November 21st, 2014

The RADICAL teenager

Yesterday I did a crazy thing. I went out for a walk knowing fully well that it might rain. My legs wanted to move and I followed the urge. I should tell you at this point that I am one of those people who like rain only when I am not getting wet! So off I went for this walk, without an umbrella. My mind said 'don't take the cell phone', which I usually do to listen to a podcast or some interesting spiritual talk. I agreed with my mind as I wanted to listen to what it had to say instead of suppressing its thoughts.

I say I did a crazy thing because the adult responsible me would have never gone for a walk in a potentially rainy situation. And as I walked, it began raining, of course! I continued walking. And then I noticed that I was feeling excited and exhilarated, feeling Free-er and joyous. And a word popped into my mind: RADICAL. I contemplated which part of myself was responsible for this crazy activity; by now I was the only one walking in the rain, where usually there are many more morning walkers.  I realised immediately that it was my teenage self's idea. She was smiling and happy and she kept saying to me one word: RADICAL!

I often hear people describing teenagers as being disappointing, irresponsible, with no common sense, totally selfish... (you get the picture). People forget that teen years are the one time in our life where we are not afraid of new experiences, we are extremely adventurous, spontaneous, full of aspirations and dreams. Life is one big party and the possibilities are endless! It is that lack of fear of danger that often gets teenagers into trouble.

Sometimes as teens, we don't get to be adventurous due to our circumstances. I certainly had great dreams and visions and wanted way more RADICAL experiences  than my circumstances permitted. And of course, as I grew older, I ended up suppressing some of those desires. However, when I look back upon my life, there have been many instances when I have followed that voice inside of me and engaged in RADICAL experiences which upon reflection I am grateful for and amazed at. I now know that I was listening to my Teenage Self wanting to have that experience, knowing everything would be fine if she kept an open mind, heart and body and embraced the experience FULLY.

What a wonderful resource the teenage self can be especially when embarking on a new project, a potentially crazy project. To harness its enthusiasm and undying belief that it will work, knowing no fear only the excitement. The teenage self has great power so call upon it and harness its amazing energy!

Even in those circumstances that were not favourable for your teenager, if you look carefully, deep within it  you will find this Radical teen just waiting to be discovered and given another chance!

So if you are starting a new project, business venture, have a deep desire to write and are hesitating, call on the adventure spirit of your Teen self.

And as I walked in that rain, I was grateful to my teenage self whose voice I had listened to and had such a wonderful and exhilarating experience connecting with the elements.

So go ahead and honour that inner teen by listening to its cry for adventure. And be RADICAL today!