You are not alone. The quest for independence is alive and well. It had been your goal since that day, when you were barely two years old, that you said “no” for the very first time. The feeling was exhilarating. It didn’t always turn out the way you hoped, but that sense of power lives on.
Being independent is all about asserting yourself, and about being an active participant in your own life. You still have it. Admit it. The desire for independence is as strong today as it was then.
Saying “no” can be a powerful tool but be careful. If you say it too often you might sound like you have closed your mind to new ideas. You don’t want to be thought of as a stubborn old fool, or even worse, as a “grumpy” old man/woman.
You need to be open to new ideas if you want to establish that you a ready, willing, and able to participate in your own future. Never say “no” until you have had time to do a little research.
If you start thinking of yourself as old, you may miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime. Words like “senior moment.” “over the hill” or “ready to be put out to pasture” should not be a part of your vocabulary.
When do you officially become old? Your parents were old, or at least you thought they were old, when they were only in their 40s. Did you feel old at 40? Do you feel old now?
Many creative geniuses did their best work after the age of 60. Today we see seniors running for public offices, writing books, playing tennis, or in command of thriving businesses. They are just ordinary people who haven’t given up. Their energy level may not be quite what it used to be, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get the job done.
Successful seniors focus on things that they “can do” rather than on what they “cannot do.” Do not let visions of declining health, nursing home occupancy or social isolation cloud your future. Learn how to be the best that you can be.
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