How to be Hip

I have to admit: I’m a pretty hip guy. I’ve been to two rock concerts and a monster truck show in the past month.

Can a guy get any more hip?

I didn’t think so, either, until I opened the mail last week. In it was an invitation. After 54 long years, I have been invited to join a group composed of the best, the elite, the crème de la crème.

In that envelope was something I’ve been waiting for my entire life: my very own AARP card.

Yes! For those of you who don’t know, the American Association of Retired Persons isn’t for just anyone. It’s for those of us who have accumulated the wisdom, knowledge and experience that only years can provide. It is for men and women who know that gray hair and wrinkles are not shameful; they are badges of honor.

Whenever I talk with someone who has that look of experience, I know I’m talking to someone who knows what’s really important in life.

Years ago, the saying was “never trust anyone over 30.” Now, I don’t trust anyone under 30. Or 40. Or 50.

You know, sometimes I listen to my “less experienced” friends and I actually feel sorry for them. I really do. They think they have everything figured out. They say they’re going to get married, have 2.5 kids, live in a big house and live happily ever after.

Good luck.

“Just wait,” I don’t tell them. “You have no idea what’s just around the corner tomorrow, let alone 30 years from now.”

I used to be one of those guys who thought I knew it all. I had plans, big plans, and nothing was going to get in my way. I was so sure of myself that I even wrote editorials every day telling other people how to run their lives.

If only I knew then what I know now. Life is not a straight line. It’s not supposed to be. It involves lots of twists and turns, detours and roadblocks.

Whatever wisdom you gain is in dealing with those unexpected occurrences.

Thirty years ago, I had no idea that I would be doing what I’m doing now. Or be as happy as I am now.

What I have learned as I dealt with those twists, turns and roadblocks cannot be learned from books, life coaches or gurus. It’s something only experience can bring.

They say that ours is a culture of youth. Ha! You can have the Britneys, Lindseys and all of those other kids. Singer Willie Nelson once described all of the youngsters he saw coming up in the music business: “They’re just a bunch of flat bellies.”

He’s got that right. A flat belly or big biceps mean approximately zero when it comes to succeeding in life.

Give me experienced people who aren’t going to jump the rails every time something doesn’t go their way.

I’d much rather have a culture of experience. Show me some gray hair and I’ll show you someone who has gained the wisdom of time and someone who knows more, much more, about love, life and happiness than all of the Kens and Barbies of the world combined.

So here’s to all of us seniors. As the old song goes, we’re built for comfort, not speed.