Youth Is Attitude

I believe that age is a number, but getting old is a mindset. That’s because the way we think about ourselves influences how we respond to aging. While some people actually talk themselves into not being able to do anything once they reach a certain age, there are others who look at every birthday as a gift from God. They see the adjustments of aging as challenges to be embraced and figured out, not as obstacles to make them stop living. My husband, Dave, is one of those people.

For example, Dave loves to play golf. Actually, that is a huge understatement. Dave also enjoys watching golf and reading magazines about golf. I can’t think of anything concerning golf that he doesn’t like! But when I asked him how it would affect him if he ever reached a point where he couldn’t play golf, his answer was, “I’ve already thought about it and made up my mind to be happy anyway and to find other things to do.”

Dave’s comment represents a healthy mindset toward aging, one that allows us to be happy in any stage of life. I encourage you to follow his example and say to yourself, “Even if I have to give up X, I’m going to be happy.” You can avoid difficult days and find joy in the future if you will decide to accept whatever adjustments you will need to make as you age.

You can start preparing yourself now for your latter years by planning to have a good attitude, expecting them to be a wonderful time in your life, and looking forward to what God has for you in that season.