I should state this upfront; I’m very far from being a millennial.  I lack so many of the traits; being energized by social engagements, being born with technology, being raised where everything is possible, and even having very few acronyms to explain my lifestyle, etc.  Yet, the YOLO philosophy is very intriguing to me, at times.  Not to the point of live for today like there’s no tomorrow.

I’m now in the old category where I’m in the tomorrow.  Actually, to a younger person, I’ve been in the old category for over a decade.  I had this strange mental block of having no concept of FOMO.  I see that acronym and it just does not register in my brain—almost not at all.  I don’t know why?  I wonder if it’s the deep-down sense of being an introverted only child and not that interested in other people.  I wonder if it’s because I was raised in a community where people got by with what we had and almost never compared ourselves to others, or our items to others items.  Maybe because life was hard at times and the extreme cold weather could snuff you out in less than an hour?  Who knows?

YOFO

But one thought I’ve had lately is “You’re only 50(s) once.”  I’ve given lots of thought about finally growing into my age (or the other way around).  I’ve always felt like an old guy mind in a youngerish body.

I’ve written and talked about being younger and healthier now than you will ever be in the future.  I’ve written about living a great life now.  Making sure you do some of your favorite things each day and week.

I wrote about taking that daily/weekly amazingness to an entire decade.  Then I wrote about taking it up to an entirely higher level.     

I realize the absurdity of saying YOFO You’re Only Fifty’s Once in a “retirement” blog, but for those who are “YOSO,” it’s the exact same thought.  Make sure you are living the greatest life you can.  Live it each day, every week, throughout the year.  It doesn’t matter if you’re in your Sixties or Seventies—you’ve earned it.

PLAN

If you are in your 40s, or even 30s, I’d say you probably want to be a little conservative on the money-side of living it up.  It’s not all YOLO when you’re that young.  Dave Ramsey is spot on with his “Live like no one else, so you can live like no one else.”  Or more clearly: “Live like no one else now, so later you can live like no one else.”  

I have a consistent thread through my writing and my living—enjoy your days, do what makes you happy, take care of your loved ones, including yourself.

NOW

If there are activities and experiences that you feel will make your life even more amazing, create a plan to accomplish those experiences.  In so many parts of life, it doesn’t seem wise to wait for those special experiences.  What If you cannot do the activity when you’re older?  What if you do not have the health, or brain function, or even the money to do something big.  Plenty of writings state it’s the experiences that stay with you, not the stuff.  I agree, but some of your favorite experiences may be accomplished because of a stuff.  Live your amazing life now.  Why not!?

*** Nothing in this article is to be construed as financial advice.  I am not a financial planner, nor do I pretend to be.  You should always consult your own professional when seeking advice. This post is not a piece of literary mastery, just a random thought I had.