Isn’t it interesting how attitudes can change over a very short period of time. A few years ago, there were a lot of articles in the press about the negative aspects of getting older and how ageism was becoming rampant the way Seniors were being treated. I wrote several articles about how the only way “ageism” can affect us, is that we let it.
But recently I have seen numerous articles in various publications, praising the concept of aging and showing so much respect for Seniors. But it’s really all about the way WE think about getting older and has nothing to do with how others feel.
Do you feel inside like you’re getting older? Do you look like you’re getting older? Are you healthy? How you project your age to yourself and how you look and feel in your own mind, is what you project to others around you. Do others think you look and feel old?
All too often, we let our age define who we are. We look in the mirror and tell ourselves that we are looking older. When we think of ourselves as getting old, we project that message to others through our voice, our posture, our bearing and our attitude about life.
Do we come across as stereotypically old curmudgeons with an old person’s grumpy attitude toward life, or are we looked at as healthy, vibrant seniors with a vitality and zeal for living our lives? Do you look forward to getting up in the morning, or do you roll over and mentally project how miserable your day is going to be?
“The effects of the years upon the physical body depend not upon the physiology but the psychology involved.” — Eric Butterworth, from the book, Celebrate Life.
Do you think yourself old, or do you have a “Come Alive Attitude” toward your life as it is? Do want to stay like you are, or do you want to try new things and experiment with life? Are you looking forward to your future or are you dreading it? Are you buried in the past or are you willing to accept inevitable change in the real world as time marches on?
Is your physical body up to the task of living a long and active life, or is it weak, filled with aches and pains, with an mind that is dreary and full of dread.
Charles Fillmore, a spiritual leader of the early 20th century woke up one morning at the age of 93 and said out loud, “I fairly sizzle with zeal and enthusiasm and I spring forth with a mighty faith to do the things that ought to be done by me.” Now that’s a Come Alive Attitude.
It’s a matter of self awareness and self-care. By self-care, I mean taking responsibility for your own mind and body and doing something to build and maintain your own health and vitality. Yes, that means exercise and eating right, and every bit as important — is the mental attitude that goes with it.
So, does your age define you, or do you define your age? In the former, you let life dictate the terms. In the latter, you dictate the terms of both your present and your future. Can you completely control your future? Of course not. You could get hit by a truck tomorrow. Maybe some sort of virus will come along and bring the world to a halt. But you have the ability to take responsibility for your own health and fitness, along with the mindset that encourages you do it.
It’s up to us to define who we are and how we want the world to look at us. We have the ability to dictate the terms. You know what to do. Will you do it?
“Fitness and health is within reach of anyone who wants it. The question is, who will reach?” Jim Rohn
Thank you for reading.