I'm looking forward to it.
It's truly amazing to see how much people bash on old age. Many close friends do not want to live past 40. More to the point, they would go sooner if they felt they could accomplish what they wanted. Siul wants to be a professor/researcher, so he has his work cut out for him for a couple decades. In that line of work, you have to put in your dues for respect. On the polar side of that, there's Francisco who has thought of doing acting, playing in a band, or anything else he can go balls-out in his 20s and find an explosion of success. After riding that "success" a few years, the best (at least figuratively) thing to do would be to drop out - drop out of the radar, or literally just drop out of life. At the funeral people would say,
"We remember him for all the great things he did. For the person he was. He left us too soon."
It's interesting. If you die in your 20s, assuming you lived a fairly decent life, you haven't really lived long enough to really fuck up. At least, that's one way of looking at it. You haven't brought children into this world and abandoned them (well, maybe you did, but that's another story). You haven't built an amazing career and let it slip down the drain. Most people would (by my best guess) just presume you had a mental defect. True, you could mess up what you have going on...but I know from personal experience, you seem to have a pretty good grace period. It's tough, but you can bounce back. The system seems designed that way. People will sit pondering... Maybe he offed himself/herself because he/she didn't realize his/her potential? - or something along those lines.
Don't worry guys, I'm not suicidal. Just writing at 2 am.
Your 30s are important...they actually set the stage
I always joke about how turning 30 is like the end of your life. In a satirical way, it kind of is. I feel like when you hit your 30s it's time to make something out of what you were given. Rosette (a 20 - something - yr old professional - or at least my personal consultant on all things 20s) says she feels like her "biological clock is ticking." Good point, actually. Physically, you can hold onto your peak strength and body type for your 30s with hard work. In your 20s, you have access to quick actions, good looks, and style (not just fashion). In your 20s though, you really try to make a plan. It all starts to come together towards the end. You have all your school complete, you may be in a serious relationship, you have that house and car...now you just have to bring it together. Your 30s are where all the adult stuff happens (in my opinion). Going back to my joke,
"In your 30s, it all gets serious. Your job becomes your life. Get ahead. Get what you need. Your time is precious. No more games. No time for rest. "
-Me
Here's where I get excited. After your 30s, you can finally look back. When I hear a 29 yr old talk about "all the mistakes I used to make" and "I wish you knew what I know now"... is really B.S. in my opinion. You haven't had enough time to let it settle. When you're in your 40s and 50s, you can still operate in your own body, but your mind has had time to marinate in all the knowledge you've collected. Your life has molded your brain. True, you may not have as much openness to new things - but that's not always the case! You have constructed ways to perceive to such a large extent. There seems to be so much potential! This is the age where you can really teach your children. They will most likely be teenagers or young adults during this time. This is where they need your experience.
Your 60s and 70s - synonymous to the climax of the story.
Your body is falling apart, but you know what matters. Many try to retire. Go where they always wanted. All of their obligations have died off before them. They persevered. For what?! Nothing. Well, it will sure look like nothing to everyone else. At this point, they have brought their family close. They think of their children and grandchildren primarily. They think of politics (people age 50 and up have the highest voting percentages), hobbies, and things to see. The hustle and bustle is gone. It's finally time to focus on fulfilling oneself and significant other.
Your 80s and up....the falling action.
You remember ALL of the Lord of the Rings moves?? I especially remember how there were like 10 endings after they threw the ring in the volcano at the end of the 3rd one. We say we just wanted it to end already. But look at it this way - we've spent like 8 hours watching these characters develop and play out all the roles for nothing more than a few minute final confrontation - they should get a satisfactory ending; they should each get their fair share of spotlight. When you make into your 80s, you can't always communicate with the world the same way. Your senses are dulled. You've become slow. You need help with EVERYTHING. Due to my career path, I've seen very successful 80 + people. I've seen 80 years olds with better hearts than 30 year olds (electrocardiographically speaking :) ). One of two things happen to 80 year olds. By then, they have been reduced to basics. By this, I mean they are usually kind hearted, or heartless. They don't have the strength to tightrope walk between the two. Some brave the winds and are exceptionally warm or cold, but mostly, they have become an essence of what they always were;
A SUM OF THEIR THOUGHTS, EMOTIONS AND EXPERIENCES.
Can't wait.
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