When you were 16, what did you think your life would look like? Does it look like that? Is that a good thing? – Daily Prompt
If anyone can say that their life now is what they thought it would be when they were 16 I would say they probably are the rarity. When we are teenagers there is so much about life we don’t know. We are so naive to think that life can turn out just as perfect as we expect, that there will be no bumps in the road or changes ahead.
When I was 16 I did not spend a lot of time thinking about what my future life would be like. I did think I had a pretty good handle on what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wanted to be a computer programmer. I spent a lot of time playing on computers and enjoyed it. I knew I wanted to be married.
But that was about as far as I thought. I’m not the planner type so I did not make a lot of futuristic plans.
Turns out the computer line of work did not work out. I went to school for it but it just never held my interest as something I wanted to do day in and day out. I did get married. And that has worked out to be more wonderful than I had imagined it would be.
Beyond that, I never pictured the rest of my life. I assumed that children would come along with the marriage, and I am a father. But I never really spent time thinking about how many kids, dogs, etc. I never dreamed of where I would live or how luxurious my life would be.
And I think that is a good thing. Because I never had expectation of glamour and glory, there was nothing to compare reality to when it happened. Had I expected to be famous and rich, would I still be happy with where I am now?
I like to think I would of matured and learned to be okay with what I have. But on the other hand, would I also be looking back and regretting decisions I made every turn of the way when I did not end up living up to those expectations?
I love my life just the way it is. I have absolutely the most perfect and wonderful wife and child I could ask for. Could I have a few more materialistic things? Nicer house with an ocean view, more exotic vacations, or top of the line luxury cars? Sure, probably.
But those are not the things that are required in order to have a happy, full life. Everything I need for that I currently have. I am truly blessed in the life I have. And for that I thank God every day.
A Cup of Joe 