Maturing and Growing Young . . .

I have been reading a book called “The other 90%” by Robert K. Cooper.  I am not quite finished reading it yet, but would recommend it to any and every one.  There are a few things in chapter 17 that I have been thinking about and wanted to share them with you.

First I will quote the two paragraphs that I just believe are profound!

“Scientists have discovered that with a broad range of active intellectual interests and a vigorous lifestyle, your body, mind, and spirit can keep unlocking hidden capacities and there’s a great chance that we can be as sharp – or sharper – at age 70, 80, and even 90 as we were at 20.  We are designed to last a remarkable 120 years; most of us die in late middle age, around 75.”

“As living cells – or as people – there is no staying the same.  If we aim for some middle ground or status quo, it’s an illusion – beneath the surface what’s actually happening is we’re dying, not growing.  And the goal of a lifetime is continued growth, not adulthood.  As Rene’ Dubos put it, “Genius is childhood recaptured.”  For this to happen, studies show that we must recapture – or prevent the loss of – such child-like traits as the ability to learn, to love, to laugh about small things, to leap, to wonder, and to explore.  It’s time to rescue ourselves from our grown-up ways before it’s too late.”

Just ponder on those two paragraphs for a little while.

When I read these two paragraphs in the book “The Other 90%”, my first thought was: no wonder God tells us in his word that we must become like little children, to have that childlike faith.  I always loved this in scripture; it was very clear to me.  Most adults get so set in their ways that they no longer trust, forgive, no longer have that wonder, the ability to learn, to explore and to laugh at the little things in life.  Adults have lost the ability to even laugh at themselves or laugh with others when we do something silly.  Adults tend to bend toward the harsh judgmental attitude that everyone is out to get them or to make fun of them.  What happened to the days that we laughed at each other and with each other for doing something or saying something funny, even when we weren’t trying to be funny?  We would laugh together hysterically until our stomachs hurt. It never entered our minds of putting the other person down or trying to make them look bad.  It was just funny.

As children we believe that we can do anything.  We are adventurous, explorers, and we are determined to learn something even if it is hard.  That is until we are discouraged and told that we can’t.  What are some of the things others have told you that you can’t do?  Maybe we should re-explore some of those things that draw at our heart strings.  Maybe it’s playing an instrument, drawing, painting, starting a new business, etc. etc. The list goes on and on.

I wholeheartedly believe that the Almighty God of Creation created mankind with a very sharp mind. We do not have to fall into the trap of listening to man saying that as we grow older we lose this function or that function.  Please don’t get me wrong I know that there are people that have medical issues that they are dealing with that may be real issues.  However, I also believe that there are a lot more people that are dealing with issues that are just symptoms and could be reversed with just a few basic things.

Physical activity is very important for our bodies, the flesh and bones that carry us around.  If we do not take care of our bodies properly we are robbing ourselves of years of life that we could and should be living.  Get up and move!  Those old bones have a lot of life left in them if you get the blood flowing.  You may have to start slow, but continue to build your activity.  You will be amazed at how you feel after a few days, weeks, months, etc.

Mind activity is also very important for longevity of life.  Our minds are a beautiful thing. (Hey, I think there is a movie called that, or something like that.)  Anyway our minds are a treasure that is just waiting to be unlocked.  Scientist says that we don’t even use but a very small percentage of our brain.  What a shame!  Just think of the things we could do if we became lifelong learners.  Do things to keep your mind active.  Put puzzles together, word scrambles, read about new things, take a class in something, but keep your mind actively learning.  I love hearing about older people (that is people older than me) that go back to college to earn degrees.  Absolutely beautiful!!!  We could learn a lot from people that are older than ourselves, they have so much knowledge and wisdom if we would just stop and listen.

Spiritual, we are spiritual beings that live in a physical body. Our spiritual being is what gives us the life driving force that makes us who we are.  This is the part of mankind that touches God.  And the part of man that God speaks to.

 “One belief about growing older is that the mind steadily, irrevocably deteriorates, until you end up stuck in an inevitable web of confusion, frailty, and despair.  This belief powerfully affects our thinking, resulting in hundreds of small but insidious habits and choices that conform to our view of an aging person, not a young person, which can shape the second half-century of your life in a self-fulfilling prophecy.”

Quote from the book “The Other 90%” Chapter 17.

Let us stop listening to all the lies of “You’re too Old” or “You’re too Young”!  You are at the perfect age to do whatever it is that God has placed in your heart right now!  Whatever your passion!  Who made the rule you have to be this age or that age.  I say Hog Wash!  Go for it!  The only one that can hold you back is yourself.  And that is if you listen to all those negative Nancy’s out there.  (Sorry if your name is Nancy, just a figure of speech.)

If you are 75 you have just reached middle age!  Just think of the possibilities you could do with the rest of your life.  120 years sounds good to me!!!  That means I am still a teenager, but you better believe that if I reach 120 before the Lord calls me home I will continue learning, and loving life actively.  No rocking chair for this grandma, except to rock my grandbabies!

Book Referenced:

The Other 90% ~ By Robert K. Cooper

How to Unlock Your Vast Untapped Potential for Leadership and Life

Copyright 2001 Published by: Three Rivers Press, New York, New York

A special thanks to my daughter-in-law Melissa who lovingly proofreads all of my articles!

As always I am honored that you stopped by to read my article.  I hope it blesses and encourages you.  If there are any topics you would like me to talk about please comment below.

Have a Beautiful Day!

Lisa