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

And climb on every rung

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/