Wrinkles and gray hair are not the proof that the best of life is over.
I thought that since it was summer, it might be nice to have a tip on the lighter side. Recently I was reading a book written by Bryant S. Hinckley that had a thought about aging. It stated: “Some people are young a long time; they never seem to get old. Accomplishing this is a priceless achievement, and it is within the reach of most of us. ” An often quoted poem is entitled,
Age is a Quality of Mind
“Age is a quality of mind:
If your dreams you’ve left behind,
If hope is cold,
If you no longer look ahead,
If your ambition’s fires are dead,
Then you are old.
But if from life you take the best,
And if in life you keep the zest,
If love you hold;
No matter how the years go by,
No matter how the birthdays fly,
You are not old.”
Bryant S. Hinckley continues, saying, “The way to grow old with satisfaction and dignity is through the cultivation of our inner resources. Wrinkles and gray hair are not the proof that the best of life is finished… Most people who age before their time do so because their minds and not their muscles stiffen… We all need to cultivate kindness, human understanding, sympathy, tolerance for other people’s views, generosity and a sense of humor… These are the qualities of mind and heart that endure and enrich our lives forever. They do not diminish with the passing years. These are the panaceas for disillusionment and loneliness which so often embitter age…”
Each day can be a masterpiece if we let it. Don’t let what you can’t do keep you from doing what you can do! The popular saying, “Live, Love, Laugh” can be applied at any age. Why not start now to cultivate this frame of mind and enjoy life to the fullest?
Tom Packer is an Elder Law Attorney serving all of Southeast Idaho. As part of his law practice, Tom offers Life Care Planning to deal with the challenges created by long-term illness, disability and incapacity. If you have a question about a Senior’s legal, financial or healthcare needs, please call us.