Do you remember sleeping until noon? It was the norm, it was expected, especially after staying out until 2 a.m. I can't remember the last time I was up until 2 a.m. And if I was to stay up that late it would really have to be worth it or I would have to have insomnia because five days a week I wake up at 5:45.
When I was younger, I didn't think of what to do with my time. I thought getting through school and work, partying and having a good time were IT. Like that was all I had to worry about for the rest of my life. I didn't know that life was meant to begin before noon.
I'd like to stay I quickly grew out of that phase when I left college, but to be honest, up until about four or five years ago, it was still not that out of the ordinary to stay out until early morning hours and sleep late only to wake up because I needed something to eat. But it's amazing the shit you can get done when you aren't sleeping.
Trust me, I've always been one to value my sleep. I still do. But now I value my time awake, too. I make lists and plans and goals and I write them out. I don't say half-heartedly that someday I would like to travel the world/write a novel/score my dream job. I am methodical.
Even when I am sleeping, I'm dreaming about how I am going to make my goals come to fruition. I usually fall asleep as soon as I hit the pillow, but on the rare occasion I stay awake those few extra moments, I silently give myself affirmations. It might sound crazy, but it definitely can change your mindset.
Before getting up for 9 a.m. yoga just so I can make it to the farmer's market before it got too busy would seem like a waste of time. Why couldn't I go to the later class or better, not at all? But now it seems like a relaxing morning, a great way to start the weekend.
Friday nights used to mean taking a power nap after work to go out early for some pre-drinks before...drinking. Now I look forward to Fridays on my couch with my guy watching movies we've seen a hundred times before or at a friend's house with bottles of wine. Wine. It used to sound so pretentious, still kind of does, but it makes me happy and sleepy and I can hear myself think and I can hear others talk.
I have never been fearful of getting older, of "slowing down" and not partying like before because I know if I chose to do that, I could. And, I think that's why it's not as appealing to me anymore. Being in your 20's, there is almost some kind of desperation to really have the best, most fun time EVER. And if you didn't, then you were lame or getting old or not enjoying your youth. When really, maybe you just ran out of fun ideas.
Don't get me wrong, I loved my party days. But when I drink too much now, it takes me days (plural!) to recover and I think, what a freakin' waste. Pretty much, it doesn't matter what you choose to do as long as you're around people you love and who love you. Not people you're trying to love or trying to get to love you.
Settling into life that's too full of fun things and excitement and contentment and anticipation and plans to NOT start it before noon - it's one of the best things about "getting old." Sleep all you can. But don't do it because you don't think there's nothing worthwhile to get up for.
