"You are as old as you think you are."

The idea here is that your mindset about your age can significantly influence how you live your life. If you believe you're old and act accordingly, you'll likely feel older and limit yourself. On the flip side, thinking young can lead you to feel more energetic, open to new experiences, and fully engaged with life.

This concept has roots in both psychology and personal development. For example, in the 1960s, there was a lot of focus on the power of positive thinking. Authors like Norman Vincent Peale were all about how your thoughts shape your reality. If you think you're capable and vibrant, you're more likely to act that way—and people will respond to you in kind.

Let's put this into a real-life example. I had a neighbor named Alice. In her early 70s, she was full of life. She'd wake up early, go for a jog, and volunteer at the local shelter. Meanwhile, another friend, Jim, even though he was just 65, spent most of his time at home watching TV and often complained about feeling "too old" for activities. Alice once told me, "I don't feel any different than I did at 40." Her mindset was her secret. She didn't let a number limit her.

If you're wondering how to apply this wisdom, start by examining your self-talk. Do you often catch yourself saying, "I'm too old for that"? Challenge those thoughts. Try something new or something you used to love but haven’t done in years. Take up a new hobby, maybe even something daring like rock climbing or dancing. The key is to stay curious and active.

Imagine this scenario: You’re at a family gathering, and your 8-year-old niece asks you to join a game of tag. Your first thought might be, "I’m too old for this." But what if you push that thought away, get up, and play? Not only will you have fun, but you’ll also show yourself and others that age is just a number. Plus, you’re creating memories your niece will cherish.

Think about the way you dress, too. Are you wearing what you love, or are you sticking to "age-appropriate" clothes? Dress in a way that makes you feel good, not just what society expects. Age-appropriate is overrated anyway.

Remember, it's about how you feel inside. My grandmother traveled the world well into her 80s. She'd always say, "I’ve got too much to see and do to slow down." And she did just that—exploring new places, meeting new people, and living with a zeal that younger folks often admired.

So next time you catch yourself thinking that you're too old for something, stop. Ask yourself if that's really true or just a limiting belief. Think of Alice, think of my grandmother. You'll find that with a youthful mindset, there’s so much more you can do. Age really is just a number—what matters is how young you feel at heart.