Your Future’s So Bright You Gotta Wear Shades

Do you remember that feeling when anything was possible in your life?

That it was one big blank page that you could write anything on?

The 18-year old kid that helps me out in the yard (and that I chaperoned on his school class trip) has had an incredible few weeks.

He is an extremely talented musician.  He’s one of those people who can pick up an unknown instrument and be able to play it – well! – within a couple hours.  I’ve seen him do this.  He is in a couple different bands here in Guatemala: a Latin Band, a marching band, and another band.  Two weeks ago there was a state-wide band competition and he and his Latin Band won first place – which means that they are number one in the state and will be traveling to various competitions throughout Guatemala and Costa  Rica.  If (when!!) they win the competition in Guatemala City, they will win an all expenses-paid trip to the United States to play there. His marching band has also won some awards and will be traveling to Belize to compete.

Plus this month is internship month in his school.  He has been working at a travel agency as a tour guide and was SO excited that some tourists gave him a tip.  Some of the other kids from the field trip are interning as waiters at one of the restaurants here in town, and I’ve stopped in for lunch so they could practice waiting tables.

I am genuinely happy for these kids. They are all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, posting pictures of themselves in their work uniforms on Facebook, rushing around to do their best, and generally eager for each day.  I love seeing their excitement and joie de vivre for their work.  And it makes my heart burst when I contemplate the bright futures that could unfold for each of them.

It is truly beautiful to see young people grabbing onto life with both hands and meeting it head on with optimism, joy and promise.

When was the last time you felt this way about your life, your work, and your future?

Living this way is not relegated just to the young.  Sure, as adults we have had setbacks and disappointments that these young people have not had (or not had yet), but that doesn’t mean we need to go through life miserable, without any spark.  Life is so much more fun when we have a positive outlook on life, similar to when we were children or just starting out on our life journey.  I challenge you to reclaim the joy of your youth and your “anything can happen” attitude and bring them forward to your life today!  Let me know how you do in the comments.