“The thing you do obsessively between age 13 and 18, that’s the thing you have the most chance of being world-class at.” When I first saw this Bill Gates quote, my immediate reaction was, “Yikes.” Because between those ages, I was obsessively doing… absolutely nothing remarkable.
You just explained my life at age 64. Recovering from abusive marriage, I am becoming my teenage self again. I have been wondering if I’m totally ridiculous when viewed from the outside, but from the inside, my 17-year-old self is blossoming in this decades older body/mind. If I’m ridiculous, then so be it. I’m having fun! I’m remembering and practicing what was fun then, and is still fun now, still meaningful now, still moves me deeply now, or just tickles the hell out of me. And boy oh boy do I need the hell tickled out of me.
Elisa, there's nothing ridiculous about reclaiming joy! And if that's your teenage self making a vibrant comeback at 64, I say more power to you. Keep blossoming, keep laughing, and may you have endless joyful tickles ahead! You're inspiring! 💛
Needed to read this today! It also reminded me of a quote from the brilliant Virgil Abloh (super talented creative/designer that sadly passed away from cancer a few years ago) — « Everything I do is for the 17-year old version of myself »
I totally relate Laura. I loved writing in high school and planned on pursuing it in college, but then drifted away from it eventually settling on psychology and counseling.
Now, 30 years later, I’m finally coming back to it, and it’s been so fulfilling. It’s amazing how passions can circle back around! So maybe Bill was onto something.
I think a lot of us have had moments when hiding in books felt safest. They're a comforting way to explore and understand the world. Sounds like college was when you took your research into the real world! 😉
I suppose that is true. I experimented more in college, particularly with how I behaved, and how I made friends/approached relationships. Late bloomer, I think that's what they call it.
You just explained my life at age 64. Recovering from abusive marriage, I am becoming my teenage self again. I have been wondering if I’m totally ridiculous when viewed from the outside, but from the inside, my 17-year-old self is blossoming in this decades older body/mind. If I’m ridiculous, then so be it. I’m having fun! I’m remembering and practicing what was fun then, and is still fun now, still meaningful now, still moves me deeply now, or just tickles the hell out of me. And boy oh boy do I need the hell tickled out of me.
Elisa, there's nothing ridiculous about reclaiming joy! And if that's your teenage self making a vibrant comeback at 64, I say more power to you. Keep blossoming, keep laughing, and may you have endless joyful tickles ahead! You're inspiring! 💛
Needed to read this today! It also reminded me of a quote from the brilliant Virgil Abloh (super talented creative/designer that sadly passed away from cancer a few years ago) — « Everything I do is for the 17-year old version of myself »
Love that, Helen! Virgil’s words are a reminder that our teenage dreams and obsessions are worth keeping close (and keeping alive).
I totally relate Laura. I loved writing in high school and planned on pursuing it in college, but then drifted away from it eventually settling on psychology and counseling.
Now, 30 years later, I’m finally coming back to it, and it’s been so fulfilling. It’s amazing how passions can circle back around! So maybe Bill was onto something.
Indeed amazing how our early passions have a way of patiently waiting for us to come back around. So glad you're reconnecting with your writing now!
This quote - “Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.” — Søren Kierkegaard. Chills!!!!
I hid in the library and read a ton of Chinese novels - high school was a depressing time for me.
But in college I was obsessing over having relationships!
I think a lot of us have had moments when hiding in books felt safest. They're a comforting way to explore and understand the world. Sounds like college was when you took your research into the real world! 😉
I suppose that is true. I experimented more in college, particularly with how I behaved, and how I made friends/approached relationships. Late bloomer, I think that's what they call it.