Volume 14 Issue 3
As I sat down to write this Editor’s Note (May 6, 2021), it was my 38th birthday. It got me thinking of my younger days, when a birthday would be full of nothing but presents, cake and fun. Don’t get me wrong; I still make every effort to celebrate the day. But as I get older, I have to face the inevitable truth that daily “adulting” responsibilities have gained precedence. It is just another reminder that I can’t avoid aging. Of course, tongue-in-cheek sayings like, “Life begins at 40,” or “Fifty is the new 30” do their best at trying to make me feel better about it. But I still can’t stop wondering if 50 is “old,” or when it is that people stop being “young.” But keep reading—things get better.
Before I could find myself deep down a rabbit hole of searching for the answers to life’s difficult questions, I was quickly pulled out of my thoughts by the endless loop of the early 2000’s R&B song “Nothing But A Number” by Pretty Ricky. As a disclaimer, I wouldn’t recommend a Google search on the lyrics of that song. For the most part, they are words that could make a grown man blush. But it’s the chorus that repeats, “Age ain’t nothing but a number,” that rang so true with me.
Age really is nothing but a number. We’ve all heard the old adage that you’re only as old as you feel. I couldn’t agree more. Neither could a group of 500 people between the ages of 55 and 74 from a study conducted at Purdue University. The results indicated that most folks felt about 12 years younger than their chronological age. So I can proudly say I’ve accepted the notion of age in all its perceived ugliness, and choose to bask in its glory. With my age I have a new appreciation for my experiences, memories, learning and wisdom.
The author of The Power of Positive Thinking wrote, “Live your life and forget your age.” Throughout your days, some numbers are inescapable. Your age can be one number that tells you how far you have come, and how far you still have to go. For Saline County Lifestyles, the number 13 represents the years we have gratefully served our community, and we look forward to continuing to grow together for many more great years to come. Your town. Your life. Your magazine.
PS: If the saying “Kids will keep you young” is true, then consider me in my early 20’s, as Crystal and I were blessed with our sweet daughter (and third kiddo) Gemma Rose Elrod on March 28th. She is the best early birthday gift a guy could ask for!
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