Staying Young at Heart
Having just celebrated the BIG 6-0…and with the phrase I heard the most, and quite honestly am pleased to hear is, "Don, you’re so young at heart…" Besides wondering if that was really a compliment, Ha-Ha, I decided to look a little deeper at that phrase.
I read an interesting definition, “To be 'young at heart' is to love life, wake up every day and enjoy that day as a gift... It involves loving, living life to the full and facing all that life presents, returning only blessing. One who is young at heart lives in the now and has a grateful heart no matter what has gone before."¹
A recent article, Primetime Views, Chicago Tribune, quotes a few 60, 70 & 80 plus folks on the phrase, ‘Young at Heart’ and what it means to you — here’s what they had to say;
Rudolph Alfano, 80, "To think young and be positive each and every single day. That's why I think I'm 16 years old because I act like a kid sometimes. I stay young at heart by getting up early in the morning and going on my walk, going to bed early, eating fresh fruits and vegetables daily, working on a project each day and helping others."
Ken Altamore, 63, "To me, I define 'young at heart' as living on your own terms and trying new things. Love what you do and do what you love."
Dr. John A. Bartel, 70, "I think it is used to describe someone that hasn't stopped keeping up with the changes that are always taking place in life. When a person stops welcoming change, learning new things and having fun, he or she is no longer 'young at heart'.'"
Maria Bucher, 73, "Being 'young at heart' means to me that I don't think about age; I just keep doing what I enjoy. Remember to tell the person in the mirror how much you love her (or him.)"
Bonnie Daniello, 67, "It means to always look at the positive things in your life. Think positive and smile. A smile is something to give away at no cost. Someone once said, enjoy life because this is not a dress rehearsal.”
Lisa Dekter, 76, "You realize that age is insignificant. To be 'young at heart' is to love life, wake up every day and enjoy that day as a gift."
Sister Maggie Ryan, 92, "To be 'young at heart' is to be fully engaged in life. Being interested, alert and using all the gifts God has given me each day of my life. I am optimistic, full of joy and caring for others no matter what is happening to me because of my chronological age. My great joy is in giving, doing for others and taking in as many new experiences as I am able."
Mary Stuhr, 73, "You must take Vitamin F. Vitamin F stands for friends. I have friends that enjoy talking politics, eating at restaurants, traveling, playing cards, volunteering at church and for the community and socializing. I have friends who are caring and compassionate. Friends are good for our health."²
Well now…I think we may have stumbled on the Fountain of Youth. Smile & stay positive. Embrace change. Try new things. Wake up everyday and welcome life as a gift. Be engaged. Do for others. And take that Vitamin F (friends). This is not only good advice to live by…but good advice to live-long by!
So, this week, let’s try to take a cue from…well…the young at heart! What have we got to loose?
Remember, at Conizo we want to be with you through every season of life…from the very young…to the very grown up! We believe that through both the seasons and generations of life — wisdom and hope can intersect to make life simply…well-lived.³
Thanks for stopping by…Live Life Well!
Notes
Definition, ‘”Young at Heart”, https://www.google.com/search?q=Definition+Young+at+Heart%3F&oq=Definition+Young+at+Heart%3F&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i10i22i30j0i22i30l8.17305j1j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Chicago Tribune, Primetime Views: What Does the Phrase ‘Young at Heart’ Mean to You? https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/advertising/primetime/chi-primetime-ptviewsyoungheart-071311-story.html
Conizo Living and Wellness, www.Conizo.com