Impatient for what?

"I can’t wait to turn 18," the kid from next door exclaimed. In reply, I questioned whether he understood what lay ahead. He paused for a moment before admitting, "Aside from the casino, I’m not really sure." I responded, "It’s death." Death is the inevitable conclusion we all face in the end. Regardless of our pursuits, we cannot escape death. If more individuals reflected on this reality, would it encourage them to take life at a more leisurely pace instead of rushing toward their goals? I ponder what it would take for the younger generation to slow down and appreciate the beauty that exists in everyone, everywhere, if only we allow ourselves to recognize it. 

The only way to instigate change is through consistent practice. We acquire knowledge every day, but the key to truly internalizing and expressing what we learn lies in diligent study. After a week or two of adjusting to a new job that demands a good night's sleep before rising early five days a week, the mind begins to adapt to that rhythm. The conscious mind consistently makes decisions, while the subconscious mind instinctively aligns itself with the patterns established by those conscious choices. The physical evolution of individuals is beyond anyone's influence; however, our mental awareness is shaped significantly by the actions of our caregivers. Understanding this should warrant better behavior in human beings of all ages.