What I Would Tell My Younger Self
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by Arden Messing
In a perfect world, it would be great to be born old and to die young. In that "perfect situation", you would have all the experiences and wisdom that can only be obtained after living through time. It wouldn't be as simple as to use kindergarten expressions such as "don't sweat the small stuff" and "you get what you get and you don't get upset".
We all know that this too shall pass, but in moments of crisis, it's not very reassuring. Being of the elderly population in American culture, you are immediately first in line to be viewed as frail, invisible cast aside. In Asian culture, the elderly are embraced for their wisdom and honored for their legacy.
I am not using this platform to address all of the toxic fibers that have been integrated into our culture for centuries. On an optimistic note (and who couldn't use some optimism right now), aging has been a wonderful journey. None of us should be judged by age, beauty, wealth, education or anything exterior and superficial. The minute you look outside of yourself to fill what's inside you have missed the boat. I would love to see a world where peace, kindness and compassion are valued, where we treat everyone the same, where respect is intrinsic. A world where children's voices are heard because they are so much smarter than us, where animals get the same respect that people do. A world where nature isn't taken for granted. Where it's not viewed as a waste of time but an opportunity to see what Thoreau and the great existentialists all saw long before us.
Never lose faith and belief that there is higher power controlling us that we are part of a bigger plan!
Comments
Victoria —
Brilliant! An inspiration on all accounts; thank you! Can’t wait to come visit the store and meet you all!
Mylissa —
Impactful article & message! Thank you for sharing! More people can benefit from reading this! Looking forward to the next one.! You are very special !
Mylissa ❤️
Adina Eigen —
Thank you for this beautiful message, Arden.
Love,
“Arden‘s mom”
Jill —
Well said! Wisdom is so valuable and the children are smarter…
Thank you Arden Messing!
Bonnie G —
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Bonnie G —
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Janette goodstein —
Amazing article from a very smart and loving woman.
Sally —
This is one of the best articles I have read! Bravo to the author!!