In my dream life, I would have liked to learn Spanish, French and Italian, while taking oil painting, piano and guitar lessons. But my life did not turn out the way I wanted it to, and I often wonder if it's too late to do the things I've always wanted to do. Many women have pursued their passions as adults by learning musical instruments, foreign languages and more. I believe that I can do the same. As long as my brain is still functional in some way, I am still able to live my dreams.
Young minds tend to have more of an advantage over adult minds. Children tend to memorize more easily, have better motor skills and their brains have a tendency to mold to new information and experiences. But the advantages of the adult mind trump the advantages of youth any day. We may compare the brain to a computer. It is more like the Internet, as a system that links lots of computers. When we hit middle age, our brain is like going from dial-up to high-speed. Adults have more of a hard time memorizing than youngsters, but once the adults get over the hump, they use what they learn better than the younger generation. Being motivated, and interested in learning are key rules for adults, since we are more disciplined and our values are stronger. When people move through the middle age years, they often enter what is called a liberating phase. I've read where many adults have taken up instruments, mastered it, and they are playing professionally. That makes me feel somewhat inspired and hopeful.
We have to know our strong suit or gift in what we want to pursue. If you were good at languages when you were young, or have a gift for music or art, you will very likely have that trait when you're older. It may be easier than we think to engage and learn the course of study we are interested in. Some professors of psychology explain why we need to keep our brain fit by using it. It is said that the brain is more like a muscle than we ever thought. Also, studies show that older adults lower their risk for disease by building stronger immune systems when they engage in meaningful activities that provide them with a new sense of mastery, and social interaction.
I don't want to wait any longer to pursue my creativity, nor will I think it is too self-indulgent. I want to be brave and visionary. I can develop my skills and passions, and enrich myself. It may be scary at first, but I can face my fears, knowing that it will be worthwhile in the end.
