Why Not?
Long-lived ageist stereotypes would have us believe that the ONLY questions older adults ask are Who? What? When? Where? Why? And How?
Who is that?
What did you say?
When did I tell you that?
Where did I put my ___________?
Why do I need that test?
How am I supposed to do that?
Granted, most of those questions do come up from time to time; however, it would be a mistake to assume that they characterize the majority of an older adult’s thought processes.
In fact, I would argue that the question most frequently asked among adults in their 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and beyond is actually:
WHY NOT?
Why not apply for that job?
Why not put myself out there?
Why not downsize?
Why not go back to school?
Why not travel?
Why not take up a new hobby?
Why not adopt a pet?
Why not learn a new skill?
Why not write that book?
Why not launch that podcast?
Why not start that new business?
Why not volunteer?
Why not say, “Yes?”
Why not say, “NO.”
September is upon us.
For a variety of reasons, it has always felt to me as the perfect chance to make a fresh start.
To wipe the slate created during the previous eight months clean.
To set new goals. Develop new habits. And begin anew.
And for those of us who are aged 60+, older adulthood feels like the September of our lives.
A time to reflect. And a time to look forward—both literally and figuratively.
A time to ask, “Why?” And to free ourselves of the clutter, the obligations, and the burdens that are depleting our energy and keeping us from living the life we truly want—and deserve—to live.
Just as importantly, it’s also a time to ask, “Why not?” And to identify and pursue the people, places, and activities that will fill us up, inspire us, lighten our loads, and enrich our lives.
To paraphrase the poet Mary Oliver, each of us has “one wild and precious life.”
Which begs just one more question (again, courtesy of Ms. Oliver):
WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO DO WITH YOURS?