Soundtrack Sunday - Twenty Years Ago

That's a long time.

I graduated from High School over Twenty Years Ago.

I remember sitting at the school, waiting for a ride home and my neighbor showed up to pick up her child and offered me a ride home too. Playing on the radio was today's song. She was singing her heart out, at the very top of her lungs and got really emotional.

I remember she looked me right in the eyes and said: "This song nails it on the head! It really was easier 20 years ago!"

I remember being a little shocked. I thought for sure this meant she hated her life, and was offering me some kind of "confession".

Now that I am looking back, I don't think she was making any sort of confession to me that she regretted her choices. I think she was just telling me that it was easier when you are young. When you have no one's lives depending on you.

I agree. It really was easier twenty years ago. As I sit and sing this song, I understand it better.

I grew up in this town-- the town I call my home. I remember what it was like twenty years ago.

I remember the drug store where we could ride our bikes to and buy penny candy. It's closed.

I remember when 7-11 came and all the grown ups were angry because it brought with it "those types of people". We now have two.

I remember the pizza place we used to hang out on Friday nights, drinking sarsaparilla. It's closed. And, I remember the old high school, the old football field, and Friday Night Games. It's gone.

Those really were the days.

If I could go back would I change anything?

Sure. But not many things.

I would just do them better. I would be a better student, a better friend. I would be a better daughter and I would be a better sister. I would just do things better. BE better.

I would not change the way my life has evolved one little bit.

My choices have led me on a wonderful journey. I have learned many things and I would never change that, because to do so would rob me of who I am now.

I like me -- now.

I love the lessons my life has given me. I wouldn't change where I am today one little bit. I am in a good place.

But if I could go back, I would tell myself to be better and to do better.

Stop stressing out about things that are out of your control, and just enjoy yourself. All too soon you will be a grown up, with your own family and your own responsibilities.

Don't be in such a hurry to get to "there" that you miss the joy in the journey to "there".

Life really was so much easier Twenty Years Ago.