I think it helps to realize that the values of many (most) other people are so badly out of whack. When I get to know someone and learn about where they come from, the same old thing usually comes across; money, security, comfort, etc. Oh, and fear.

It seems to come from lifetimes of preoccupation with meaningless things blown up out of proportion. How often it is that "small talk" is the only chatter you get from those all around you. Not many people I meet are self realized, and most couldn't care less. Whether their lawn will impress the neighbors is life and death, though.

So, do you even know who and what you'd want to be, given the chance to use your potential? It's not the kind of thing you sit down and decide in a few minutes, it takes honest self evaluation, and time, which is too much trouble for a lot of people.

At least I can say this; the few who I've known who were at peace with themselves don't sit around worrying about it, they just get on with it and do the things that make them go. The limits to what we can do are mostly in our own minds.

By the way, I'm 53, maybe too old to be hanging out with you 40ish kids.

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