My favorite nephew turned 18 today. (Okay, he’s my only nephew, but he’s a really fabulous kid, so he’d most likely be my favorite among thousands.) He graduated last month, at 17, just like his auntie did, and now the world is his oyster…
That oyster phrase actually comes from Shakespeare’s “Merry Wives of Windsor,” and is the first half of a rather violent proclamation. It has been taken far out of context over the years, so today I’m going with the present-day meaning of “he’s young and healthy, got no real commitments, and he’s free to go anywhere and do anything—thus, the world is his oyster.”
My nephew Tyler and I have more in common today than we’ve ever had. In fact, I often tell people that I, too, am 18… At least till I open my eyes in the morning. Or look in the mirror. Or try to take the stairs two at a time. Or fast dance a whole rock and roll song without getting winded. Or…
And isn’t that just the way it works? Our bodies may age on the outside, but on the inside our brains are telling us we’re still young, energetic, and ready to take on the universe. Many of my thoughts, emotional responses, and outlook on life still makes me feel like the world could indeed, be my oyster, and everything I ever wanted to accomplish is still within my reach.
I guess that’s called optimism. Or delusion. So my advice to Tyler today is to “gather ye rosebuds while ye may,” another common reference from literature, and that definitely makes it time to carpé diem.
And I think I’ll do the very same!