I know a woman that amazes me. No matter what her circumstances are she remains hopeful and positive. She laughs when she should be crying and remains wondrous of her surroundings. This woman has been through years of heart ache and pain, love and joy, learning and working. There is never a thought in her to give up….only to get better with age-to get better each day and not regress! How much I have learned from knowing and loving this woman…Her faith is her strength and the belief in the overall good of man. She is a constant friend and foundation of love and support to her family. She strives to give to her business, her customers, family, friends and animals. I have never known or had the privilege to witness such an extraordinary older person.
I say older, but only in body, for the very core of my dear friend is young and vivacious. What is her secret? I am much younger yet sometimes I feel much older than her. I get tired and unthankful for my life some days. I think of past mistakes and look back with regret and unforgiveness…only to make myself miserable and of no use to anyone. I get discouraged and think I am unable to change my current situation so I start blaming those around me for my lack of strength. Then my mind goes to the people that influence me most….and my dear friend comes flooding in my heart and mind and I know with no doubt what her secret is for staying young and alive-HOPE! You and I truly can stay young forever if we do not give up, keep learning and growing and always have hope for the future.
When negative thoughts come…it is best to toss them out and begin again with thoughts of what can be done to make the day the very best. The most wonderful feeling in life is to help another person-mentally, physically or emotionally. It is important to give to others to keep grounded and centered. I have never been a very good friend. I have spent too much time worrying over money and work and not taking the time to be an attentive friend or mother. I love my family and friends and thought providing an income was my best role. Now I look back and ponder my life and see that what is important….I can see all this because I have spent time with some of the most wonderful people in the world and I plan on writing about each and every one of them.
Each person I have met made an impact on me for the better, as I learned from them. I want to stay young forever too. The body may age but the mind can stay fresh and alive and then the body must respond. As I get older, there are more aches and pains, but I have the ability to overcome any obstacle and be productive. It is only when I quit learning, giving and trying that my real age can be seen. That is my secret of never growing old…passed down to me by a beautiful soul…she never gives up…she never lets the shine go out of her eyes…she gets better each day….She is forever young.
