How to make the most of your youthful years

Youth isn’t just about being slim and beautiful, it’s also a whole set of attitudes and behaviours. Like how children immerse themselves in every moment, playing, singing, and running everywhere. Right into our twenties we have such energy and enthusiasm.

And then, somehow, adult responsibilities knock all that out of us.

There’s also a balance to be struck. Youthful enthusiasm has to be combined with the wisdom of experience if you’re to be successful. Youth thinks ‘it will never happen to me.’ Experience knows it can, and takes a few precautions.

It’s also hard to be enthusiastic if you’ve lost your health. So, shed the bad habits of youth. No more smoking, drugs or heavy drinking. Wear your seat belt, avoid violence, accidents and Sexually Transmitted Infections. Take exercise, sleep well and avoid fast food.

After that, retaining youthful attitudes is a choice. Because no one ever plans to lose their playfulness. Or intends to become an alcoholic. Or wants their marriage to fail. These things happen because of decisions we make. So start making the right ones! Like not taking yourself too seriously. Being optimistic. Not holding grudges.

Stop believing in shortcuts. Instead plan enthusiastically for the long haul. Because nothing truly worthwhile happens quickly. Think of the effort it takes to become a successful athlete, or to get a degree.  Children believe they can be effortlessly famous, but real people focus for years on the things they’re good at, and develop incredible determination and perseverance.

Every life includes periods of sadness, so learn how to cope with the bad times. Realise that the first time you fall in love probably won’t be the last. That nothing in your life is permanent. That you’re going to feel unappreciated at times. And may have to change direction in a relationship or your career.

Realise that life’s not all about you. That it’s not always easy to be a good person. That not everyone will like you. That people will let you down. That your body is going to change. That you’re going to make mistakes and must learn from them.

Not everything will happen like you expect, so enjoy the way things turn out. Accept that random events will knock you off track. Build up your savings to help cope with them.

Learn to take risks like you did as a teen, but with much more skill. You’ll regret things you didn’t do far more than the things you messed up.

Find time for activities that you enjoy every day. Hobbies, reading, playing with your children, learning something new. Connect regularly with friends and family.

Appreciate the good things in your life. Accept yourself as you truly are. Learn to express your feelings.

Be interested and curious about everyone and everything. And live closer to where you work. Life’s far more joyful if you can walk to work rather than struggle through hours of traffic.

Think like that and you’ll feel young regardless of your age!

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