Age ain't nothing but a number

“Age ain’t nothing but a number.” Bullshit. Only young fools say that…and although I’m still young, I’m no fool. This is a saying that’s often used by a young person who has yet to prove their maturity. Our ages are much more than numbers. Unless you’ve lived alone in a cave your entire life, age is a testament of life experiences. Our experiences shape who we are and how we respond to future experiences.

Today a friend of mine told me that, although he has the desire to do one thing, experience has taught him to do the exact opposite. I really respect that because that’s what life experiences are designed to do (along with test our faith in God, but that’s another blog.) For the person that truly believes the opening statement, you are saying those experiences are irrelevant. The opening statement says I would be the same person, make the same choices and decisions, had I not had those experiences. Bullshit. Today I am 33 years old. Ten years ago, I was 23 years old and a different person. I’m not going to list all my differences, but know they are major. The experiences (tired of typing that word now) I’ve had in the past 10 years have shaped who I am today and are completely relevant. “Age ain’t nothing but a number” is like telling the city worker, military enlistee, even doctor, that their years on the job mean nothing and should not count. Those years are more than just getting one day closer to retirement. Those years say what they’ve seen and (here we go again) experienced is important and valued. Ok. I think I’ve made my point.

Another point I wanted to make was although I am 33 years old, I am also 23 years old. I know, I know. I’m going to explain myself. I believe our ages are like rings in a tree trunk and layers of an onion. We add to previous years so they are always there. I know you’ve heard a women complain that her man is a “big o’ baby when he’s sick.” He sure is. He taps into his 6 year old ring. You may have seen a woman get around her father and, before your eyes, transform into a little girl. I believe there’s nothing wrong with tapping into younger rings on occasion, as long as you don’t stay there. We all know those “big ass kids” who dwell in their immature rings. You really wish they would grow the hell up. You might have even suggested this to them once or twice. That’s a down side to having access to younger rings. Anyway, I love being every year of 33 and I look forward to adding on years, rings and (for the last time) …….. experiences.