Here is an excerpt from a writing by psychotherapist Elisha Goldstein that I want to share…

“How To Stay Young in the Midst of Getting Older”
By Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D.

I remember when I was a kid, playtime was what I looked forward to the most. I think that’s on par with most kids. But something happens to us as adults where we get indoctrinated into a system where play gets relegated down the priority list. It’s not something we intentionally choose, it’s a subtle process where a belief is planted and nurtured that play simply isn’t important and as the years go on we wonder why we “feel so old.”

Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw said:
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”

This quote hits the nail on the head. Youth is a matter of mind and attitude. I was recently sitting with a friend, who is 62 years old, but he doesn’t look 62, he looks younger. He told me, “My face reflects who I am on the inside.”

Yes, this is true; he is a playful guy, “young at heart” as they say.

The truth is, we’re never too old to start playing again. The question is how can we bring more play into our lives?

Here’s one thought:
In her book “The Artist’s Way,” Julia Cameron suggests creating an “artist’s date.” All this means is take 2 hours a week to do something creative and/or fun that you would normally tell yourself that you don’t have time to do. If you are in a city, this could be going to a neighborhood you’ve wanted to visit, going to a museum, or even going on a hike somewhere that you’ve wanted to visit.

You can also take it to journal, play guitar, read poetry, sit in a coffee shop and write, play video games, or start on that art piece you’ve been putting off because “I just don’t have the time.” The point is make it time just for you, a time of intentional play that you normally would not give yourself permission to do.

Don’t negotiate with your mind that’s telling you there’s no time, just plan it and do it.

We need to water the seeds of playfulness in our lives, this is what keeps our youth alive and my guess is it also elongates our lives.

Give it a try!

Most Important

• Water – 3 gallons per person in small, easy open bottles
• Several flashlights – Keep by your bed and around the house as electricity might go out
• One week supply of medicines (rotated regularly) with instructions for use – dosage, frequency, doctor’s name, and phone. Post this information on your refrigerator under the heading “EMERGENCY INSTRUCTIONS”
• First Aid kit
• Shoes under the bed – to protect feet from broken glass, windows, lamps, etc.
• First extinguisher – know how to use it!
• Smoke alarm – Check the battery once a year. If you have difficulty hearing, consider a flashing light alarm
• Battery-operated radio or TV – to listen for information about the disaster
• Whistle or loud bell – to attract attention
• Wrench to turn off gas – for use only if gas is smelled
• Garbage bags – for personal waste

Other Important Things You May Need

• Non-perishable, read-to-eat food – canned food and juices, dried fruit, crackers, etc.
• Manual can opener – electricity may not be available
• Extra eye glasses, hearing aid, mobility aids, etc. – in case of equipment damage
• Extra blankets – if electricity goes out, you may not have heat
• Dry goods – toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, personal hygiene supplies
• Pet food and extra water for your pet(s) or service animal

Other Good-to-Have Supplies

• Rubber or heavy gloves, broom, etc. – to clean up broken glass
• Duct tape, masking tape
• Cash – banks may be closed