“Youth is wasted on the young, wisdom is wasted on the old!” are the words spoken by George Bernard Shaw, an Irish socialist and famous play writer. George B. Shaw was once asked what the most beautiful thing in the world was, his response was sharp and simple, “Youth,” he replied, “is the most beautiful thing in this world—and what a pity that it has to be wasted on children!”
As we get older, the yearning to reverse time and return to the past intensifies. Most times the desire is to return to the physical strength of one’s youth, its sharp intellect, its refreshing naivety and untamed freedom becomes our greatest desire. Any old person will tell you, ’you are at your most useful in your youth’. It is no wonder that George Shaw thought that youth is a powerful phase in one’s life , a powerfully defining phase.
If we as young people hold such great potential to shape our lives now, why are young people always accused of wasting it? Well, the easy answer is that we don’t understand how defining and crucial this period of our life is. We may know we are building up towards some future, but many – if not all youth – only really understand the impact of the choices, actions, and decisions taken in their youth, in their old age.
I once read a study on how to be in the best physical shape in your old age. The study claimed that, ‘whatever you have built up physically till the age of 30, were the stores you’d soon start depleting in your 40’s+.’ To be fit in old age, required good habits as a young person. Simply put, start exercising now, drink your milk everyday, because those bones will soon start breaking down faster than they build up. It’s not rocket science to conclude that what you do – or don’t do- when you are young has an incredible impact on your life trajectory.
The accumulative decision to ignore, or embrace, vital facets of your life, such as basic health, sexual and reproductive health, and overall wellbeing are not just minor short sightedness or juvenile errors. No, they are wasted currency leading you to poverty. Poverty of the soul. Poverty of living your best life. It seems Ice Cube was on to something when he famously said “You better check yourself, before you wreck yourself.”
As you journey on to your best life, you may want to start by answering these simple questions: Do you understand your sexuality? Have you decided on your reproductive plan? Did you know abstinence is still a reproductive plan? What contraceptive is your partner on? Are you ready to invest in your present and future self? Are you ready to make decisions that matter?
5 reasons why the right to sexual and reproductive health is vital
- It’s the only health right that can directly affect another in the present and future generation i.e unplanned pregnancy
- It’s the only health right that can still be pleasurable even when placed on a diet *wink, wink*
- It’s a responsibility inherited at puberty – the job you didn’t apply for but now hold CEO position over.
- It’s a liberating right for all genders, cultures and religions
- Reproduction is one of the natural functions our species has the privilege to plan strategically for – so, why deny yourself the privilege?
Ubusha Bami futhi yimi lo – My youth and this is me! ©