As we get older, the urge to hold onto youth grows exponenti..

As we get older, the urge to hold onto youth grows exponentially. One of my dearest friends is steadily heading toward her 100th Birthday and she still has the spirit of a 20 year old. Her outlook on life, even today is bright, hopeful and full of expectation. Just as it should be.

At 43 years of age, I myself have noticed that it's not just a mental outlook that helps one hold onto their youth. It's also about being healthy and living with both an open heart and an open mind. Pushing away at negativity and embracing the goodness I see wherever I see it. Turning my back on hatred and negativity. Refusing to be THAT GUY who feels the need to inject a negative opinion anywhere I can just to be contrary to others.

Retaining youth is more than just healthy living, it's a mindset. It's a journey we take where we ask OURSELVES, in those dark, quiet alone moments, "how do you want to be remembered?"

Do YOU want to be remembered as the 'difficult' friend? Do you want to be remembered as the 'problem' of every situation you were in? Do you want people to think back on their time with you and struggle to figure out why they included you? Or do you want to be the person people think of and wish you were still there, present with them in their own moments in life? You can be that person. You can be the one everyone wishes was there, when you aren't. You can be the person everyone is excited to have present when you walk in.

You can be that person. You have to choose to be that person. You have to choose to be the light in someone's life. You have to choose to embody the goodness others seek for.

It's not easy. It doesn't happen overnight. It's not even something most people fathom. But it's a choice YOU can make.

Be THAT person. Be the one others yearn to know. Be the one people hope to see. Be the one they anticipate seeing.

Be THAT person by embracing love. By showing love and kindness, in measures you, YOURSELF always wanted to see in the world around you.

Be the one who represents the goodness in your own world.

It's not easy. But YOU can do it. YOU can be that person. YOU can inspire others and even at the tiniest level, bring light to the eyes of someone who may feel wrapped in darkness.

YOU can make that choice. The question remains.

Will you?

It really is that simple.

Will you be that person, in your own world.

The choice is yours.