Who wants to grow old? In our mind's eye we see "old" as being a negative thing...though once you add years to your age "old" keeps getting, well, older. "It's just a number!" I hear proclaimed by those who've crossed the threshold sooner than I. But I think we need to retrain ourselves, if you will, to think of "old" in a different way.
1Re-evaluate your image of "old". Where did it start? Maybe you conjured up a picture of what "old" looks like when you were a child. Remember Uncle Ed or Aunt Edith? They looked as if they were one step from becoming a piece of petrified wood when you were, say, 7 years old. But the older you become, the younger they appear.Ad
2Stage your age. How old are you, really? Are there people your age who look older than you? Are there people your age who look younger than you? Look at those around you who are your age. Are people your age getting around more, doing more, experiencing life more than you? If so, think about who you want to be and how you can take steps to live your life differently.
3Make a list. What do you want to do by the time you turn 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100? "One hundred?" you say? Sure, why not. Make a list of things you would like to accomplish before you leave this earth. It doesn't have to be anything like "sky-dive" or "catch a shark" while deep-sea fishing. It can be something like making a legacy quilt, learning how to make your own jelly. Or, learning how to change the oil in your car, finishing that model car with your son or grandson...even though he his now in his 30s. You get the point. What have you put off in doing until you get more time? Write it down and make goals. Set deadlines for each activity.
4Do the things you like best. Recognize that you won't be able to do everything you used to, so focus on what you liked best. Stay active and productive, and do the things that make you happiest.
5Get your house in order. Create or update your will, and assign who gets what when you are no longer around. Do this now so you won't need to worry about it later. Also, make sure there are no "wrongs" left to be made right. Take care of those things immediately!
6Surf the web. Vast information is available on the Internet. Find health and beauty sites that give tips on how to stay young.
7Evaluate your nutrition and exercise. What more can you do?
8Become a mentor. If you have children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, you have people to mentor. The neighbor's kid(s), a younger person at church or in your social circle who would be blessed with your knowledge. Teaching keeps you young. Pour out of your heart what has been in there so long...don't let it get rusty!
9Enjoy life. Live the life you have. It may not be perfect but it is the only life you have. Think about all the positive things around you, and focus on those.Ad
We could really use your help!
school survival kits?
- Copy the example of other beautiful celebrities who grow old gracefully, such as Cameron Diaz, Jane Seymour and Sharon Stone.
- Cancel the botox appointment and learn to love the beautiful of wrinkles and grey hair!