The Defy Aging Newsletter

Anti-aging psychology, holistic health, and wellness

a biweekly e-mail newsletter for helping you think, feel, look, and be more youthful and live with purpose.

Number 118

This issue:

Seeing the Adventure

ACTION TO TAKE

When you confront an obstacle, ask yourself  what about the adversity is an adventure.

WHY

At the District Toastmasters conference, John Rich gave an inspiring talk in which he asked how many of us had experienced obstacles in our lives. Everyone raised his or her hand. He said he has not—he has only experienced adventures. At some levels, his advice is sophistry. If you break your leg, it may be a learning experience and cause you to appreciate your leg more, but it still hurts and it still slows you down. If you can believe that life is an adventure, you will be a happier, more resilient person.

For most of us, however, this is too big of a leap. Also, seeing every obstacle as an adventure may lead to foolhardiness. Indeed, Mr. Rich described a coast to coast bicycle trip in which trips to the hospital for a broken foot and for kidney stones did not stop him.

What if you ask yourself, "What about that broken leg is an adventure? a learning experience? a challenge? increases my appreciation of what I have? Your mind is question driven. Ask it a question and your brain does it best to come up with an answer. The result? Your are more inclined to see the adventure. Not only does it prompt you to be happier and more resilient. It makes life more fun.

QUOTES

A life without adventure is likely to be unsatisfying, but a life in which adventureis allowed to take whatever form it will is sure to be short.

~Bertrand Russell

An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered.

~Gilbert Chesterton

Obstacles cannot crush me. Every obstacle yields to stern resolve. He who is fixed to a star does not change his mind.

~Leonardo da Vinci

HUMOR

I've got to give U-Hall credit for truth in advertising. Their slogan is "Adventures in Moving."

~Mike Brickey

[Being taken hostage is] an adventure for the tourist, because the tourist will end up learning about the customs of the tribes as well as their good hospitality.

~Abdullah Ahmar, speaker of the Yemeni Parliament

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THE DEFY AGING NEWSLETTER

Anti-Aging Psychology

Holistic Health and Wellness

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"Dr. Michael Brickey, The Anti-Aging Psychologist, teaches people to think, feel, look and be more youthful. He is an inspiring keynote speaker and Oprah-featured author. His works include:  Defy Aging, 52 baby steps to Grow Young, and Reverse Aging (anti-aging hypnosis CDs). Visit www.NotAging.com for a free report on anti-aging secrets and a free newsletter with practical anti-aging tips."