035: Why I'm Nothing Less Than Passionate About Personal Growth, Longevity, and Aging Well

I'm certainly unapologetic about my passion for personal growth and longevity and all things related to aging well!

Hey, I'm in the thick of my second half era of life and I'd prefer to embrace it, enjoy it, and engage with others who are passionate (or at least curious) about the same.

Every 10 issues or so I like to regroup and give attention to reviewing the basics of what we're about here in our PGL (Personal Growth and Longevity) community.

By the way, if you're a subscriber and part of our PGL tribe, thanks. And if not, join us...it's free.

We've arrived at issue number 35 and it's the perfect time to give you a reflective peak into my insatiable drive for living your best life as you age.

It's never too early to start thinking about how you'll age (I'm talking to those of you in your 30s to mid-40s).

And equally so, it's never too late to renew your aging and longevity mindset (I'm talking to those of you in your 70s, 80s, and beyond).

The sweet-spot of what we cover around here is for those of you who are entering that - "what-the-heck-is-happening-to-my-life/body/career era (I'm talking to those of you who are in your 50s and 60s).

Wisdom, understanding, and support are essential whatever age-range you're in.

"Plans go wrong for lack of advice, many advisers bring success." - Proverbs 15:22 1

I sincerely hope you'll allow to me to be one of those "advisors" to you in this unique and potentially epic era of your life (yes, it's really an epic era).

I'm still learning and gaining wisdom as I go - join me and invite others to do the same.

Start NOW to set yourself up for aging well or you potentially risk falling into unhealthy generational patterns

Failure to set yourself up for growth and longevity as you age risks producing more of the same that previous generations (had they known and been privy to what you have at your fingertips now) could have potentially lived healthier, longer, and perhaps more fulfilling lives.

I want to build a tribe around living life contrary to those cultural aging norms.

Let's be counter-cultural and sometimes a bit radical about how we age.

• Having an action-bias about your age-based opportunities for personal growth
• Developing deeper resilience as you learn and grow from failure, hard-times, and a renewed mindset
• Maximizing your time instead of merely trying to manage it (your legacy counts on this)

Action is the core motive you need to age well

I believe that growth and longevity is a potential result of of taking proactive action as you age.

Longevity could be defined scientifically, spiritually, or practically.

I choose to see longevity as a combination of each while leaning more to the practical essence of it.

That brings us to having a bias towards action relative to your growth and longevity potential as you age.

Start with how you act or perceive yourself relative to your specific age.

I'll bang this drum until I can't lift my hands:

Age.Is.A.Number...and it doesn't define the quality of your life!!

Believing that will set you a part from the age-bound crowd.

• Wake up...get up...and get moving (literally) treating everyday and its opportunities as the gift they truly are - it beats the alternative.
• Do something meaningful using the experience and wisdom you've accumulated thus far - wisdom and experience are indeed cumulative.
• Color outside the lines on occasion or consistently if you choose - live like this is your renaissance era and be contrarian - life's more fun that way.

Resilience is your inner strength that helps you keep going in your aging journey

I deeply believe that you can do more than you think you can.

You know that "journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step" idea?

Well, as cliche as that sounds - it works!

The path to resilience is pushing yourself step-by-step (as much as you're able) physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.

• Don't merely sit and think about it...move on it! And speaking of movement, make sure you are...moving, that is - out of the chair, into the sunlight and fresh air, and occasionally away from mind-numbing media.
• Renew your mindset. Read more, listen more, pause more, pray and meditate more, journal and reflect more.
• Do something that will outlast you. Find a purpose that gets you out of bed each morning (especially if you're in the traditional retirement era), volunteer, engage with people who's ideas and opinions stretch you, resist the temptation to believe that you have nothing more to give or contribute - nothing could be further from your truth.

Time is relative (and on your side) if you maximize it without allowing it to compromise your aging process

Life feels short.

I find myself saying some days, "it feels like it was only yesterday..."

And though yesterday was a few years or decades ago the reminder that life is brief becomes more relevant in the big picture scheme of things.

• Reflect on how far you've come. Could be out of an addiction, in a relationship, having the courage to pursue a second-era career, or the simple distance your resilient movement has enabled you go from your chair to a refreshing outdoor space.
• Make the most of your moments. Time increments can be short or long - what matters is that you invest yours in what contributes to the legacy you want to leave those around you and certainly those closest to you.

If you're not passionate about personal growth, longevity, and aging well...what are you?

Whether in your 30s and 40s, 50s and 60s, 70s and 80s and beyond, let that question compel you to make whatever changes are necessary.

And remember: we're in this together and I'm here to help!

• Take action
• Develop resilience
• Make the most of your time

Press on...

Eddie

Sources:

1-The Bible, New Living Translation