When I'm 44...

I just read a little article in Wine Enthusiast magazine about Miranda Lambert. Whoever she is.

In the interview, they asked her the question: What would your 16-year-old self think of yourself now?

It made me think that this would be a good blog post.

Today, Sheryl and I went to a graduation party for one of her cousins' kids. It was nice. We had a lot of fun hanging out with her cousins. It was sort of like sitting at the kids table for Thanksgiving. I received some kind words from Sheryl's Aunt, and we laughed. A lot.

My 16-year-old self would not understand the nearly 45-year-old version of himself. In fact, the 30-year-old version of me wouldn't understand me.

The 16-year-old me might enjoy hanging out with me, but that's not a given. I was still trying to figure out my way through high school. Still trying to deal with the kids I went to school with. I don't think the current version of me could really tell the 16-year-old version of me anything that would stick with the 16-year-old me. No advice. No wisdom. Nothing.

That's how closed-minded I was at 16.

The 30-year-old version of me would like the current me, but wouldn't spend a lot of time with the current me because the 30-year-old me was out looking to party most of the time. I was still 4 years away from cancer. 4 years away from changing my neurotic mindset. And 7 years away from meeting my future wife.

7 years from changing my life - for the better.

My 16-year-old self would not have enjoyed today's graduation party. My 30-year-old version would have had a few shots beforehand. And my nearly 45-year-old self recognized that there are things you will be a part of that you never expected.

What is the most important piece of advice I would give my 16-year-old self?

Don't be afraid. You can do anything, and will accomplish a lot. Enjoy the ride.

The most important piece of advice I would give my 30-year-old self?

Don't try to force things. Everything comes about at the right time. Just make sure that you are in the best possible position when that door opens.

To all my other selves: Be gracious and appreciate what you've got.

God knows there's a lot in life to appreciate.