By Jody Lee
radio host, author, political and lifestyle blogger, media consultant
Published: January 18, 2010

Since I flew past age 30 oh so many years ago, I have changed my politics, changed my religion, changed my priorities, and drastically changed my hair (the latter, more than once).  What’s the deal?

Simple.  It’s called growing up.  Welcome the Age of Paying Attention.  And oh, it is a glorious thing!

Paying attention requires more effort than most younger people want to invest (myself at that age included).  You have to soul search and research, ponder and wonder, think outside the proverbial box and not be afraid to look at ALL sides.  The result is thoughtful and considered decisions and – beginning around 30 and usually steamrolling by the time you hit 40 – these decisions come to define who you are.

When we are young, it is easier to just parrot what you hear other people saying and believing.  There are more important things (or so you believe) to tend to, like getting a career started, getting a family started, getting a social life, blah blah blah. 

Only with age and experience do we figure out that the easy way is seldom the best way.  And that the time, sweat and hassle that usually go into doing the homework and figuring out what we truly believe (as opposed to what is simplest to believe or what we have been told to believe) are worth it.  Sad to say that the afore mentioned age and experience are no guarantee that you will start paying attention.  Lots of clueless folks over forty roaming around out there, and it is not nearly as cute on them as it is on kids.  It’s actually kind of creepy.

I ran into an old friend the other day – hadn’t seen her in about 20 years.  As we talked, she commented that “You sure are singing a different tune than you were back then”. 

Well, duh.  I was a child.  And when people ask me when I changed my ideas about politics or spirituality or what made me decide to redirect my life or my heart, I always answer the same way.

I started paying attention. 

Quote of the Day:  “Faith makes things possible.  Not easy.”