"Being cool does not have a "best before" date." -- Katy Bravery, Editor of Saga Magazine
I recently came across this quote which, I think, sums up how I should live the rest of my life. I've been around for sixty years and sometimes I wonder if I am going to get to a point where I think I won't be able to do everything I want to do. I notice how the world is changing around me and I'm not always aware as much as I use to be.
Believe me, I am no computer genius. Far from it. And I don't see myself ever being interested enough to be able to have a full time job as a computer programmer. Just won't happen. I have no desire to be able to carry on conversations about the latest video games, i phones, i chats, Instagrams, twitters, etc that seems to fascinate everyone nowadays. At least those younger than me. I feel somewhat stupid and out dated at times and yes, uncool because I don't have all of the knowledge of a Bill Gates.
But then I learn about someone like Stephen Jepson, who is in his early 70's and says his mantra is "play". Now that's cool. He is a retired potter who has created numerous how-to DVD's about pottery that are sold all over the world. His work is in the Smithsonian. Everyday he challenges himself with his motor skills and his dexterity. He skateboards (with a skateboard he designed), juggles, plays hopscotch and throws balls at targets (using both his left and right hand so he keeps agile). The list is too long to go into in this blog. I suggest going to YouTube and watching his inspiring video.
Another really cool person is Tao Pochon-Lynch who at 96 still teaches yoga. One of her students said he walked into her class and had doubts that she could challenge him because of her age. He said she did things he only wished he could accomplish in his lifetime and by the end of her class he said he learned so much more than just how to do downward facing dog.
Tao began studying ballroom dancing at 87 and not only continues to dance but teaches it as well. She says that whatever you put in your mind materializes. So she says she wakes up everyday believing that this day is the best in her life. She says that trees are hundreds of years old but each season they recycle themselves and become new again. And that is what she does everyday of her life.
At 96 she believes that it's never too late and to be bold! Stephen Jepson says he wants to change the world. He wants people to know that age is just a number and that life is so much more than how old you are.
Now that is cool. That is really, really cool. No expiration date here.