There is something that bugs me about people who use the phrase “Man I’m Old”. In any context other than talking about true age, this statement is more of an excuse or lie used to hide the current state. It usually isn’t because people are old. I know because I hear people who are 25 years old say it. I also know because there are 95 year old’s who still run marathons. A quote I recently heard from George Bernard Shaw puts it all into perspective.
We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw
The pure amount of wisdom this statement creates is off the charts. The words, which you might have to read a few times, encapsulate the reality of aging and the importance of play in your life?
The Fact You Feel Old
Is the true reason you feel old because you quit playing? Quit having fun in life? Quit eating healthy? Quit tending to your financial future? What is it that makes you use the excuse of being “old”?
I understand that as we journey through life, it is a fact that we grow old. We don’t have to live that way though as old age often leaves us abandoning the activities that once filled our days with pure joy. Childhood games, hobbies, and simple pleasures slowly come to an end as responsibilities, societal expectations, and the pressures of adulthood rise. It’s as if aging works in tandem as to how much play and fun we have in our lives.
Youthful feelings can Live with Age
Think about the endless energy curious children have. Their ever ending search for fun, imagination and their ability to find joy in the most simplest things. They incorporate play into their life at every turn and engage in the world with enthusiasm as if it was their last day on earth. As Shaw simple words remind us, the act of play and staying young is not bound by age, but by our willingness to continue to play like a child would.
These acts are not limited to children. Anyone can play and stay young at any stage in their life. It might take some work, but even if you are 65, you can rediscover the love of a childhood game, explore a new hobby, or embrace being where you are with the people you are there with.
Stay Young and Never Leave
Incorporating play in your life goes above the years you have lived up to this point and will keep you young at all moments. Yes there will be times where it is hard to get off the couch, or moments where you are more sore than you were when you were 30 years old. However, continuing to remember to implement play into your life will reduce these moments.
Staying young in mind and active in the body encourages innovation, problem-solving, and leads to new ideas and breakthroughs in our daily lives. Staying old and thinking old, leaves you in the trenches always fighting old man time. It is a loosing battle. Keeping a playful mind also fosters new relationships and strengthens old bonds through laughter and experiences that fight against negative emotions towards age.
Don’t Let Play Take a Back Seat
Despite the benefits of play and keeping a young mind, the practice of play often takes a backseat in the hustle and bustle of adult life. The pressure of work, societal expectations, and responsibilities often overshadow the importance of carving out time for enjoyment. These are the moments were the aging process seems to accelerate and the excuses flow.
Instead of excuses, imagine a world where living life to the fullest, working hard and playing everyday are not conflicts, but things that complement one and other. Just think of where people would be and what they could accomplish if these forces were combined into one. How many lives and relationships do you think would be enriched if this were the case in your life?
It is time to Stop and Change
Shaw’s words really hit home with me. The words are a sharp reminder and call to action to remember why we were put on this earth in the first place. We are here to enjoy every minute of the short time we actually have on this earth. Adding play into your life can make this happen more often than not.
All growing old is, is the passage of time. It is not something we can control and we cannot ever get it back. By installing play into our daily lives, in whatever form, we open the door to a world where age is only a number. It is not a defining moment where you cannot do things. Continue to play in life and transform the way you live. You will never feel old again.
If you need a hand to get started and unlock your fun life,
Hit me up and I will get you on the right track. Helping people is where my heart lights up every single time.
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/FBOFB
Website – www.fbofb.com
Instagram – @fbofb.life
Stuck? Download my free Life Hack Starter Pack Now.
Feel stuck in your routine? Knowing the whole time you can do better? Be it your finances, your wellness, your life….
This life hack starter pack and other tips are the ticket to get you started!
– Take the first step.
– Sign up below.
– Download your Free Copy.
– Act & Repeat your way to a better you.
The other option is to stay stuck in the exact same position you are in.
Instead you could get out of debt, trim some fat, better your marriage, live a better life.