He never grew up; but he never stopped growing.
—Arthur C. Clarke, epitaph for himself
Have you ever gotten strange, disapproving looks because you take delight in the little things in life, because you’ve been enthusiastic and exuberant? As far as I can tell a lot of people think that sort of behavior is silly and immature, so for the sake of politeness I usually “behave myself” around them. Fortunately now that I’m retired I can mostly avoid people like that.
Instead I hang out with creatures who are turned on by life—I say creatures because some of the most enthusiastic “people” I know are dogs, not humans. One of them, Rusty, I didn’t meet until after he had passed away (pictures used with permission from The Thundering Herd):
Rusty knew how to enjoy life, to take delight in little things.
Thank you for sharing him with us D.K. Wall, and also for all of your other stories. My husband, daughter and I are especially laughing about The Escape Artist, Project Day – The Story and Frankencouch. Again, thank you!
I constantly get strange, disapproving looks because I take delight in lots of little things in life and, because I am enthusiastic and exuberant. As far as I can tell, a lot of people think that sort of behavior is silly and immature, and I let them have their views and even encourage them to frown.
I was old at a young age. I now plan to die immature.
Huskies are my favourite breed.
Giggling is much under-rated.
dogs. the best people i know.
i love them all. i never tire of their company! can’t always say the same about people.
i am a silly goose. it’s becoming harder and harder to hide it.
matter of fact… i don’t even try to anymore! lol.
life is infinitely more fun than it ever was trying to hide it.
only wish i could have told my 13 year old self that! 🙂
Rummuser,
I’m glad things are lightening up for you.
Evan,
Yes, I was old and serious too, in late childhood and early adolescence. Then in high school I decided that was dumb—I was going to figure out how to be happy. Much more rewarding.
tammy,
Apparently a charity brought seven specially trained golden retrievers to the children of Sandy Hook Elementary School to comfort them and put smiles on their faces. What an effective way of reaching out and giving help.
I wonder how many people thought life/they themselves were great when they were 13? I still remember a line from a book aimed at that age group. The father cheerfully said, “If life were too comfortable they would never have the courage to leave home.”
As far as being a silly goose, I think we’re all a bunch of nuts. Might just as well stop pretending otherwise and just enjoy it. 🙂
I totally and happily agree with Evan! Bring on the strange looks; I’m in good company even if no one else is.
🙂
I have lived 75% of my life as a “loner” much of it based on my disabilities – as a child I wore heavy leather boots (supposed to help me be upright) but that put paid to running about with other children and those same kids took delight in giving me a hard time…
As a adult I was overseas, where I must have had some type of life…the boots has disappeared but the balance problems caused lots of falls.
From the 70s – 90s the period is best forgotten, a marriage not made in heaven…
Now I have the option to do what I want, mostly I prefer my own company; finding I am not judged for my differences and so forth…My life is currently in a “changing mode” but it’s not stressful but rather evolving into something that suits me!
Dixie,
Yes, that’s one of the great advantages of getting older. 🙂
Cathy,
I love hearing about what you’re doing, how you’re evolving. Thanks for letting us know.
Rusty looks as though he always thoroughly enjoyed himself. And yes, I also get funny looks if I’m getting a bit too wild and exuberant. Some people seem to think adult enjoyment should always be restrained and dignified. In which case I shall continue to disappoint them and go completely crazy whenever I feel like it.
Nick,
I agree! We don’t have all that much good time left, so why let other people throw a wet blanket over us.