Hi there! This month I’ll be 80 years forever young—and I’d love to share a few thoughts from where I stand on this milestone.
Someone once said, “As we journey through life and age, there is a profound beauty in the wisdom, experiences, and growth that come with the passing years.”
And I truly believe that. But let’s face it—society often tell us that beauty fades with age. Thankfully, Coco Chanel had a different view:
“You can be gorgeous at 30, charming at 40, and irresistible for the rest of your life.”
I’m definitely leaning into that “irresistible” phase.
At 78 and 79, I was optimistic. Now, at 80, I’m a little more introspective—maybe even a little apprehensive. But above all, I’m hopeful. I’ve lived a long life, and I’m deeply aware that tomorrow isn’t promised. Not a single moment is a guaranteed.
But you won’t hear me complain about getting older. Aging is a privilege denied to many, and as long as I’m here, then there will be more chapters left to write in my book of life.
What Keeps Me Grounded
I choose what I feed both my body and my mind. My meals are mostly ghar ka khana—a Hindi phrase for home-cooked food—and I’m intentional about what I consume mentally, too. I avoid content that leaves me anxious or heavy-hearted and instead focus on what brings joy, inspiration, and peace.
Exercise is a constant. Even when it’s tough to get out of bed at dawn everyday, it’s always worth it—especially with good company. And over time, I’ve learned that real health doesn’t just come from food and medicine. It comes from peace of mind, peace in your heart, and peace in your soul. It comes from the joy in our days and the calmness of our life. It comes from laughter, and from love.
Still Growing
My goal in life remains the same: to keep growing. I never give up on myself. Rather than seeing age as a limitation, I see it as proof of resilience and unyielding strength.
We don’t get to choose all of life’s circumstances. But we do get to choose how we navigate them. I’ve faced my share of storms, but I’ve never let them define me. I rise above, and I rely on my spirit—my indomitable spirit—to carry me through. Because no one else defines my worth. I am exactly who God made me to be.
Looking Ahead
However many years I have left, I plan to live in crescendo, like Stephen Covey said in his book, Live in Crescendo. I’ll embrace the unknown. Learn new things. Meet people who challenge my perspective. Stay open. Stay curious. Stay alive to the beauty that life still offers.
George Burns, the legendary comedian who lived to 100, once said:
“By the time you’re 80, you’ve learned everything. You only have to remember them”.
Well, I’m still quite lucid—and yes, I remember everything. So if you owe me something… or made me a promise… let this be your gentle reminder
To everyone reading this, I hope your 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s are every bit as fulfilling as mine have been. Live fully, Laugh loudly. Love deeply. And don’t forget to have fun.
Because as Abraham Lincoln said:
“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
Thank you for reading this I hope you got inspired in more ways than one.
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