What You Can Do in High School That You Can't Anymore

High school is a whirlwind of activities, responsibilities, and changes. The days when I used to wake up at 5 AM for running, attend classes all day, and then swim until late afternoon are long gone. Yet, now at 61, I find myself adjusting my pace and working through new challenges. This transition reflects many changes we experience as we progress from youth to adulthood.

Physical Changes and Adjustments

As I reflect on the physical adaptions I've experienced, there are several stark contrasts between high school and adulthood. In high school, I could eat a lot without gaining weight if I stayed active. Now, I have to be more mindful of my diet and cut out junk food. My weight training schedule demands early morning wake-ups, but I need to balance it with a strict diet.

Changes in Daily Routines

Fast forward to middle age, and I find myself waking up at 4:30 AM instead of 5 AM for weight training. The days of walking down the street enjoying a fish and chips without a second thought are over. My former principal used to jump out of bed on Saturdays to run to the shopping mall in sweatpants and a t-shirt. Now, he would be mortified at the thought of attending a school event in that outfit. Similarly, young teachers often lament that their clubbing days are gone because they fear meeting senior students in such attire.

The Evolution of Youth and Adulthood

When I was training to be a teacher, my lecturer warned us that leaving college means the onset of middle age. He said, ldquo;We will no longer be able to walk along the road eating fish and chips.rdquo; Over the years, I've noticed that there are indeed many things we can't do as we age. Personally, I used to be able to work all day and still want to play at night. Now, a hard day makes me prefer going to bed early. In high school, I could memorize anything and everything without much effort, but now it takes much more time and effort to commit new information to memory. Physical activities that once seemed effortless now require more caution and pain. I now hurt if I sleep or stand up improperly.

Mental and Emotional Growth

On a more positive note, some things have become easier or more enjoyable as I've aged. I can no longer care what others think of me as long as I'm okay with myself. I can see my flaws as opportunities for improvement rather than things to hide. This perspective allows me to draw parallels between various symbol sets and think beyond limited teachings and thought processes. I can also see the interconnectedness in all of our existences more than I can see our differences. These lessons from both the physical and mental aspects of life are invaluable and worth cherishing.

So, while there are many things we can't do in adulthood, there are also many new opportunities and perspectives that make it a rewarding time in life. Enjoy the flexibility and strength from your youth, and embrace the newfound wisdom and relaxed demeanor that come with age.