Mark Twain once wrote, “Age is nothing but mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”
Here’s an obvious statement too often overlooked. “Everyone has to get older.” I’d like to tag a phrase onto that basic fact of life and write, “Everyone has to get older but that doesn’t mean you have to be old.”
It was legendary crooner Frank Sinatra who sang, “Fairy tales can come true… it can happen to you… if you’re young at heart.” That’s the key and has always been the key.
Stay “young at heart.” That sounds easy enough but we’re in a world that needs validation, needs explanation, needs a list of the “how to”…
At the risk of preaching to the choir, I’m determined with this column to, in fact, preach to the choir. Here’s what I’ve learned about being and most importantly, staying young. Not in rank order of importance, here goes.
- Stay Active. Whether it’s walk, biking, regular exercise or walking the stairs vs. taking the elevator, active people thrive.
- Stay Positive. In our dizzy, busy, often lunatic world, it’s so easy to be “down” and negative. Be optimistic. Be positive. Embrace the “good” not the “bad.”
- Keep Learning. “When you’re through learning, you’re through.” Try to learn something new everyday. It will expand your mind, your attitude and help keep you young.
- Laugh Often. It has been said that laughter is the best medicine. Don’t take yourself or life too seriously. Smile more and surround yourself with those who smile and laugh.
- Try Something New. Visit a new place. Try a new hobby. Research a new topic. Go to lectures. Go to concerts. Go to the theatre. Go, go and grow, grow.
- Stop Illogical Behaviors. It’s not an opinion. It’s a fact. Smoking is deadly. Consuming too much alcohol is dangerous. Behaving in an irrational manner, driving recklessly and losing your temper are all bad for you, bad for others and simply put… bad!
- Get Enough Sleep. You charge your cell phone. You need to charge yourself. Plug in, kick back, lie down, relax and even take a nap or two. Sleep is the universal healer.
- Water, Water, Everywhere. It is a medical fact that healthy people hydrate. Sure, I, too, don’t enjoy water. After all, it has no taste. It’s not sweet. It’s bland. Nonetheless, science has proven drinking water is, perhaps, the healthiest thing you can do besides exercise and getting enough sleep.
- Get Regular Check-Ups. There is absolutely no excuse for a person to be surprised by a serious illness because they postonened, delayed or ignored getting regular check-ups with a doctor and more importantly, regular body labs and tests.
- Have An Attitude of Gratitude. Thank those around you who have helped you and supported you. Be thankful for all of your blessings and never hesitate to openly thank someone who did something nice for you. It will make you feel great, happier and younger.
- Declutter. Clean up your drawers, your closets, your desk, your life. Cleansing is an amazing way to feel better and unencumbered. Do it a little at a time but do it!
- See Your Friends. Spend time with those you relate to, those you respect, those you like and those you call “friend.” If you can’t see them, call them. Stay in touch. It’s amazing how good you’ll feel making contact with someone you share life’s history with.
- Give Graciously. Help others. Donate your time. Volunteer. Give back. You’ll be the beneficiary of great feelings of accomplishment and pride.
- Eat Smart. Enjoy foods you love. Indulge occasionally but generally eat foods that are good for you… good for your body… good for your mind… simply put… good.
A final thought for staying young, vibrant and happy… create and develop a sense of purpose. Having a purpose or a true meaning in life can come from a number of sources. It can come from family, from work and career, from your hobbies and interests, from intellectual pursuits, from volunteering and more.
Yes, “Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you if you’re young at heart.”
Columnist and Acworth, GA. resident, Ira Blumenthal, is a business consultant, a best-selling author, a globally renknowned speaker, an educator and a youth Lacrosse coach. Reach Ira at Ira@Iraspeak.com. You can follow Ira on instagram @irajblumenthal. You can find Ira’s latest book on AMAZON, RUNDOWN: Safe at Home.
