by Mike Smith Different stages in our lives bring different priorities, different perspectives. In the first 25 years of our lives — and some years beyond — we are constantly looking forward, often frustrated by the pace of time and with anything that delays the unfolding of the future or advancement. We relish the frenzied pace that surrounds our young life. We want to get where we’re going. We thrive on the adventure. There’s a whole lot of living to do. There’s a mystery, too, which powers the excitement. How quickly can we advance in our careers, should we get married and when will this is all happen?
On the other hand, in the last 25 years of our life things are vastly different, — we are more pensive, possibilities are narrowing and our goals may not be as ambitious as perhaps they once were. There’s a slowing, both physically and emotionally, as the mystery turns to reality. Even if we are disappointed by how our life has unfolded, we are less likely to change our circumstance. Risk becomes less tolerable because mistakes can take years to recover from — years we may not have left.
In our younger years we think of ourselves as invincible. Although deep down we know otherwise, we are convinced we can avoid harm and cheat death. Growing older, we learn to accept vulnerability; and although most don’t dwell on it, it becomes apparent to many that the time that lies ahead is much shorter than the time already lived. Death is no longer an abstract concept.
There is a normal tendency to conclude that the last 25 years of one’s life is a slowing process, where duties and responsibilities are waning. Yet aren’t the obligations in the last 25 years of life just as important as the first 25 years? Don’t we still have a responsibility in our later years to ensure that certain values — such as honesty, respect, compassion, hard work and perseverance — are passed from one generation to the next? Ultimately, isn’t our legacy judged not by our own success — which will be soon forgotten — but rather if future generations succeed?
Youth brings with it an abundance of enthusiasm; the energy to tackle big tasks; and aspirations undaunted by past failures. There is a vibrancy of action that is infectious. It is through these qualities that much progress can be made.
With age there’s experience, perhaps even pragmatism, or caution. But taken together, youthful exuberance and experienced pragmatism is a powerful combination. And good values added to that combination not only makes a successful society, but it also ensures a just one.
Nowadays, it is commonplace to try to divide people into groups. Politicians will pit one group against another, and even our own inherent biases sometimes prevent these multigenerational partnerships from happening. But if we allow ourselves to be splintered we will never achieve our true potential as a nation.
Which leads me to Mothers Day. On Mothers Day it is important to remember that mothers have a goal that is universally shared: to ensure their children are blessed with a good life. Age is never a factor in this desire, nor should it be. Hope you had a Happy Mothers Day!
Mike Smith was the secretary of administration and secretary of human services under former Gov. Jim Douglas. He is the host of the radio program, “Open Mike with Mike Smith,” on WDEV. He is also a political analyst for WCAX-TV and WVMT radio and is a regular contributor to the Times Argus, Rutland Herald and Vermont Business Magazine.