Follow Your Own Rules

Today I realized again how some things never change and how irrelevant age really is. 
In my opinion age has nothing to do with falling in love, maturity, how we like to look, etc.

On my lunch break today I went to a restaurant and ate alone.  Eating alone in public isn't something I LOVE doing, but it has it's advantages.  It's a little me time. 
Time away from the office and our tiny breakroom and a chance to be social. 

I was seated by an elderly lady who was also eating alone.  Now when you're eating alone what else do you have to do but to listen to other people's conversations?  It usually turns up something interesting or at least amusing.  This lady and another couple nearby did not disappoint me today.

As they conversed across the aisle, the lady nearest me was explaining how her grandchildren call her Gran.  She didn't allow them to call her Granny because that just sounded so OLD.  This lady had to be in her late 60s or 70s, but clearly is young at heart.  I couldn't help but notice how her hair was done and her nails were painted.  Some things never change.  As a woman we like to look nice, we like to pamper ourselves.  Whether it's the 4 year old playing dress up or a 70 year old with a perm and red nails, it's all the same. 
We like to feel womanly, feminine, special, no matter our age.

And what is age really?  Nothing but a number.  I still feel the same as I did 8 years ago.  The only difference is that I have had more experiences.  Maybe I am a little wiser.  But to be honest, I'd almost rather not be.  I'd rather have the hopefulness of innocence.  Where I wasn't so consumed by things I should be doing or by where I should be in life.  Where it was still okay for me to follow a wild and crazy dream.  Because lets be honest as we get older we're supposed to and expected to make the adult and responsible decisions.  It's looked down upon to throw caution to the wind and do the unexpected.

When did we as a society become so safe?  And perhaps so scared ? 
Scared of the unknown to the point where we hide behind responsibility.

But what does being an adult even mean? 
Does it mean cooking a well balanced meal each night? 
Does it mean following all the rules?

I think being an adult means you get to make your own rules. 
It means eating cereal and ice cream for dinner if you want.
It means you get to decide your own path. 
It means throwing that damn caution to the wind when the time calls for it.

Another blogger today asked what drives you in life?  What's your purpose?
Are you driven by money, power, material possessions, etc?
Or are you driven by your passion?
Are you doing everything to make your passions the center, the purpose of your life?

This put me in such a better place with my decision between Peace Corps and my current job.  I really like my job right now, but working at a bank is not my passion. 
Helping others and traveling are two of my passions. 
So when the time comes I know I'll choose Peace Corps.  I'll choose the unknown and make perhaps a less responsible choice.  I'll give up the 40 hour job, the benefits and 401k to go down the path less traveled. 

Which path are you choosing?