 | Life Insights by: Jill Hewlett Approaching the celebration of my 40th Birthday, a rather timely and welcomed situation occurred; I was carded for ID at a local bar which led me on a path of of empowering awareness. At first I thought the bouncer was being kind and perhaps humorous, but when I proceeded to tell him that I left it in the car, he responded with a 'yeah really, tell me more' type look and then quizzed me on my age. I felt the anxious nostalgia of days gone by when I had tried to get into venues when I was under age. |
Thankfully I know my birth date well and responded without hesitation. Still he didn't seem satisfied. That's when I proceeded to say, "listen, I'm actually 20 years older than the required drinking age...do younger people look older these days, or do I just happen to look younger to you?" He was surprised by what I revealed and said that they are required to ask anyone who looks up to 27 years old for ID to ensure that they aren't letting minors in who just happen to look older than they really are.
The girlfriend I was with at the time, said she had recently done an online test called, 'your real age.com' and based on a lengthy questionnaire, the results had her pegged 5 years younger than she actually is. I am not surprised; she takes good care of herself through nutrition, exercise and has a youthful and positive demeanour.
According to another dear friend, chronological age is just a hoax derived by society to place us in molds that cause us to live according to expectations and beliefs around how we should act, what we should do and when we should do it, that aren't necessarily true to our own rhythms, interests or capabilities.
Thus began an interesting personal inquiry pertaining to age and youthfulness, and has led to some fascinating awareness, along with confirmation that age is far more than chronological; it is more so determined by how we look, feel, and the actions we take.
Now I'm not sure if everyone is the same, but I easily feel 10 years younger than I am. In fact, it has probably taken me longer than most do, to feel like a 'grown up'. I’m not so sure that we all age or evolve at the same rate. That would be the same as expecting all children to learn and grow in the same way, at the same time. We know that elements of nature have their own timing and season to ripen and mature, just as all wines do - perhaps we need to extend this same openness to adults as well?
When we aren't forced to grow faster than we are ready for, or limit ourselves due to beliefs about what we can or should do at a particular age, the most authentic and powerful version of our self can appear.
It's unfortunate that in many ways we have become programmed to fear aging, rather than celebrate the growth, wisdom, and empowerment that can come from maturation and life experience. I know that I feel more confident, whole and able to be of service and share from an abundance within myself, than I ever have!
So what is it we all desire anyway? Is it to hold onto our 20's or 30's forever - an impossible feat, or is something else more significant, and within reach?
After contemplation and inquiry, I have come to the strong conclusion that it's the amount and quality of energy that a person has, that we admire and yearn, more than anything else. The best part, this is something that's available to all of us.
When we are young, we come by energy and vitality more easily. My daughter at 6 years old is a juicy, vibrant, glowing expression of life - she doesn't have to work at it. As we age, we do need to put some effort in. We need to take the actions, think the thoughts, feel the feelings, be in the environments, eat the foods, wear the colours, etc, that energize us...or we are more easily depleted and less able to quickly recharge.
I'm not very good at guessing people's age, and I prefer not to. I am good however at discerning whether a person is living from a youthful and energetic place and whether their vibe adds and uplifts or negates and brings down. Interestingly, this has nothing to do with chronology.
Thankfully I know many people who are years and even decades older than me who are living youthfully, like my mom who just turned 70 years or many dear friends who are well into their 40's and 50's who have never looked so good, or been so focused and on purpose! Their high energy, passion, and playfulness are infectious and this combined with their life experience and wisdom makes them great leaders and role models, to everyone around them. Their companionship fills my well and empowers me.
If youthfulness is something we all crave, and it can make a world of difference in our lives, then what are some tangible ways we can nurture more of this energy in our own lives?
Here’s a list of a few suggestions; be amply hydrated, fuel up with proper nutrition, take extra supplementation, spend time in nature, play with children, do integrative movements, pursue fun hobbies and extra-curricular outlets, volunteer, regularly try new things, (like foods, places, music...etc), and most of all, do what you love and love what you are doing - even the menial and most mundane of tasks!
To Your Youthfulness,
Jill
Jill Hewlett is a nationally recognized speaker, trainer, author and wellness TV personality. Her impactful keynotes have engaged professionals ranging from Educators and Clinicians to Sales Leaders and Entrepreneurs. She inspires and educates audiences ranging from 10's to 1,000's at Conferences, Special Events and Corporate Training.
www.brainworksglobal.com
The girlfriend I was with at the time, said she had recently done an online test called, 'your real age.com' and based on a lengthy questionnaire, the results had her pegged 5 years younger than she actually is. I am not surprised; she takes good care of herself through nutrition, exercise and has a youthful and positive demeanour.
According to another dear friend, chronological age is just a hoax derived by society to place us in molds that cause us to live according to expectations and beliefs around how we should act, what we should do and when we should do it, that aren't necessarily true to our own rhythms, interests or capabilities.
Thus began an interesting personal inquiry pertaining to age and youthfulness, and has led to some fascinating awareness, along with confirmation that age is far more than chronological; it is more so determined by how we look, feel, and the actions we take.
Now I'm not sure if everyone is the same, but I easily feel 10 years younger than I am. In fact, it has probably taken me longer than most do, to feel like a 'grown up'. I’m not so sure that we all age or evolve at the same rate. That would be the same as expecting all children to learn and grow in the same way, at the same time. We know that elements of nature have their own timing and season to ripen and mature, just as all wines do - perhaps we need to extend this same openness to adults as well?
When we aren't forced to grow faster than we are ready for, or limit ourselves due to beliefs about what we can or should do at a particular age, the most authentic and powerful version of our self can appear.
It's unfortunate that in many ways we have become programmed to fear aging, rather than celebrate the growth, wisdom, and empowerment that can come from maturation and life experience. I know that I feel more confident, whole and able to be of service and share from an abundance within myself, than I ever have!
So what is it we all desire anyway? Is it to hold onto our 20's or 30's forever - an impossible feat, or is something else more significant, and within reach?
After contemplation and inquiry, I have come to the strong conclusion that it's the amount and quality of energy that a person has, that we admire and yearn, more than anything else. The best part, this is something that's available to all of us.
When we are young, we come by energy and vitality more easily. My daughter at 6 years old is a juicy, vibrant, glowing expression of life - she doesn't have to work at it. As we age, we do need to put some effort in. We need to take the actions, think the thoughts, feel the feelings, be in the environments, eat the foods, wear the colours, etc, that energize us...or we are more easily depleted and less able to quickly recharge.
I'm not very good at guessing people's age, and I prefer not to. I am good however at discerning whether a person is living from a youthful and energetic place and whether their vibe adds and uplifts or negates and brings down. Interestingly, this has nothing to do with chronology.
Thankfully I know many people who are years and even decades older than me who are living youthfully, like my mom who just turned 70 years or many dear friends who are well into their 40's and 50's who have never looked so good, or been so focused and on purpose! Their high energy, passion, and playfulness are infectious and this combined with their life experience and wisdom makes them great leaders and role models, to everyone around them. Their companionship fills my well and empowers me.
If youthfulness is something we all crave, and it can make a world of difference in our lives, then what are some tangible ways we can nurture more of this energy in our own lives?
Here’s a list of a few suggestions; be amply hydrated, fuel up with proper nutrition, take extra supplementation, spend time in nature, play with children, do integrative movements, pursue fun hobbies and extra-curricular outlets, volunteer, regularly try new things, (like foods, places, music...etc), and most of all, do what you love and love what you are doing - even the menial and most mundane of tasks!
To Your Youthfulness,
Jill
Jill Hewlett is a nationally recognized speaker, trainer, author and wellness TV personality. Her impactful keynotes have engaged professionals ranging from Educators and Clinicians to Sales Leaders and Entrepreneurs. She inspires and educates audiences ranging from 10's to 1,000's at Conferences, Special Events and Corporate Training.
www.brainworksglobal.com
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