If I was to choose to be older or younger than I am today, I would choose the latter for I believe that youth is a precious gift that holds the essence of how to truly live one’s life. This is because youth holds a certain degree of power – hence the saying “the youth is wasted on the young.”

So why do people think that youth is wasted on the young? Could it be because time is on their side and the potential to become who they wish to be is far greater than those whose life has gone by? Apart from that, do you not feel that youth is the epitome of health and beauty; fertility and strength? Is it any wonder why insecurity creeps upon those who have aged and those who feel that life has not been so kind?

Do you remember how it was when you were young? Life seems so limitless and the feeling of being indestructible was there. The desire to experience everything gives you that adrenalin rush – so much so that it felt like you were on a natural high. That is something that is hard to duplicate once it has been done.

There is also that innocence and purity that comes with youth. Youth is filled with so much hope and fire when it comes to making statements and making a difference. This is the reason why the government should invest wisely on their youth for they will need them when turn old and grey.

Youth is fueled with hunger and desire to fulfill a need and to prove one’s self-worth – may it be with to their families, friends or society; youth simply wants to be heard and to be respected and works damn hard to get it.

The youth are harder to discourage compared to their older counter parts – probably because the latter have experienced the harsh realities of life. Youth is stubborn and willing to fight for what they believe is right – even if they lack the experience, knowledge and understanding. They are highly emotional and passionate which are feelings that make one feel so alive. And to live life is to feel alive.

Now if I was to choose a particular age, I would want to be forever seventeen. Being seventeen symbolizes a crossroad for me wherein you are neither a teen nor an adult. For me, being seventeen is the beginning of idealism when it comes to the world at large. You are on the verge of saying goodbye to a certain phase of your life while preparing yourself for a whole new experience of being an adult. This is exciting, scary and full of promise. Being seventeen for me is being in the realm of the unknown where you have the power to mold your future and who you want to be and what you want to become.

If I could be seventeen again, I would try to experience life in a more free-spirited way without being reckless. I would not waste my time growing up so fast for I have a life time to do that; nor would I worry too much about the future. Instead, I will live and enjoy every moment of my life and begin to shape it in such a way that it will lead me to where I truly want to be in – without too much hurdles and wasted time.

Image by Fey Ilyas via Flickr