The Fountain of Youth

"Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul." Samuel Ullman

Walk through any drug store and you'll find an astonishing array of anti-aging creams and lotions and potions. We baby boomer women are a powerful demographic, and we are truly concerned about diminishing the appearance of fine lines. There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to look your best. But ponder for a moment this question: what shall it profit a woman, if her face is smooth but her soul is wrinkly?

I know a man in his late 80's who is upbeat and positive, an absolute joy to be around. He keeps his body active with daily walks and his mind agile with daily crossword puzzles. A few years back, his wife of 60 years died, but in spite of that, he has a real enthusiasm about life. He seems so...young.

Contrast that with a woman still in her 20's, whose Facebook status is always something negative...stressed, angry, some complaint about how much her life sucks. One day when her status said that she was happy I was actually shocked. I know a good bit about her life, and she has many blessings. Yet she is a very unhappy person. She is beautiful and her face is unlined, but I think she has let her soul shrivel up. She seems so...old.

Enthusiasm is the fountain of youth. Let's not allow our souls to get all pruney.

Susan