Recycling old dreams
Wed, December 28, 2016 
2016 was somewhat of a banner year for me, in that I reached my 80th. birthday. That is not something that happens every day of the week. In less than six weeks I will be 81, but somehow that is no big deal. The next big one for me will be my 90th. in 2026.
And that will be here soon enough, at the rate time flies when a person reaches my age. I now look back to my childhood and it all seems such a short time ago. Never once during my teen years, or even my twenties, did I consider, or even think about the fact that I might live into the next millennium.
Why not? I now ask myself. I was only 63 when I passed through New Year 2000. There was always a good possibility that I would. Why did it never even occur to me until somewhere around New Year 1999?
George Bernard Shaw said “Youth is wasted on the young.” Shaw was born in 1856, and died in 1950. I was 14 years old when he died, and for some reason I remember it well. Probably because my father was Irish like Shaw, and made a bid deal about it.
I wish now that I had paid more attention to scholars like George Bernard Shaw, because my youth was indeed wasted on me. Looking back, I had so many dreams, but that is all they were, just dreams. Never once did I take steps to make those dreams become even a remote possibility.
I did what most do, I stumbled aimlessly along. Rather than doing what I wanted to do, I did what was expected of me by others. In spite of this, I did have a few more successes than failures, and I should be at least grateful for that. And I am.
Today I am recycling my old dreams. Doing what I wanted to do back when I was wasting my youth. I am achieving moderate success, but I can’t expect much more. After all, time is running out for me.
Youth is a precious gift, because it is the gift of time, and all success needs is time. If anyone does anything long enough they will become good at it. That is practically guaranteed, but youth cannot see time in the future, youth wants instant success. When instant success doesn’t materialize, youth gives up.
I know this to be true, because I was young once, a short time ago.
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Reader Comments (7)
For years Dave, I always rode my bike on my birthday the miles that I was young, I did just that last June 7 83 miles. I intend to do the same this next year 2017 ride 84 miles. I have done this year, up to today, so far 6547 miles mostly on my vintage steel tubes bikes, like to ones that you crafted and are still been ridden. As we use to say "Keep on twiddling" its good for you, How about riding Eroica in Paso Robles. California in April 2017 on one of your fine machines, I would be proud to ride along with you. I MAY even be able to keep up with you!!!!
Happy Birthday Dave. I enjoy your blog. Like the previous poster, I try to ride one mile per year, but living in the Northeast corner of the USA and being born in December, the challenge is becoming more arduous.
I hope that you will continue to write and do what makes you happy. Best to you, Jay
A beautifully written post Dave! Thanks and congratulations on your successes, including the many joys you have brought others through your bikes, writing, and music. I'll also be at Eroica California in 2017, and it would be great to see you there.
Happy Birthday, Dave; I so love your writing; and yes youth is indeed wasted on the young--but as you said, we don't know that as we move on. I feel honored to have gotten to know you and Kathy; Happy New Year to you both. Luv u, Jude
This time I'm really going to learn the bass guitar, one of my recycled old dreams, at 59. And ride my Fuso FR1 (the only one in Australia AFAIK) until I can do so no more.
Thanks for your constant optimism and inspiration. Happy Birthday.
Belated Happy Birthday Dave, It is always cheerful to celebrate another Birthday, Last birthday my mother gift me BMX bike and I am very exited for the Gift. Seriously parents are God they finds what their Children are dreaming.
This is one of my best ever gift I have received from my Parents. God bless them and you as well
Happy belated birthday Dave. Your articles are always so good, and so inspirational.