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I can only tell you this, because I am not a young dude anymore. I can reflect more objectively, because I have some time and distance between the events and the memories. Things become easier to rationalize as the decades go by.
Growing up is a very sensitive time for most of us. We are learning our way, and trying to figure out how and where we fit in. And I believe most of us want to be like everyone else when we are in those developing years. Not exactly the same, but not too far from the beaten path, otherwise we may be considered "odd" or a misfit of some sort. And being a young person does not align itself very well with being a "singled out" person.
Fact is, most of us are different, and rightfully so. I for one felt we were different, because we did some things that others did not. We had some traditions and even some religious activities (as practicing Catholics) that seemed isolating in some way. Then again, I wasn't exactly keeping track of what all the others were up to. We grew up a little less wealthy than some I associated with, but my Father did all he could, as a fabulous carpenter. I don't even remember him missing a day of work outside of very limited vacations (maybe a week per year). We were certainly not poor.
But years go by, and when we chat with one another, whether it be family or friends, all those memories are the foundation for who we are. We can talk for hours steady about what we did, and the silly things we endured, and how fun it was back in the day. And the odder the better. The stories never die, but in most cases, get more interesting and funnier, and I believe we feel even more special.....because we were unique, and yes...."unusual".
And quite possibly none of that made us different in a negative way. If anything I believe it gave us a broader sense of what can be. And it did not cloud our understanding of how to "be". If nothing else, it taught us open-mindedness, and acceptance of others.
So don't worry too much about being young and not in a textbook lifestye. Embrace the unusual. It will be your ally as you grow older. Sure, there are things that happen that our unfair and not to be wished on others, but I am not talking about crimes or wrongdoing. I am talking about people being the people they are. And if that means you have an uncle or aunt who was a bit "off the wall", then that's cool. As long as they meant well. And even if this means you eat food that your friends don't eat, or if you attend certain events that your friends don't attend, and so on.......it's all good, trust me. You will end up talking many a day about those times - growing up, and laughing harder than you will ever imagine.
Be proud.....and take it all in! If anything, feel for those who grow up far too normal. Your stories and memories will be so much more valuable.
Growing up is a very sensitive time for most of us. We are learning our way, and trying to figure out how and where we fit in. And I believe most of us want to be like everyone else when we are in those developing years. Not exactly the same, but not too far from the beaten path, otherwise we may be considered "odd" or a misfit of some sort. And being a young person does not align itself very well with being a "singled out" person.
Fact is, most of us are different, and rightfully so. I for one felt we were different, because we did some things that others did not. We had some traditions and even some religious activities (as practicing Catholics) that seemed isolating in some way. Then again, I wasn't exactly keeping track of what all the others were up to. We grew up a little less wealthy than some I associated with, but my Father did all he could, as a fabulous carpenter. I don't even remember him missing a day of work outside of very limited vacations (maybe a week per year). We were certainly not poor.
But years go by, and when we chat with one another, whether it be family or friends, all those memories are the foundation for who we are. We can talk for hours steady about what we did, and the silly things we endured, and how fun it was back in the day. And the odder the better. The stories never die, but in most cases, get more interesting and funnier, and I believe we feel even more special.....because we were unique, and yes...."unusual".
And quite possibly none of that made us different in a negative way. If anything I believe it gave us a broader sense of what can be. And it did not cloud our understanding of how to "be". If nothing else, it taught us open-mindedness, and acceptance of others.
So don't worry too much about being young and not in a textbook lifestye. Embrace the unusual. It will be your ally as you grow older. Sure, there are things that happen that our unfair and not to be wished on others, but I am not talking about crimes or wrongdoing. I am talking about people being the people they are. And if that means you have an uncle or aunt who was a bit "off the wall", then that's cool. As long as they meant well. And even if this means you eat food that your friends don't eat, or if you attend certain events that your friends don't attend, and so on.......it's all good, trust me. You will end up talking many a day about those times - growing up, and laughing harder than you will ever imagine.
Be proud.....and take it all in! If anything, feel for those who grow up far too normal. Your stories and memories will be so much more valuable.
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