Building Communities

In the Netherlands, the Dutch have begun building a community for the over fifty set. Not that this is a new idea, per say. Many manufactured home and gated communities are moving in this direction here in the United States. Zeeland will be a Senior City with no schools, tattoo parlors and motorbikes will be prohibited.

There are days that this seems idealic. Especially after a long day in my day job of Executive Director at Upstart Crow Studios. This youth performing arts company sees about 300 children, ages 5 to 18, come through the doors. There is rarely a quiet moment between the hours of 3 PM to 9 PM. I relish the few hours I have when the halls and studios are empty. 

But when they are not, the energy in the building is literally off the hook. Bodies are in motion. Laughter at its peak. The pitter patter of little feet often sounds like a herd of elephants and the walls often shake from the dancing, singing and acting that come from within.

I am surrounded by young people and all the chaos that ensues. We often say we wish we could bottle that energy. Truth is, we can't. But we can surround ourselves with it, bathe our tired bones in it, and watch as it brings a smile to our faces and a lift to our hearts. We need young people. 

As the years progress, names in our address books will disappear. Young people are a means of new beginnings, extended friendships, new opportunities to experience life with a fresh perspective rather than encase ourselves in the tried and true.

I am grateful at the end of the day, to pour myself a cup of tea and retreat to the quiet of my bedroom with a good book. But the moments shared with these young people is a joy that warms even the coldest night and I can't imagine my life without that noise and chaos that makes the quiet moments so special.

I remember when my children were involved in t-ball, dance and gymnastics. It was a privilege to watch their faces when they succeeded, or kiss their booboos when they fell. I have always believed that when they were grown, I would seek out these same moments, whether with my grandchildren or with others. If you are looking for the fountain of youth, you will not find it in Zeeland or any other over fifty community. The youthful water in the fountain is there for the drinking. Embrace it. Volunteer. Surround yourself for it is the true elixir of life.