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The familiar problem

We hear—and sometimes repeat—phrases like:

· I’m too old to start again.

· I’m past all that now.

· People my age don’t do things like that.

· I’d look ridiculous.

· It’s too late for me.

We gradually exclude ourselves from our own lives.

The Teaching Age—or attitude?

Age is real. Our bodies change.

Not about denial

Attitude asks a different question:

am I adapting—or am I disappearing?

Am I making a wise choice, or am I using my age to avoid living?

“I’m at a certain stage of life,” as though life has been divided into sections—

Every stage is life!

3 attitude shifts that keep us alive

1. Keep doing things for the first time

A class, learn something, go somewhere different, make a new friend or say yes to an invitation. A first experience tells your mind: “My life is still expanding.”

2. Stop rehearsing your age

Notice “At my age…” as a reason to shrink. Replace it with: “What might be possible for me at this age?”

What if you are finally experienced enough, wise enough and free enough.

3. Stay interested in life

Ask questions. Meet people. Make plans. Laugh. Learn. Contribute. Put something in the diary that you are looking forward to. The goal isn’t to pretend to be younger. The goal is to remain fully alive.

Ask yourself:

“If my age wasn’t allowed to make this decision, what would I choose?”

Then do one small thing that makes you feel alive:

· Wear the outfit.

· Make the phone call.

· Book the class or plan the trip.

· Put on the music.

· Say yes to the invitation.

· Begin again.

Not to prove anything—but to remind yourself that you are still here and your life is still happening.

My Closing Quote

Getting older is not evidence that life is leaving us. It is evidence that we have been given more life.

Whatever stage you are at, don’t stand outside your own life waiting for a better part to begin. This is life. It is precious, and it is happening now. How you meet it, value it and live it is up to you.