How old are you?
Before you answer, ask yourself this question.
How old would you be … if you didn’t know how old you were?
I’ve always been fascinated by that expression and intrigued by the possibilities.
Satchel Paige, the ageless baseball pitcher was the first to pose this question. Of course, Paige was still actively and effectively playing a young man’s game long after his contemporaries had given in to time and infirmity.
As we go through life so much of our perception of ourselves, of people we know, and people we meet … and their perceptions of us … is based on chronological age.
Under 12? You’re a “child” … enjoy the chicken fingers or the mac & cheese.
Over 18? You’re an adult … cast your vote, head off to war, but don’t try to buy a beer.
Over 50? You’re a senior citizen … take your discounted coffee and like it!
Over 65? What are you doing still working … these are your “Golden Years”.
Over 85? You shouldn’t even be here any longer … well, don’t even think of trying to get life insurance!
So … what if suddenly, we had no idea how old we were? What if one day we woke up and neither we … nor anyone else knew our actual age?
Would you feel older, younger … or about the same?
And how would others see you?
Before I can answer that, I need to know . . . are there any mirrors around?
I feel about 30, until I bump into a mirror that belies that belief.
Darn mirrors !
I feel about 16. Other times I feel 40. It’s quite odd.
It’s a day-to-day thing for most of us I suppose.
Mid to late twenties for me… maybe early thirties.
So, right on target, huh?
You might enjoy this post:
http://eof737.wordpress.com/2011/02/12/dag-age-thing-telling-tall-tales/
Thanks Nancy. I visited and enjoyed her perspectives. Appreciate the tip.