An Open Letter to "Old People"

The "Breakfast at Target Open Letter Series" returns.

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April 7th , 2013

Dear "Old People,"

I am 27 years old. When I tell people this, I often get the raised eye-brow, open mouth *wink-wink-nudge-nudge* smile with a resounding "AHHH, gettin' close to 30, eh?!"

Well, yes. I'm glad you know how to round numbers. The public school system hasn't failed you entirely.

In recent months, I've seen and read and heard a ridiculous amount of sentiment from my peers and even younger generations of how "old" they feel. There's this weird notion that because one has made better efforts to not recklessly relish in being a shameless and immature individual that you've been cast into a dark shroud of misery and monotony. Why is making a conscious effort to focus your life in one direction or another the new "gray hair"?

Why am I to feel, as a "twenty-something" (a phrase that annoys me to NO-end, I might add), that I'm getting... old? That the age of 30 will forever mark the end of my youth. That I need to clutch my chest and wail in sorrow when a snarky 18-year-old doesn't get my reference to a 90's TV show. That I need to make cranking out kids and buying a house a priority. That I need to prove I'm "young" by partaking in late-night debauchery in frocks that barely cover my hoochie. That I'm a failure because I'm "almost 30" and don't really understand how a 401K or mortgage works. That my life is stifled and a tragic mess because I'm "almost 30" and haven't figured everything out yet. 

THAT I STILL NEED YOUR OPINION.

Linda Rodin

I refuse - REFUSE - to believe that because I'm out of school and rockin' my 9-to-5 and prefer happy hours to drinking into the wee hours that I'm OLD. Twenty-seven - or "the downward spiral toward my 30th birthday" - has surprisingly been a good year so far. I'm more intentional with taking on activities or duties, more affirmed in my thoughts and opinions, and more sound in my convictions. I'm more fit than I've ever been, more appreciative of the small things, and far better at making decisions. I've learned to say "no" - I used to take on an absurd amount of responsibility because I was so nervous of missing out on an opportunity that might lead to something. But, now, I only accept things in which the opportunity itself is going to enhance my current ambitions. Or, simply, because it'll make me happy.

I've also learned to say "no" to people - my social life is far less cluttered, and I only surround myself with people who add positive notes to my day, even if we discuss negative or controversial things... which makes them MORE wonderful, because I've discovered dialogue is far more appealing than idle chatter, superficial banter, empty small-talk. It makes me want to find out more. It keeps my wits sharp. It pairs oh-so-divinely with margaritas.

How can a generation of people with at least another 50, 60, or even 70 years ahead of them feel so geriatric? Why are we so lethargic, depressed, full of woe and void of aspirations? It baffles me that there are so many tools at our disposal to create and so many causes in need of a champion - and, yet, we'd rather wallow in the tragedy that is the "hot mess" of a twenty-something (*cringe!*) life.

It's a waste. And society wants us to believe we aren't worth anything once we've hit a certain age and haven't "accomplished" anything. I'm tired of the people - the real "old" people - who make excuses for not making the most of the life they have left. Who let their fears dull their sense of time. Who ruin my happy hours.

PEOPLE. There's art to be appreciated, champagne to be poured, moments to photographed, races to be run, floors to be twirled upon, and perspectives to be shared. I've never been more energized than I have coming to terms with my Old Soul - she and I like our dark corners and bitter gin and highly entertaining friends who still marvel in the exciting possibilities of this screwed up world.

And thank you to the "young people," no matter how "old" you are, who continuously inspire me to stay vibrant and curious and eager. Who show me you can conquer anything, live a life full of experiences, and not be afraid to give something a try. Who remind me that you need to hold on to the people who love you for it - because those folks don't have to, but they do. And the only thing sweeter than perfectly aged bourbon is having friends & family who want you to succeed.

So go head, "old people." Let your youthful spirit sink to the bottom of your tequila and I'll be sure to visit on Sundays to have chats about the good old days... that were like, two years ago.

I bid you all A GOOD DAY.