by Mark Hart

Created on: September 23, 2008   Last Updated: November 01, 2008

Turning fifty was a surprise; turning sixty is alarming. It all happens so fast! Remember those movies where a driver heading downhill suddenly realizes the car's brakes don't work. Surprise gives way to panic as the driver wonders what to do.

Okay, a little melodramatic, but the fact remains that time does seem to go by faster as we age. Perhaps we realize our event horizon has shortened and we no longer have decades left ahead of us to accomplish our goals. Or, to continue the driving metaphor, maybe we just feel pressure on the road of life from those behind us, drivers who are younger, sharper, and impatient for us to get out of the way. We wish they would slow down and enjoy the scenery, but then, did we?

The old line that youth is wasted on the young, is not clich but fact. As an honorary (not ornery!) member of the "how to" generation, I feel obligated to offer a few general suggestions on how we might budget the remaining years of our lives so that we reap more happiness than grief in the uncertain days ahead.

First, become a cheerleader to the young, especially teens. Kids today are all wonderful, talented, gifted and cynical. Their world routinely poses pitfalls and threats most of us could not have imagined at their age. They need encouragement; to hear things will be okay in spite of the tragedies haunting their young lives and those of their friends. The least we can do is listen to their fears and shoot straight with them. But mostly, we can encourage them by being someone who believes in them in spite of their mistakes.

The second way we can make the future happier is to set smaller goals. Life is busy and unpredictable. Why not take the pressure off ourselves to pull off the ultimate vacation, party, or reunion. Remember the simple pleasures of life? Much of their pleasure lies in their simplicity. The more complicated our plans are, the likelier things will go wrong, and believe Murphy, they will! Also, a simple plan is much easier to modify on the fly so you can "go with the flow."

Finally, don't be afraid to try something new. I did not say something STUPID (like bull-riding) but NEW, something you have always wanted to do but lacked the time, money or self-confidence. Eat sushi, sing karaoke, allow yourself a few tears at a sad movie. In other words, go outside of your comfort zone and risk your ego. Remember as kids standing on that high rock over the water, daring each other to jump. Well, don't jumpat our age we don't bend, we break. But do go out and try new experiences, especially with close friends who can share the surprise.

These are some suggestions for making the years ahead happier for yourself and others. They won't slow time down but they will make the journey more pleasant. Bon Voyage!

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