I was at a party recently when someone said to me, “People don’t change much as they age unless they continue to grow as they get older.” In other words, when we stop growing, we become boring. This thought intrigued me, so I did some checking and found out the notion has a great deal of merit. As, singer, musician and songwriter, Loretta Lynn put it, “I don’t know what it’s like for a book writer or a doctor or a teacher as they work to get established in their jobs. But for a singer, you’ve got to continue to grow or else you’re just like last night’s cornbread—stale and dry” So, how do we go about the business of growing? The answer is simply to try to do something new, something different—something beyond what you’ve already mastered. For example, try writing the lyrics for a song, getting active in your community, helping someone in need, brightening the day of a stranger. The truth is that we’re surrounded by opportunities for growth. All we have to do is take advantage of them. As philosopher William James said a long time ago, “The minute a man ceases to grow, no matter what his years, that minute he begins to be old.”
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Learning is the key factor in life. My wise grandmother Esther said “When you stop learning, you’re dead”. She would follow that with “What did you learn today”.
Dear Mary,
It’s always great to hear from you. Thank you for your comment. All the best, Ross
This is so true. Life is exciting…try something new all the time!!
Dear Michelle,
My sentiments exactly! Thank you.
Ross, Your weekly reminder is right on. I watched Barbara Mandrell describe how she started as an organ player on her uncle’s radio show and then performed her act playing five different instruments. At the Improv, I watched Damaon Wayans trying “new material” at the height of his popularity. I have been in sales and management for 39 years and still read several books ayear on sales, management and leadership. The rest of my reading is non fiction history. We can learn a lot from the best in the past.
Phil Pfaff
Dear Phil,
Thank you for for your insightful comment regarding my Reminder. I really appreciate it when you comment. I couldn’t agree with you more. All the best, Ross
“A man who stops working on his house soon dies.”
Eloquently put. Thank you.
ross….you nailed in for all those folks in our age group…it is so true!! jc
Dear Judy,
Thank you so much for your encouraging comment regarding my Reminder. Hope all is well, Ross
I like this “reminder” because I so much believe in its concept. Try something new, even if it is just a new recipe, or a new color combination to wear, or listening to the latest news about “whatever”. Once you stop growing, you actually grow–old. Reminescing (I don’t know how to spell that word) is fine but too much of that makes you “stale and dry”. Keep up with the times!!! If everyone know the words to a song but you, get with it!!!! I feel very strongly about this. Ann
Dear Ann,
Thank you so much for the wonderful comment you made regarding my Reminder. I couldn’t agree with you more. Hope all is well. All the best, Ross