Most of us seniors have probably grown up with stories and movies centered around the fantasy of discovering the fountain of youth. Of course we all know it is just that, a fantasy, but have we ever stopped to ask ourselves the question “What is the secret to eternal youth?”
Helen never aged. Not in my mind anyway. She was at least ninety years old, wearing long, wavy hair, sporting popular teen fashion, and generally facing life with attitude.
Her attitude was positive, upbeat, cheerful, sweet, and most important, youthful. If you asked how she was doing, her answer was always the same, “Great!”
I never saw Helen down or discouraged.
She never spoke of her aches or pains if she had them. Her daily exercise and healthy eating may have eliminated them, but she must have had some. I know this because when she fell or bumped herself she would say, “I must have needed acupuncture there!”
What an amazing woman she was. If she went to the doctor, she never spoke of it, and just listened to others talk, never complaining once about any condition except perhaps the fact that other people didn’t laugh nearly enough or have enough fun with life.
I want to be Helen when I grow up!
So I’ve incorporated everything I know about how she faced life, no embraced life, with every fiber of her being.
Her spiritual life was the most important thing of all to her and she never stopped serving all life with love (and a bit of rebelliousness, too!) Here are her secrets and some of my own:
1. Keep your attention on the goal, not the roadblock.
For example, if you want to catch the ball, you keep your eye on the ball, right? In this case, keep your eye on the feeling and attitude of youth.
Each time you catch yourself feeling old, ask yourself what a kid would do in that situation. You may find you can do way more than you thought you could!
2. Observe and change your language, to yourself as well as others.
When you are tempted to use the word “old”, instead, replace it with the word “experienced” or some other creative phrase.
Another friend who inspires me never tells her age because she said that people automatically think of you a certain way and get an attitude about you. Be ageless, be a god or goddess!
3. Think Young.
Every single day, anytime you think about how you look or feel, imagine yourself as you were when you were your ideal age. That might be different for everyone.
I like to hold my image of myself as thirty-five and when I have birthdays, they are each “my annual thirty-fifth birthday” for anyone who asks!
4. Smile as much as possible
Not only do you look younger, but you’ll feel younger too. Try it right now!
5. Relax and fill your heart with love
That’s the real secret to staying young. When you trust and focus on your spiritual life it will energize you.
Any comments?
Thank you! I think the secret to Eternal youth will definitely have to do with keeping a good level of physical activity, eating healthy food, and also being healthy on the inside with whatever kind of practices will bring that about for the individual. I am only 30, so I don’t know anything from my own experience about eternal youth, as I still have some youth just from being younger. However, I plan on continuing my healthy lifestyle because I’m pretty sure that’s what helps people maintain their Vitality up until older ages.
Good job putting this article together, it will definitely help a lot of people. Your expertise is greatly appreciated. Have a good day.
Thank you for your comments. Yes, you have grasped the value of starting at an earlier age to do the things that will insure you a youthful existence in later life. All the best to you!
Roland
Awe! I want to meet Helen! 🙂 She sounds amazing. I really liked your tips on the secrets to eternal youth! I especially liked your point about keeping focused on the goals and not the roadblock. This happens all too often, and it is sad. For me, personally, it is a struggle. I need to focus on everything except the struggles. (It’s so easy to get bogged down by the negative.) I also enjoy the tip about changing our language! I will work on this! Thank you for sharing these tips! They’re great! Blessings!
Thanks for your wise observations. You are so right about the negative attitudes around us, but the key is to use the negative attitudes and challenges of life to afford us the opportunity of learning how to turn them all into positive results.
That is what makes us winners and keeps us young. All the best to you!
Roland
Hi! This was a very interesting read. Attitude is so important. We don’t realize it but we can’t change circumstances around us but we can change how we react to them. We grow old quickly when we don’t know how to deal with these circumstances in a positive way. Focusing on goals, smiling, giving and receiving love can keep us young. Thank you for putting together this post!
Great observations Henry! I love your comment that we can’t change our circumstances but we can change how we react to them. Perhaps that is why we tend to respect the wisdom of our elders based on their experience.
Roland
Thank You for providing great clue into how to stay young forever. You have mentioned some real nice tips which can help look and stay young. I can’t agree less with the points you have listed most especially taking time to smile. We must always allow happiness and find time to smile while we also fill our heart with love.
Thanks Charles. Your comments are appreciated. One of the greatest compliments we can be given is that we are known as someone who is always smiling.
Roland
I like Helen’s attitude. I always strive to have that positive attitude and enthusiasm for life. The secrets to life outlined here are what everyone needs. I love the first pointer on sticking to the goal, not the road block. I believe if we all master this we shall be halfway through our journey to happiness and a fulfilled life. Sounds like Helen had such a full life! I want to be like Helen too. Thanks for sharing this story. It is very inspiring.
Yes, Carol, Helen’s attitude inspires all of us! She is a good example of just how much the way each of us live our lives can influence the lives of those around us for either good or bad. It gives each of us encouragement to make the very best out of the time we exist on this earth.
Keep up the good work!
Roland