Age and limits

For as long as I can remember, the idea of setting limits based on age has seemed absurd to me.

When I was little, I was frustrated that my mentality and thinking were more developed than my chronological age dictated. Now, in my adulthood, I find it ridiculous that people rely on a simple number to determine what is right or wrong, what we should have, do or have achieved.

On previous occasions, I have written about Dana, my little niece who will be 2 years old next September. Watching her grow has been a fascinating experience that has reminded me of a great truth: we are pure potentiality.

Each new skill a baby acquires is celebrated as a great achievement, because life is a continuous process of learning and growth. However, it seems that as we advance in age, we become less aware of this fact and are driven by those self-imposed age-related limits.

When a baby crawls and babbles, we are patient and loving, understanding that it is a natural part of their development, not rushing them to walk and talk. However, if a teenager is having difficulty with math, reading or a specific subject, you are no longer as patient…

We begin to limit the person in question with phrases such as “he is a slow learner”, “he is not talented enough”, “he is not good for this” or “he will never amount to anything in life”. And as time goes by, the limitations continue to accumulate: “At this age I should already be married with children”, “At this age I can’t change jobs”, “After X it’s too late to start a business” or “I’m too old to learn something new”.

I am deeply saddened to read messages from people who have lost hope because of these absurd age-related limits. So, today I want to remind you that, no matter how old you are or what situation you are in, it is always possible to change, grow, improve, learn and it is never, but never, too late to start something new.