Eighteen: a small number when looked at on a number line to
infinity, a large number when looked at in regards to a lifetime. Yet, infinity
remains a number of years unknown to mankind and the Guinness Book of World
Records. As the clock approached twelve this morning, I found myself in a
panic as the last seconds of my childhood slipped between my fingers. Memories
flashed across my mind: the time I fell asleep while tying my shoes, the time I
ate croutons off of every salad plate in a restaurant, and even the time I
stuck tweezers in an electrical outlet. Yes, thinking about the past eighteen
years has evoked a large dose of nostalgia into my life today; however, as I
delved into the work of F. Scott Fitzgerald in The Great Gatsby, four
words turned my frown upside down: “’you can’t live forever’” (36). Spoken by
Myrtle, she reflects on her initial thoughts as she decides to take a chance
and make a huge risk in her life. As I absorbed this claim, I realized that
dwelling in my awesome past would not help the transition into adulthood. I
have to brace my new age, new responsibilities, and the new expectations set by
the people around me; yet, how can I embrace this shift in the times without
losing the values of childhood that I already cherish? I must synthesize my old
ways with my new expectations. I will not give up my desire to live in a land
of no consequences forever. I will buy my Powerball Lottery Tickets (thirty
dollars worth of tickets to be exact) and I will get as many tattoos and
piercings as I want (which will probably amount to zero due to my irrational
fear of blood). Why? Because, I can make my own decisions as an adult, despite
if they seem stupid or ridiculous to the outside world. I cannot live forever. Life encourages me to go out into the world with an open mind and a desire to
take risks and make mistakes. Today, I learned that no curse lies in aging, only promise for a more exciting tomorrow. Unlike Myrtle, I will not commit adultery. Like
Myrtle, I will take chances to fulfill my life while I still have the
opportunity. Eighteen rocks and the time has come to embrace my new freedoms.
Happy Birthday my friend!
ReplyDeleteI also encountered this feeling when I turned eighteen last week. I discussed this topic with my friend/mentor/dance teacher, Michelle. We discussed what happens to people when they move away to college. Some people find themselves so lost due to the fact that they cannot leave childhood and memories behind and accept them for what they are. Therefore, they remain depressed and homesick, always looking for a time as good as their high school years. But times change, thus, we must change. We should remain grateful for our memories, and feel excited to make new memories in the future!
Although I have yet to turn eighteen, I often feel nostalgic about the thought of growing up. I often revert to a Peter Pan esque state of mind where I challenge time to bring it on in the hopes of never growing up. You both make an excellent point, however. I know that I can not stay young in Neverland and must embarce getting older even though more resposibilties and hardships come with age. I have to embrace the good in adulthood rather than stressing about how to cope with my new responsibilities for only myself.
ReplyDeleteMiley Cyrus had so much going for her! She made a YCLF decision and now she looks like a lost boy of the punk-rock era. What happened to America's sweetheart? Can she even write country music anymore? What a horrible motto Shannon. I do not care what crazy haircut makes Miley happy because a beautiful brunette makes me happy. You cannot live forever so do not spend the time you have on earth making ridiculous decisions that leave you looking like someone shaved your head and put a dishrag on top of it.
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow eighteen-year-old (as of five months and four days ago), I know exactly how scary the idea of moving on from childhood can seem; however, I have found that adulthood parallels childhood quite a bit. We adults still have the same friends, the same families, the same beliefs, and, relatively, the same responsibilities. Thus, I personally do not like Myrtle’s ideas on life, they remind me too much of that YOLO saying all of the kids keep using, for she acts childishly in the way she uses the words instead of using them to fulfill and make her life better (in a moral way).
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