Young At Heart

Youth is wasted on the young.

Maybe. But youth is also something we can nurture, and keep with us, and within us. We can't stop the calendar, but we can, meaningfully, minimize its effect.

The payoff is high...if you can keep youth in your life you'll have more energy, more optimism, better health, a better marriage...the list is long.

Here's how.

• Don't talk 'old - if you have aches and pains, don't say, "I guess I'm just getting old". We are what we think, and we think what we say. If your back hurts and you want to talk about it, just say, "My back hurts". No one's really interested in the analysis anyway. Nor should you be.
• Avoid 'organ recitals' - in general, talking about your health means you don't have anything else going on...if you're thinking young, you'll have more interesting things to talk about.
• Stay physically fit - you don't have to be a fanatic, but you do have to make an effort. Even small things help. If you drop something, pick it up...immediately. Make sure you bend all the way to the floor, or work your way to that point. Park further away from the store. Take the stairs, not the elevator.
• Stay mentally fit - there's new technology coming along, seemingly every week...make a point of learning it. Don't know what a hashtag is? If you're reading this...on the Internet...you can look up a definition for hashtag. The Internet is a research tool beyond our wildest dreams, and there's no excuse for ignorance...except laziness
• Live healthy - drink in moderation, avoid smoking, and try to be aware of what you're eating. Again, you don't have to be a fanatic. Use this test...if a friend would ask you, "Should I have two Big macs for lunch?", what advice would you give? Treat yourself like your own best friend.
• Talk timeless - this may be counter intuitive, but don't try to spice up your conversation with current jargon or slang. First, it's not needed, in most cases, and second, if you're over thirty, trying to talk like an 18-year-old makes you look like you're trying too hard to fit in. Use language that anyone can understand.
• Dress right - fashions change - so change your wardrobe. It's not expensive if you shop at WalMart or target, and your old clothes can go to charity. Knowing what's in style is part of being mentally fit...and it's fun. Yes, even for men!
• Listen! - listen to current music. You'll hate some of it. You'll be indifferent to most of it. And I guarantee...you'll find some gems.

Staying young isn't about an open shirt, gold chains, and a Ferrari. It isn't about a low-cut cocktail dress and plenty of makeup, with stiletto heels. It's about your smile, the positive tone in your voice, the light in your eyes.

It's about potential, and it's about looking forward, in hope.