Dear Young Mark, After ordering a medium ice coffee at Dunkin Donuts (DD) earlier this week, the young girl behind the counter asked, “Would you like the senior discount?” After the shock disappeared from my face, I realized she wasn't inferring I looked old, but was simply offering me a $0.17 discount... I think.
It seems the DD franchise starts the courtesy for anyone over the age of 55. Having turned 60 earlier this year though, I have a few extra laps around the discount track and fit the profile. I'll assume her gesture was more the passing of the maturity torch and something I've earned over several generations of life.
If age truly brings wisdom, I've officially earned my merit badge and will share a few thoughts.
The most obvious recommendation I can offer pertains to being an only child. It's a tough road at times and occasionally will be lonely. You're going to be forced to make plenty of grown up decisions along the way… sometimes earlier in life than you may anticipate. Don't be afraid to gather all the facts and make informed decision(s). Do things on your own terms and in your own best interest. Some decisions will be challenging, but consider the process a sign of strength.
Just because you’re an only child doesn’t mean you should be the Lone Ranger… when possible, be inclusive of others in various endeavors as this is a vital part of communication and teamwork. Your friendships will prove invaluable over time and should be treasured. Many people will come & go in your life, but the lifelong friendships you develop will one day be a source of comfort.
A few more items to note would include the following:
Relax– Life should be cherished and enjoyed at your own pace. It's a marathon and not a sprint. Hindsight will also prove life is like a good book... there's a beginning, middle & end. What we do between the start and finish line is how you will be remembered.
Stay In the Moment - The daily busyness of life can be overwhelming. Stay in the moment and be thoroughly engaged in whatever you are doing. It will make for better memories.
Respect Your Elders – Older people have decades of real life experience. If you give them their due respect and listen to what they have to say, you will walk away a smarter person.
Read – The printed word is powerful, enlightening and educational. It will become an invaluable hobby as an only child and a great tool to better yourself each & every day. Always stay inquisitive.
Do the Right Thing – This one is pretty simple... always take the high road.
Smile More, Worry Less - Positivity is infectious and happiness is a choice.
Enjoy the Arts – Life is a balancing act and photography, painting, sculpting and so forth will provide a beautiful ying & yang effect to life. Artistic endeavors requiring you to learn all the rules and then ask you break all of them will prove invaluable for a plethora of reasons.
Great Outdoors – The four (4) seasons in the Northeast are intoxicating and offer a refreshing change of scenery every few months. Relishing the outdoor lifestyle is not only therapeutic, it checks the box for healthy living and enriches the soul.
Skiing – You will begin skiing at a young age (2 to be exact). The sport will open up an incredible array of travel opportunities and allow you to see the world through an adventurous lens. The countries, cultures, people and terrain you will encounter will be one of the true blessings in your life. Ski to your heart's content and as long as the good Lord allows you to point them downhill.
No Regrets – You will make thousands of decisions in your lifetime. Some will prove brilliant and others let’s just say will prove a wee bit off the mark. You will often realize the end result(s) of your choices at a later date. Learn to live with your decisions and don't look back. There are no regrets in life, just lessons.
