As this writer reflects on this writing prompt, he looks back on the time when his 20ish year old self was hearing prophetic wisdom from one of his favorite teachers during his tenure as a college student.

Mr. Easton was an English professor, a writer and a charismatically eccentric man. And I have come to believe, as he did, that everyone has a writer living within their Being.

Further, during an Advanced Composition class; it was late in the Spring semester, and for many of us, our college careers were winding down. Because Mr. Easton was a very present person, he probably sensed our anxieties about our prospective unknown futures, saw the teachable moment, and deviated from the class lesson plan.

Footnote: Unlike most of the professors at my Alma Mater at that time, Easton did not have his Ph.D. And yet to many of us, he was among the smartest and most engaging teachers on the faculty.

Back To School . . . Near the tail end of one particular class, Easton elaborated on how we should “hang in there, I promise . . . you’ll see that in your 30s, it starts to get better.”

Of course that’s true and it’s not true. There are no guarantees. If we don’t work at our mental health, then our mental health issues just don’t magically go away.

Speaking of Polaroids, another Kodak moment featrured Easton encouraging us to “take lots of pictures” at various family events, “because people get older and you never knew who would still be around at the next gathering.” He emphasized that the gatherings were important experiences, as well as good opportunities to capture moments through pictures, and then tell stories to remember our connections and loved ones.

Since that time, Easton’s wisdom still sounds true. Moreover, I serve it up to my 20 year old self; as well to all of the 20 year old selves out there making the track through life. While it’s cool to be in the moment, it’s important to have a longitudinal view in life.

Keep in mind that there is something to be said for hanging in there. Get up. Stand Up. Find your passion. Nobody else is going to do it for you. But everyone needs a little hurdle help sometimes. We’re hear to lift each other up rather than tear each other down.

Or like the Beastie Boys sentimental anthem, you gotta fight for your right to party!

And you can’t to that in this incarnation unless you are still breathing!

Nowadays, I use meditation to time travel back to my old self by envisioning peaceful, calming thoughts; coupled with a gentle and soft heartfelt approach of self-compassion that includes a forgiving attitude of gratitude and radical acceptance for what is.

Take care of yourselves everyone,

Ari