Are you too old?

Rarely is age really a factor in doing something in life. If you say you're "too young", what you fear is that you don't have enough life experience. On the other hand, saying you're "too old", is often a way to express your fear of limits. Have you bought into the "over the hill" myth and resigned yourself to sitting on the sidelines instead of allowing yourself to give it all you've got out on life's playing field?

I turned 45 two days ago and am sitting here in the RV thinking what to share with you this time. Some of you might be thinking "What a young dude! He's only lived half of his life. If I was that young again, and knew what I know now, my life would have turned out completely different!"

My mom said that looking in the mirror, the body she saw just didn't fit the way she felt on the inside. She also said that it's not important how old you are, it's how you feel that counts. Maybe that's why she always said she was 39 when people asked her about her age.

Did you know, that the ancient Egyptian Mystic Schools, way back about 3,000 years ago (speaking of old!) identified, that we humans are capable of residing in our bodies for up to 140 years. If that is true, then this young chicken has only lived one third of his life and still has another 95 years to enjoy.

My parents were about 45 when I was born a single child. The disadvantage was that my parents didn't horse around with me as my buddies parents did. The huge advantage however was being surrounded by all these wonderful wise relatives. Wow! Did I learn a lot about life from listening to all the great stories these "old folks" had to tell. Even my kids (ages 20, 16 and 14) love to sit around the campfires in the RV-Parks we stay at during our yearly road trips and listen to the fantastic stories people have to share. It's history coming alive, and much more fun and exciting than learning from text books at school!

Past generations grew up being able to suck in the wisdom of two or three generations like a sponge. They had their parents, grandparents and sometimes even their great grandparents pass life's secrets on to them. Today, in order to accumulate material stuff and to avoid the hassles of child raising people put their kids and their parents into institutions like adult- and children day-care. That might be great for those people, but deprives the kids and grandparents of the kids from learning from each other.

So now we have the grandkids hanging out with other kids, that don't know beans, parents working their butts off to buy things, they don't need to impress people that they hate and the grandparents hanging out with other grandparents talking about being sick and dying. This type of isolation can be misused for one-sided information, education, manipulation and brain-washing. How messed up is that?

My mom said when you start noticing, that you are going to hospitals and funerals more often than to birthdays, weddings and all the other great parties, the peer pressure can get you thinking about leaving your body earlier than sooner. Maybe that is the reason we don't make it up to 140 years of age (yet).

If that is true, then it could be important to overcome the various generation gaps and start having the courage, both young and old, to learn from each other, share our insights and deepen those relationships. Doing so can elevate humanity to a complete new level of trust and love. Make that first step. Start sharing your infinite wisdom with others. Write that book, take those pictures, start that business, make that movie, write that article, start that newsletter, become a mentor, coach or teacher. Young people need to hear your story. Stop being so stingy and start making the world a better place by sharing all that wonderful life experience you've paid such a high price to obtain. Make your life count!

Les Brown once said: "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream!" Rarely is age really a factor in doing something in life. If you say you're "too young", what you fear is that you don't have enough life experience to pursue your goal. On the other hand, saying you're "too old", is often a way to express your fear of limits. Have you bought into the "over the hill" myth and resigned yourself to sitting on the sidelines instead of allowing yourself to give it all you've got out on life's playing field?

Here are a few ideas for "young people" on how to tap into the treasures of the "older folks":

• Access their expertise. Many older people have a wealth of knowledge and skills. You’ll gain a stronger relationship by asking for their advice and putting it into action.

• Don’t cop an attitude. It’s easy to think you’re hot stuff because of a dynamic lifestyle. Don’t let your enjoyment spill over into your interactions with older people, some of whom may find reason to resent your success if you make too much of it.

• Explore your perspective. What stereotypes about older people do you buy in to? Keep an open mind about their ability to master new technology and keep up with the changing environment. And ask yourself from time to time how you might react if you found yourself interacting with someone significantly younger than you.

• Stand your ground when necessary. You don’t have to act like General Patton, but you’ll gain respect from people by making firm decisions and living by high standards consistently—regardless of the difference in your ages.

Just think of the magical miracles that can happen when the young and the old become allies in supporting each other to win the game of life! For a comprehensive FREE list of life lessons go to: CoachKarl.com and check the box next to "FREE Life Lessons - A list of life lessons". Another source of inspiration is a short and inspiring video that can be found at: www.potentialmovie.com I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Thank you for the wonderful feedback regarding my last article. What thoughts would you like to share? I am eager to hear from you.

Your Success is my Passion!

Coach Karl, MBA Master Success Coach Email: Karl@CoachKarl.com

Web: www.CoachKarl.com

Phone: +1 (361) 549-3790



Are you too old? - To learn more about this author, visit Karl Ruegg's Website.

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