"الشباب مهدور على الشباب"

The essence of this quote revolves around the idea that young people often don't fully appreciate or take advantage of their youth until it's gone. When we're young, we have energy, health, and time, but we might lack the wisdom and experience to make the best use of these gifts. It's only later, when we gain more life experience and perhaps start to lose some of that youthful vibrancy, that we truly understand its value.

Imagine this: You’re in your twenties, full of energy, and the world is your oyster. But instead of traveling the world, starting that passion project, or learning new skills, you might be stuck in a rut—spending hours on social media, binge-watching shows, or generally just coasting through life. It’s easy to do; we've all been there. But then, as you get older, you start to see things differently. You might think, “Man, I wish I’d used that time more wisely.”

Take, for instance, the legendary comedian George Burns. He lived to be 100 years old and was known for his sharp wit and enduring career. But it wasn't until he was much older that he truly appreciated the vigor he had in his youth. He once quipped, “If I knew I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself.” It’s a funny, yet poignant reflection on how we often don't value our youthful potential until it’s behind us.

So, how do we apply this nugget of wisdom in our lives? Start by being mindful of your time and energy. Think about what you’re passionate about and dive into it headfirst, no matter how daunting it seems. If you want to travel, find a way to make it happen. If there's a skill you want to learn, start now. Don’t wait for the “right” time, because that time is now.

Picture this relatable scenario: You’re at a family reunion, and your uncle, who’s in his fifties, starts talking about his youthful dreams of becoming a musician. He had the talent and the drive, but he kept putting it off, thinking he had all the time in the world. Now, he’s stuck in a job he doesn’t love, and that guitar he bought at 20 is gathering dust in the attic. He tells you this story not to depress you, but to motivate you. “Don’t be like me,” he says. “Chase your dreams now, while you have the chance.”

To make the most of your youth, it’s about balancing the fun with the meaningful. You don’t have to give up the things you enjoy, but sprinkle in some long-term goals and pursuits. Take care of your health, nurture your relationships, and invest time in learning and growing. The key is to live intentionally.

So, next time you catch yourself procrastinating or wasting time on something trivial, remember that your youth is a precious resource. Use it wisely. Your future self will thank you. And hey, even if you’re not as young as you used to be, it’s never too late to start making the most of the time you have now.