20 May

In the beginning of one’s life all is hope and faith in a future not yet known but ripe for exploration. And each experience is new and exciting on its own; there is so much to learn and do, and endless joy is known.

But then, within such a short span of time, one’s innocence is lost. Cruelty, hardship, pain and fear are learned at such great cost. This life is not so perfect, we learn. There are so many snares and traps, difficult is the terrain ahead, and confusing the conflicting messages thus heard. All at once we are an adult, but inside we fear that little change has overcome us, we are still a child so dear.

But now it is expected that we know our charted course. Responsibilities ensue, and a life predetermined by those before. And as we age we realise we have been fooled. That what we’ve heard from others has not been the truest truth. And so we take a road less travelled and discover for ourselves just what is means to be alive, and who we are.

In this brief summary so many lives are thus portrayed. But what if things were different, and from an early age we were encouraged to thus live our lives as so we ought, being true to self alone, and free to grow without the ties to yesterday?

You doubt the possibility, but ache to know it so. Yes, it is achievable, it is our birthright here below. Show our youngsters what is meant by life, and give them now the start you only dream of in fleeting moments spent in reflection. Do all you can today, and everyday to come, to be an example for our youth, to lift our spirits to the sun.