Valedictorian? No.
Salutatorian? No.
Top 10%? Maybe. >.>
Did I do my best in High School? Hell no.
Do I wish I still had that much hair? Oh, yes. (The glasses can go, though)
Have you ever thought about what you would do if some fantastic device was invented that let you go back in time and edit your life and experiences? Of course, this machine would take out all of that temporal paradox nonsense; so you wouldn't accidentally kill yourself in the future or some such hog-wash. It would be an honest-to-goodness time machine with no ill effects.
What would you change? Would you make sure that you invested in AOL and Time Warner before the huge merger in late 2000? How about the way you voted? Would you strive to be more productive in your studies? Not date that particular person (you know the one...)? Or maybe, befriend the nerd that you bullied who now makes ten times more than you?
Well there are three areas that I might change if given the opportunity:
1. Firstly, I now appreciate how important and self-fulfilling your education is to your lifestyle, finances, and general well-being. Could I have been Valedictorian of my Senior Class? Absolutely. I scored a 1350 on my SAT (back in the day) and nothing in any of my subjects was difficult. I was lazy and wrapped up in extra-curricular activities. Underachiever is an Understatement.
I would make the grades and participate in whatever school functions would secure multiple scholarships and awards; and off to a credible four year university I would go. In the late 1980's there were several fields that would have accommodated me. Computer Programming, in its infancy, would have probably been my choice. With a four year degree behind me, the world would have been my oyster. Life would be good.
2. Secondly, I would have paid MUCH more attention to my health in my late teens and twenties. In 1986, when I graduated from high school, I was an even six feet tall and weighed around 185 pounds. I was somewhat active and had a membership to a gym.
By 25 years old, I weighed over 300 pounds and my knees were starting to give me problems, as well as my lower back. During this time of bodily destruction and masochism, I developed Diabetes. Didn't know it until I was over thirty. I had done irreparable damage to my body.
Here I am at 25, ironically wearing a Ralph Lauren shirt in all my "sexiness". With my fantastic time machine, this would have never happened. A typical lunch for me would be over 4000 calories of junk food. Do I need to paint anymore on this canvas or are you seeing this picture clearly?
Fast forward to 40 years old. I am still six feet tall, but I am a MUCH more healthy 205 pounds. I am fitting into clothing sizes that I haven't been able to wear since I was twenty. My knees and back have dull aches that I associate with middle age and I have very little hair on my head; but alas, I still have diabetes. Managed and without insulin, but diabetes is incurable.
I cannot stress enough how important it is to be healthy. With my time machine, I would make sure that I did everything possible to accomplish that for my entire life not just part of it. I also would have never touched a cigarette (Thank you J & J, you know who you are...)
3. Lastly, with all this new-found time, I would not squander it.
I would be a better grandson and son. I would make more friends and be a better one. I would read a WHOLE lot more and let the television grow dusty from disuse. I would definitely find the time and resources for a family of my own. I would learn "all the things" and teach whenever possible. I would practice diligently to be a better musician, maybe even write a piano concerto or a decent pop song. I would certainly not get involved in other folks' domestic affairs (always got me in trouble) and would only offer advise when it was requested in those situations. I would go to more concerts with performances of all genres of music. Probably run for president. And, on and on. You see my point. I would experience life instead of being a bystander.
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So, was this thought provoking? Do you have anything that you would change, given the chance?
Would you change things in your past life if it meant you wouldn't meet your best friend, or your current spouse, or maybe you wouldn't have your kids (at least the kids you know now)?
{Queue the Twilight Zone theme}
The fantastic time machine would be great but I have to admit: If it meant not meeting one of my friends or experiencing some of the great things I have; I would not use the time machine.
Surprised? If you know me, you shouldn't be. Friendships and relationships define who you are. Your education, your experiences, your accomplishments, your healthiness, even the decent pop songs you write; will probably be forgotten in time.
What will not be forgotten is who you were to your friends and loved ones. Long after I am gone, someone will be talking about how I did this or that. Or when I made someone smile or laugh. Maybe they will talk about my sage advice or my positive attitude and how I inspired them. Who knows.
Nonetheless, I will use the time, starting from this point in time, responsibly and make sure that I am remembered and loved by those close to me. To hell with the time machine if I never meet the important people in my life. It is not worth it, it has been a grand ride so far.
Thank you for indulging me and my temporal musings.
