I remember when we did things just because we could. It seems as we grow older we lose our sense of adventure, our ability to do something just because it is fun. We become cautious and worry about what people think. We stifle our imagination and our sense of letting go and doing something outrageously fun.
In truth, I have always been adventurous and loved doing things in the moment. When I was young my cousin got a child’s version of a convertible muscle car. I lived about four blocks from the boulevard where all the high school kids cruised. Being that I was a few years older than him I talked him into pedaling his toy car straight down the highway, stopping at stop signs and red lights. We had a little transistor radio taped to the dashboard listening to the Beach Boys and Motown.
People were lining up the streets to see us pedaling by and I was telling him I told you this would be great.
We were cruising like the boys of summer, top down, shirts off and our hair slicked back with a superman curl up front. Everyone was clapping and blowing their horns in salute. We were living large and owning it. People were lining up the streets to see us pedaling by and I was telling him I told you this would be great. We saw the flashing lights and knew we were busted, two Carolina outlaws in custody, but we had our moment of sheer joy and we made the local newspaper. Desperados, rebels, and rouges were just some of the names they called us.
It seemed that this would be a trait that would be part of who I was for many years to come. I never wanted to wish I could have done something but was afraid. Over the years I hitchhiked across the south going wherever the railroad tracks took me. I ended up on the road playing music and even hit Woodstock with my best friends.
Later in life, as I was settling down a bit I would still jump in my car, roll the windows down and play the Allman Brothers’ music loud. I would leave Carolina and drive four hours to Jekyll Island to sit on Driftwood Beach for the day reading a good book and watching the waves. Then I would drive home in time for work the next day.
Point Of View
As we grow older we may still be bold and courageous taking risks but doing it for business and success. Perhaps we should take that moment again and do something just because we can and maybe have a little fun.
There are situations that, if they are not caught in the moment of their manifestation, can no longer be recovered with the intensity and emotional fullness of that moment. Yet as we grow up we learn to unlearn the art of spontaneity. It is the barriers that we carry within us or the experiences we have along the course of life or the social conventions that prevent us from dedicating ourselves with awareness and with the warmth of our feelings to what happens in our daily life.
Love this, Larry. Remembering our youthful adventures into life reignites our desire to always adventure in this precious life we have, regardless of age. To live my life fully is my intention.
I am still at my age very spontaneous.
Larry – A trip down memory lane – the story draws us in – the emotion causes us to smile at feats of daring when we felt free to be ourselves – the sadness then grips us as we realize we “conformed” just to fit in. But, the best thing about growing older is that you once again realize that being free to be yourself is more important than worrying about the expectations of society. Thanks for this wonderful story.
Boy you are spot on. I spent my life chasing success now I am trying to unsuccess.
Larry – I love that line (“I spent my life chasing success now I am trying to unsuccess.”)- I may have to borrow it.
We came to this world as sensitive beings. As children we had phenomenal insights, a magnificent imagination and a spontaneity capable of showing all the emotions. We could feel and see beyond the ordinary, and express ourselves freely, at the moment. We lived blessed on the wings of freedom in a timeless place, where the game was our reality and our guide.
By becoming adults we have lost touch with the imagination, creativity and magic of our inner child. Efficiency, productivity, society’s expectations have involved us and the adrenaline has prompted us to do things quickly. Ignoring our inner voice, we have tried to adapt to the structure of society and to limiting beliefs. We have lost contact at the expense of innocence, purity and real play.
It is never late to regain that precious contact and bring our inner child back to life. The children around us constantly remind us of it!
Totally agree
What a great story, Larry! It took me back to my childhood. And it’s making me wonder what I might do now.
Thank you Kris appreciate you reading and commenting means a lot
Thank you, Larry! I always love your stories. There is a quality about them that is warm and nostalgic.
It’s sad but true. As most of us grow older we lose a lot of spontaneity. Perhaps because for so many years, as we raised our family, we wanted to keep them safe so we played it safe and stay locked in that mode. On the other hand, being spontaneous adds variety, relieves monotony, and is more fun.
Thank you, Larry, for a thought-provoking post.
Thank you my friend I guess as I get older I am less afraid to let go and truly enjoy life
Thank you Raissa I think we should always find things to do just because we want to.
Love this! Makes me want to go swing on a swing set, go swimming in the lake, climb a mountain and watch the sunset in the distance.