By Amy Keyes 
Last night I watched an episode of Shrinking. If you haven’t jumped into the series yet, it’s one of those that hits the heart hard- at least for me.
The episode centered on the birth of a baby, while one of the characters grappled with the closing years of life.
Spoiler alert: as the elder of the group cradled this new life in his arms, bridging generations across the hospital room, the moment of realization of how fast life goes hit like a ton of bricks.
“Enjoy the ride, kid.”
The final words of this episode are sitting with me, big time.
The middle years of life for me are definitely a point of reflection. I find myself constantly looking back at how quickly this ride is moving. Living at the intersection of equal amounts of time behind me and unsure of how much time lies ahead.
Youth seemed like it would last forever, and all of a sudden, I find myself closer to retirement than not. One kid in college and another almost there. Remembering the days when my parents were in the same stage of life, and realizing how quickly these years have flown by.
The privilege of being in the middle of my own life is that it gives me 20/20 hindsight and reminds me that, despite the obstacles, the ride is beautiful.
So here are a few random reminders I am giving my kids as they start to hit the time of life when their own rides begin to move faster:
Embrace all the joy unfolding before you.
Sometimes it’s hard to see it in the moment and the hustle. But try to be present. This ride is filled with beautiful sunrises and endless new chapters. Fall in love with your life and find the magic in the small and big moments.
Let yourself have all the firsts.
Say yes. Begin something new. See what’s out there because before you know it, you’ll be flipping the pages of your memory, cherishing every moment. I feel like it’s so easy to get in our own way—no time, no money, no courage. Find it anyway. If your heart has the pull for it…do it.
Find the right people to ride with you.
So much of this ride is spent with others. Healthy relationships are critical along the way. From the earliest years of school to the majority of your life spent working, the bonds you create with others will shape you in more ways than you can imagine. Find the people who cheer you on, who you can rely on (and who can also rely on you), not just in the good times, but in all that comes your way.
It’s okay to change course.
It’s so easy to get into the mindset that we have to stay in things longer than we need to, whether it’s a job, a relationship, or a geographic location. Don’t listen to the voice inside your head telling you it’s not okay to leave if it keeps you somewhere you don’t want to be. Follow your heart along with your head, and realize forks in the road might lead you to the best place you’ll ever dream of.
Last but not least, remember the ride is short and sweet.
I remember my own parents telling me time speeds up the older you get, and I never understood how that could possibly be true.
You blink from childhood into young adulthood, and from that into middle age in what seems like an instant. As someone still fortunate enough to have both of my parents in their 70s, I know it will feel like just another instant from here to there.
So take it all in. Do all the things. Live with love and spirit and hopes and dreams. Chase them and then find new ones to chase. Never stop looking for the silver linings and defending your right to be the creator of your own journey.
The ride goes quick, kid. So you’d better enjoy it.
by Charissa West 
by Barrie Bismark 
