OK. I don't have some magic formula to take away wrinkles and turn back the clock so we all look twenty again - sorry. However, something I used to hear on cereal commercials (and the occasional ad for Metamucil) is now starting to make sense to me, and I now realize that even as I laughed at it, I have always lived by it.
And that is, You are as young as you feel. Really? Yes. Really. Case in point. At least up until now, I have many times been mistaken for younger than my real age - which is 102 by the way. Are genetics the cause? Somewhat. Diet and exercise? Sure, a bit.
But I believe the biggest factor that keeps us young, is whether or not we are able to look at the world through the eyes of a child.
I know I do this as I can't help myself. I laugh at silly things out of the blue, and at random. I crack corny jokes like a seven year old in public government offices. I SKIP like an idiot through malls and department stores whenever the mood strikes me. I DIG the shocked looks on the faces of the "normal". Somehow, at least most days, the WORLD still fascinates me. THANK GOD.
Because it is when you LOSE your fascination with the world - with life, with learning, with something "tiny" being revealed to you - when you LOSE your desire to ABSORB and LEARN and GROW - that is when you GROW OLD. And when you are at the point where you have nothing to look forward to, THAT is total hell - at least in my book.
And, the great thing is - We all have this capacity for "fascination" in us. It is usually just buried deep down inside - thanks to the normal stress and wear and tear of every day life and it's problems. But here are a few things that can help you recapture the silliness that will keep you young - and also help you to deal with the embarrassment of hanging out with friends like me when you happen to be with us when we are in that "skipping" mood:
1. Notice how babies find delight in every thing - Yes. Ask any mother and she will tell you - a smile from a baby can make the whole world OK again. It's like babies have all the answers to life's questions. And they do! In fact, we ALL do, in our SPIRITS. It is just that a baby is brand new to the world, and it's spirit still KNOWS that everything will always be OK. A baby's spirit still recognizes the beauty in a butterfly, and laughs when he is tickled by a falling leaf!
We know these things too! We just forget them as we get over stimulated with nonsense year after year after year. So, when you need to be brought back down to earth, consult with any baby who doesn't need a diaper change - I promise, your mood will lift!
2. Note how your dog looks at you when you are being ridiculous - Notice I didn't say "cat". Cats think we are ridiculous ALL THE TIME (Whatever Kitty), but your DOG is the most loyal friend you will ever have, and will usually be patient with you to a fault. But when you are being REALLY anal about life, notice how your dog will suddenly adopt a "disgusted" look at your shenanigans, then will do something to try to get you out of the mood you are in. In the case of my dog, I usually catch the clue to lighten up when I am suddenly pummeled from behind with a big, wet deflated basketball that he wants me to throw, but can't quite bring himself to give to me yet. My dog is wise, so is yours! Listen to him.
3. Admit you don't know everything - This may seem hard at first, but if you look at it, it's actually a great thing! By not knowing EVERYTHING, not only are you open to learning NEW THINGS, but you may find a new PASSION that brings back your joy for life! And, the best thing is - it's like a giant box of chocolates, Jenny. One you can open EVERY DAY!
Now, I must bid you "Adieu" so I can go skip through Bed Bath and Beyond...
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