When Your Dreams Die
It’s been said that there is not much to do but bury a man when the last of his dreams is dead. A person is as young as his dreams – for it explains why some people look old at 40, and others young at 90.
As Emerson said, “We need not count a man’s years until he has nothing else to count.”
So, the real “fountain of youth” is keeping your dreams alive. Over the 4th of July weekend, I asked an amazing centennial man, celebrating his 100 year birthday, if he wanted to buy some real estate. He answered, “Can I buy another 10 years to see my entire dream come true!” It is really nice to be 100 years old with a heart as young as his – he loved life so much he couldn’t stop smiling!
I spent time observing his body language and facial expressions. He was standing tall and looking hopeful about his future. He had aspirations and gratitude. He expressed himself concisely, short and sweet. His attitude was positive, his thoughts were on the moment and his communication was direct, without second guessing or having the slightest doubt. I was mesmerized by his presence and thought he had probably had a privileged life. But not true, as he had his fair share of life’s challenges; no better or worse than you and me. But somehow he knew the secret of staying young: He always had at least one dream, a compelling reason to live for something he considered great. It’s having a higher purpose in one’s life or shooting for something meaningful that gives your life beauty and will keep you young.
So, the moral of my story is if you want to stay young and be healthy, never let an old person move into your form. Or put another way, never let your life be void of dreams.
Regards,
Sam
