I don’t feel my age. I know I’m getting older and will soon meet my Maker. But I just can’t see myself as a senior citizen, let alone someone who will one day praise the glory of Medicare and the free rides on public transportation in Philadelphia.
My Heart and My Mind Help Keep Me Young
To tell you the truth, I feel like I’m seventeen years old again. My body would disagree, but my heart and my mind often see things from that period of time . . . It was a time when I had just graduated high school and the world was my oyster, so to speak. 
I remember singing my heart out as I did in a Doo Wop group, even though that term did not come into general usage for another generation or so. There’s nothing quite like four-part harmony. Today, I settle for singing along with the radio and my old CDs.
I’d still be a virgin, although I’d never admit it to guys I grew up with. I got a reputation to consider, you know. But I’d laugh and joke just to see the young girls smile and laugh along with me!
Drove ’57 Chevy Until Being Drafted
And I would speed like a demon in my 57 Chevy with no care for the past or the future. I’d burn rubber until Uncle Sam knocked on my door two years later and invited me to a place called Vietnam.
Old Heads Express Appreciation for Harmonizing
Jacky Toy taught me how to harmonize, He learned it while singing with Joey Oz and Eddie Keller, two “old heads.” They sang the song called “Guardian Angels” at the all-black Uptown Theatre for the midnight talent show. I’ll never forget it.
Joey Oz recently cut a new record. (Oops, I should have said “CD.”) He plans to send a copy to me and others feeling 17-years-old at heart. His music company is Brewerytown Records. I feel young when I hear the harmony and I want to sing and dance again all night long!
I still flirt with many women I come into contact with, hoping I’d get lucky. It never worked then, and it doesn’t work now, my friend. But, I feel I’m bringing a little joy to members of the opposite sex when I compliment them and get a smile or two. I believe I’m serving a higher purpose when I serve them, if you know what I mean.
Some Drawbacks Still There from My Earlier Days
My biggest problem, however, is the continued “need for speed.” I still race in the car as if I were back in the classic Chevy. I get road rage and am completely stressed out unless I leave for my ride extra early, and I meditate while driving. I lose patience with other drivers. I lose patience with myself, and wish I could grow out of it.
But if that’s the only drawback of feeling like you’re 17, I’ll take it any old day. I’ll grow up someday, but for now I’ll enjoy life while still feeling young!
Contoveros 
I am currently the best I have ever been with life, and I strive to be even better; but I am wondering if we will ever completely grow out of our negative habits. I meditate, I read uplifting books and messages, I pray, and stay positive; but at times, I still experience some resistance, impatience, and emotional discomfort. The most important part of dealing with these issues is that I am conscious of them when they arise (I just wish they wouldn’t occur at all lol!) Thank you Michael for your inspiration! ~dp
LikeLike
I believe that the Dalai Lama feels the same way. That’s why he suggests we practice loving kindness as much as possible. In a way, it helps us to ward off the negativity that can so easily crop up.
Being aware of this is the first step, I am told. You are helping all of us when you share your feelings about such obstacles. Dealing with them on a daily basis is what brings us wisdom!
Thank you my new friend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love Doo Wop music….although I’m 44 years old one of my all time favorite movies is American Graffiti. Wolfman Jack was the coolest 🙂
LikeLike
LikeLike
I think Sylvia Boorstein has a book about car meditation….
LikeLike
I’ve got to look into that. Every day!
Michael J
LikeLike
Just looked it up… Road Sage. Meant to be listened to while driving. 🙂
LikeLike
I found “Brewerytown Beats” on FaceBook… is that the same Brewerytown?
LikeLike
You just turned me onto something I knew nothing about: BreweryTown Beats. It’s located in my old neighborhood at 27th Street and Girard Avenue near Girard College in North Philadelphia.
LikeLike
Ah yes, I remember “Doo Wop”… There was an albino and two other guys… I still know their names and I can see them under the street light on the corner. They were great at harmonizing!
Also, I had a phrase “No, I’m not in a hurry… I just like driving fast”. However, I do agree with grandfathersky’s comment. My plan is to remain and I have recognized and excepted that driving fast does not contribute to my plan.
LikeLike
Road rage is the ultimate test of enlightenment, that Zen state of being that’s says let go of attachment, this is not me and I am not this. Maybe try one of those indoor go kart tracks?
LikeLiked by 1 person
If I got in a Go-Kart track I’d really be a kid again!
I’ll try a more Zen approach for road rage. Throw in a little patience. OK, maybe a “lot” of patience.
Thanks!
LikeLike
Cheers to that !
LikeLike