Happy St Patrick’s Day!  Saint Patrick is of course the most commonly recognized of the patron saints of Ireland. It began as a purely Catholic holiday and became an official feast day in the early 1600s. However, as you and I know, it has gradually become more of a secular celebration of Ireland’s culture.  So whether you are Irish or not, enjoy the day!

What Are Your Limits?

How much potential do we really have?  Is there a point in life when we can just say, “I’ve reached my limits, that’s all I can do?”  Or, can we continue to grow?

Did you hear about Marion Jacobson? She published her second children’s book a couple of years ago.  So, what’s so unusual about that?  Plenty of people write books.  But, on the other hand there are lots of people who want to write a book, but never do. Marion finished her second book at the tender age of 95.

Then there’s Verne Oliver.  She joined the Gilder Foundation as its associate director, using its grants to create or renovate more than 100 elementary school media centers across New York City. She was very involved in putting the finishing touches on two school libraries.  Oh, and by the way, Verne joined the Gilder Foundation when she retired in 1987 and at age 85.

Lot’s of people saw Lillian Cox, of Tallahassee, Florida on TV. She must really have places to go and people to see.  Perhaps that’s why a couple of years ago she renewed her drivers license when she was 101.

Are You Really Too Old?

There are dozens and dozens of stories like these.  And I’m not saying that you should write a book or drive a car at age 100.  Although I know there are people who would say that at that age you are too old.   And while Marion may not make the best sellers list, and Lillian will never drive at the Indy 500, they decided to live life to the fullest!

As long as you are alive there are things that you can learn and things you can do!  You can learn and grow; you can reach out, discover, and expand your life!  When the famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright was asked near the end of his career which of his buildings was his favorite, he replied, “My next one!”

On the other hand, many people have just stopped living and are doing little more than existing.  They have become complacent and are just settling for the way life is.  They lack excitement and enthusiasm for life.

Far too many people have stopped hoping and dreaming.  Although that is what they have chosen to do, it doesn’t mean that they have run out of potential.

What Do You Believe About You?

A lot of people today really believe that their best days are behind them.  That is what they choose to believe.  But why not expect that your best days are in front of you?  Thinking that way is also a choice.  God gave us free will to think whichever way we choose to think.  The startling reality is that we will reap the results of those choices.

One of the reasons people have chosen to stop dreaming is because of past failures or disappointments.  Because of what happened in the past, they are afraid of doing or trying anything new.  They just play it safe, stay comfortable and settle.

The truth is that many, many successful people have had many, many disappointments.  But they refused to carry a failure mind set.  They just continued to reach forth to another new endeavor.  It’s a good thing Abraham Lincoln didn’t stop living life after a disappointment or two, or three, or four!

Many people pray to God and ask for open doors.  But seldom do they get up and grab the doorknob to see if it opens!  And, if they do, and it doesn’t open, so many times then they give up.

Don’t Give Up!  Try Another Door!

If you are reading this article then your life is not over!  There are things to discover; there are things to learn. What are you waiting for?

The only valid limits that you have in your life are the ones that you have accepted.

Just ask George Dawson who had his book published at age 101 titled, “Life is So Good.”  Before he wrote his book, George decided he’d better learn to read first, so he took an adult literacy class when he was 98 years old!  And, yes, he finally got his GED at the age of 103.

Michael A. Verdicchio
2010

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Life Is So Good by George Dawson