbered hand. I imagined that he’d probably repeated this scenario hundreds, if not thousands, of times in his 70+ years.
While some might consider him “old”, I smiled as I pondered his probable feelings as he caught just one more wave before calling it a day, like he undoubtedly did as a kid, 60 years ago… perhaps in the same location, maybe even de-sanding in the very same shower. Age might become a troubling number, but we can control our inner child’s spirit, no matter how many years or miles we’ve logged.
Christmas is nigh upon us, affording us a chance to reminisce, reflect, give thanks, feel nostalgic, or simply appreciate more. Maybe you reflect back to when you were little and relished- with great anticipation- the “big day”. Maybe it was that annual family feast which took hours for tutu to prepare but mere minutes to scarf down (see Thanksgiving). Maybe it was that backyard BBQ or touch football game that nowadays brings you a sense of warmth, calmness, or a holiday smile.
I remember getting a James Bond (Sean Connery, of course) spy briefcase, where (safe) darts shot out and a “Battling Betsy” model tank; time stood still on Christmas Eve… “go to bed!” they said. Yeah, right. The excitement was palpable.
We all need to decompress, relax, and relive that joie de vivre we felt when we were young, but perhaps too naïve to really appreciate the moments. At Christmas time, those warm feelings grow stronger as we age… and remember when.
Christmas is a special time for many; here’s hoping you celebrate with those you love, celebrate those you miss, and breathe in pleasant thoughts of Christmases past, present, and future.
Think about it…