This year, when I turned 70, I immediately felt old. No one could convince me that I wasn’t. When the calendar turned to my birthday, I defined myself by the new number, seventy. Just the day before, I was thinking younger. I was in my 60s after all! How could one day make me old? Now that I’m into this 70th year, I’ve realized something powerful. How we think about aging can shape how we experience it. Thinking old can actually make you feel old.
I’m Too Old for That
This phrase goes through my mind when I’m choosing an outfit, thinking about participating in something new, or considering going out after dark. I want to be sensible about life but some of this thinking holds me back from fun, excitement, and joyful experiences.
What if you want to wear something bold? Or attend a concert or theatre that ends after dark? Are you really too old to enjoy something new or different? Are you speeding up the aging process by thinking I’m too old for that?
When this phrase pops into your head, ask yourself, “Is this really true?”
I’m Waiting for the Right Timing
How long will you wait? I’m beginning to challenge myself by asking, “if not now, when?” Do you have a dream that you keep putting off because you want everything to line up perfectly? Instead of waiting for that magical alignment, you could try to take a small step toward the dream.
First, imagine it, and then begin to research it. Find out some of the challenges you’d have to overcome and let yourself think of the rewards it could hold for you. If not now, will the dream completely pass you by?
Farley Ledgerwood is an author whose preferred topic is challenging people to stay young as they age. He states: “Waiting for the right time is just fear in a different outfit.” When I thought this over, I liked that he called out fear. Can we say to fear, not this time!
Farley goes on to encourage us by stating, “If something matters to you, take the step. Sign up. Book the flight. Make the call.”
I Used To…
Looking back doesn’t help us move forward. Focusing on the rearview mirror could keep us from missing what’s ahead. But if we live in the past we are missing today and what may be out there for us tomorrow. It’s time to live fully now. What if your best days are still coming?
Farley writes, “Your best idea may be coming. Your best conversation. Your best kiss. Your best act of kindness. Your best moment of joy could be waiting for you on a bench tomorrow, right around the corner.”
Living Remarkably
My 60s were incredible. I got married after a decade of living alone, retired from a company I loved, started my own business, took three amazing trips abroad, and established my business in a thriving health and wellness center.
How could my 70s possibly compete? If I keep looking back at the 60s decade, I could miss what’s here for me now. I’ve decided to stop comparing decades and stay open to what’s possible.
Psychotherapist Amy Morin, host of the podcast Mentally Stronger, puts this question out to all of us: “What if you believe the best is yet to come?” Instead of thinking my 60s were so good nothing could top those years, what if the 70s hold the best yet? This is intriguing thought that lifts my energy and makes me smile. This way of thinking may attract that very thing into my life.
Dreams Keep Us Young
An article in Brain World confirms the value of having a dream and going toward it.
“The kind of information you give your brain is important. If you keep dreaming, actively designing the rest of your life, your brain will be filled with hope and a new sense of expectation. It will help you keep your body and mind healthier, fully mobilizing your muscles, bones, organs, nervous system, and hormones.”
Research has shown that when we think, “I’m old,” our brain’s abilities decline. If you think you’re old, you’ll get old.
C.S Lewis said it best: “You are never too old to set a new goal or to dream a new dream.”
Have you set a new dream for yourself?
Retry
You may be experiencing physical limitations or feel mentally weaker than in your previous years. Yet, you’re still here, still breathing, and can still dream. Show up for life, in every way you can.
My sister-in-law is a great inspiration. She is physically challenged every day with chronic and sometimes severe pain. Yet, she participates in a painting class, attends lectures at the community college, and stays socially engaged with a large group of friends.
Ruthanne Koyama, (a writer on the Medium platform) sums it up for us: “Retirement should be about Retrying Life.”
Retry in whatever state you find yourself in. Fully, Boldly, joyfully. Will you join me?
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What dream are you ready to retry this year? Is there a new dream that keeps drifting into your thoughts? Please comment about your inspiring dreams. Maybe you’re living in one right now! For added inspiration click on this link, 10 Famous Accomplishments Made Late in Life.
