Oh yeah?....Watch me!

Sometimes I long for the simpler days.

You know the ones I mean… the days when working 2 and 3 jobs was easy. When mac and cheese was a delicacy and you believe fish sticks were a good source of seafood.

When a stroll down memory lane meant thanking your stars you weren’t in high school any longer.
When weekends of no plans meant impromptu hikes and picnics.
When staying out late and pushing the limits was not just common – but expected. When street racing was fun because no one believed you had it in you.

And that dare devil peeked through with.. “oh yeah, ….watch me!”

Then there was the look from ‘adults’ (even though you were one) which begged and hoped that someday you’d figure it out and live to tell about it. Their gaze prickled when it fell on you because deep down you knew that this was just a growing phase and you really were destined for more. But you just didn’t know how to get there.

 Or… still better yet, the simpler days of chasing toddlers around the house, catching falling lamps before they exploded on the ground. You smiled absently while singing Sesame Street and Barney songs. When having spit up in your hair and strained peas on your shirt was considered chic. When the laundry never quite got finished and nap time was never nap time for anyone other than the cat who managed to perch herself in the window sill. When you’d fall asleep faster than your babies while reading bedtime stories.  

Then there was ‘the look’ from the older women…the understanding.
Sympathetic wisdom showered from their eyes and melted over you with a touch. That look that made you realize that even though you didn’t feel like it in the moment – you were surviving.

That even if you didn’t think it now, it was all going to be OK.

And it is… everything is – right now – it is OK.

The next phase is always waiting around the corner and yesterday’s memories will always stay in the past. If simpler days are what you long for – simplify your life. If memories are what you are lacking – make more.

And let me just say … you are never too old for a good street race!  

So if that daredevil streak in you is crying out for some action – cock your head to one side, give a sly little grin and say..  “oh yeah?… watch me!”