Well, Grammarly thinks this article sounds like I’m worried. Maybe I am. As of shortly after sunrise this morning, one of my sons officially stepped into Adult Level 2. I’ve done a little research and as always – lots of thinking – to bring this article to the light of day. I hope you enjoy it and count your blessings as you reflect with me on getting older.
Adult Level 1 = 18 = Officially by law an adult and thus able to get married, sign contracts, obtain a credit card or guns, purchase and use tobacco products in most states, gamble, stand trial for terrible mistakes/bad choices, and kill people for your country. (Sounds scary; there should be more real fun involved in being an adult!)
Adult Level 2 = 21 = Officially by law able to purchase & drink alcohol and now in many states marijuana too. (Is this really the fun part?) This is also the level where most people start sorting out the confusion around appearing like an adult.
Adult Level 2 & a 1/2 = 25 = This is apparently the statistically significant time that the majority of people experience the brain’s frontal lobes knitting together. Therefore this is considered the unofficial, but most widely acknowledged age of mature driving. Car insurance rates drop substantially for young men who haven’t wrecked any cars in the last two years. And for all genders willing to pay the right price, rental car companies finally acknowledge your readiness to borrow a car. (What were the parents thinking?!)
Level 3 = 30 = You’re probably a grown-up now. Because this is the last level of the Adult Minor Levels, most people tend to experience a bit of a mad dash to drop appearing and start actually feeling like a grown-up. As in music, minor vs major isn’t always one way or another and like music, age in life experience is personal. But for the purposes of this little “World According to Beth” article, The Minor Levels have more innate tension and chaos. The Major Levels tend to have more opportunities for simple and gentle forms of happiness.
Level 4 = 40 = 1st of the Major Adult Levels. So the actual fun of life begins. If more than 2 of your family and/or friends have recently hinted that you might not be a grown-up yet, you need professional help. If the number is more like 4, quickly seek treatment at a good facility to get your shit together asap!
Level 5 = 50 = Not nearly as bad as it sounded during previous levels. In fact, quite nice and comfortable, especially if one’s attitude and hormones are in a healthy balance of stable momentum.
Level 6 = 60 = Many consider this the dawn of the Sweet Spot although there is often some pressure seeping in around the edges regarding something called the kick-the-bucket list. Also many are concerned with their ability to play with the grandchildren, so money and time may suddenly flow toward more exercise equipment and/or private trainers.
Level 7 = 70 = The mystery zone. Lots of pondering the great mysteries of life and then not telling anyone the answers.
Level 8 = 80 = This level offers one the High Noon of the Real Sweet Spot: Happy to be alive and deeply appreciating every day, especially days that don’t involve the death or a health crisis of someone close.
Level 9 = 90 = Hopefully still standing or at least sitting in the Sweet Spot without too much trouble and not asking the grandchildren why the Good Lord won’t take you. Seriously – I don’t care how old you are – that is not a good adult question to discuss with younger adults. It is an especially bad question to ask anyone juggling life with young children who may literally be scared of what is hiding in your wrinkles. If this terrible question comes to mind, read the room before blurting it out.
Level 10 = 100 = You made it! Amazing! It’s not like you’re Yoda or Noah, but you truly are an inspiration to all. You have a good chance at being the star of a media story. You may wonder aloud as my great-grandma did, “but what’s in it for me?” Well, you get to call yourself a centenarian, you most certainly have the right to insist on details of the big landmark 100th birthday celebration, and you will probably be officially congratulated by a head of state.
According to studies on longevity and the world’s “Blue Zones” (places with a high concentration of centenarians,) the best things to do to add life to your years and not just years to your life are; cultivate and enjoy the bounty of a hobby garden, have more than 3 good friends, take regular walks in nature or at least add enjoyable physical activity to your daily rounds, eat a plant-based diet until you’re 80% full (don’t over-eat), and know your Ikigai (a.k.a. your big why, your purpose in life, your reason you get out of bed in the morning).
Originally, I ended the article there. But, I recorded myself reading this article in practice for building my platform and other such things. That helped me that I realize I need to add a little something about Ikigai. I’ve had some real trouble with this question: What do you want to be when you grow up? What’s your purpose? I’ve been thoroughly tangled up in this a few times in my life. If we’re not careful these questions can lead us into a real Dark Night of the Soul. So here’s a nice simple concept to borrow if you ever find yourself (or perhaps talking with someone) in this messy situation of no satisfying answer to the Big Why…
I’m here to have some fun while figuring why and what this is all about. If I’m lucky, I’ll meet some good people and perhaps help a few others as I meander along this road of life. Remember: some days and even long stretches of days are really tough, but as Robert Frost says about life – it goes on. And for me, this bit about finding fun in life, well that has made all the difference.
Here’s a link to hear him read one of his famous poems. After the poem there is a quote. It says among other things…
“In three words, I can sum up everything
I’ve learned about life. It goes on.”