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A month ago I had my first job interview in over twenty years. Although I was a little nervous about it, I did not have that same fear I would have at twenty-two. I felt good knowing that I was going in as myself and if they did not like me, it was okay. What a sheer feeling of freedom! My younger self would have been consumed with worry all the way through the interview. It reminds me of junior high when I walked into the cafeteria hoping to sit with the popular kids.

What keeps us young? Do you know people that are in their seventies and eighties that do not seem “that old?” I do. I was shocked last year to learn my favourite aunt had just turned eighty-nine. It just was not fathomable. How does she do it?

In observing my aunt and uncle, I have learned a lesson about staying young. In order to be young, we must continue to learn, be curious, ask questions, and discover. Challenging our brains by reading and by doing puzzles has been proven to keep our brains healthier. We keep opening up new pathways. Engaging in new activities, such as learning a new skill, helps us maintain our verve.

Self acceptance and engaging in meaningful activities is important for all people, regardless of age. Think of someone you know that you consider beautiful. What is it about them that seems beautiful to you? Is it merely an attractive face or does it go deeper?

Sometimes we look older than we feel. Sometimes when we look in the mirror what we see is not what we feel on the inside, for some people this does not bother us and accept ageing for what it is…inevitable. However others want to do everything they can to try and look as young as possible and resort to all kinds of treatments and skin care regimes. At the far end of the scale you have cosmetic surgery with clinics like http://www.cosmeticsurgeryconsultants.co.uk which some feel is far too drastic and not worth the risk while others think the risk is worth it.