This morning, I was searching for a prayer.
I need to find one for my special someone.
I need one for my friends.
I need one for me.
Why hadn’t I realized until just now that this Bob Dylan song is basically a prayer in the form of a poem that is sung?
Artists are tricky that way.
I believe the trick to getting older is staying mentally young. It’s an inside job.
As our bodies and our lives evolve and change, we have the option to cave into these limitations. Or we can use corporal limitations to be free in our minds.
There is no value in an old jock endlessly reminiscing about bygone glory days on the football field.
There is no value in a beautiful woman tracking, tracing and bemoaning every new wrinkle and loss of fullness in her face.
You don’t need body strength to paint, read, write, listen to (or create) music.
What you need is a young heart, mind and spirit. How you do that is up to you. Spend time around children and watch them play. Bring food or flowers to friends or strangers. Dance. Laugh. Always, always laugh.
Because as tragic and heavy as life can be, hard things can be reframed with mirth and light. Comedians make a living off this.
The journey of life is short though it may seem long. Don’t waste more minutes than necessary stuck in the mud of dark feelings on the side of life’s road.
Those immutable elements of reframing are always available as they are an inherent part of you.
May you stay forever young.
“May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
May you stay forever young
May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
And may you stay forever young
May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
May your song always be sung
And may you stay forever young.”
Bob Dylan, https://www.bobdylan.com/songs/forever-young/
Expressive Compulsive 