Each and every one of us must seriously address the reality of getting older at some point. Whether we’re getting all philosophical about it or simply think about physical changes, this concern might actually turn into a phobia -- gerascophobia.
Now that we have a name for it, we should remind ourselves
that just as any other phobia, it feeds on our anxiety and irrational thoughts.
Our perspective on a certain thing has the power to change it into something beautiful
or horrible, just the same.
So instead of dwelling on the worse that could happen, why
don’t we stay in the present moment and enjoy the good stuff that comes with
every stage of our lives? Time might leave marks on our bodies, but when it
comes to keeping our spirit young, we have full control.
We stop doing things that make us happy because other people tell us it’s childish. As long as you don’t hurt anyone, you should go ahead and do whatever you enjoy without thinking you’re too old for it.
Dance like no one’s watching, whether you’re 18 or 80; enjoy
your ice-cream like you did when you were five; and never restrain from
laughing, no matter how stupid a joke is.
Here are 23 quotes on getting older and keeping your spirit young:
We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.
GEORGE BERNARD SHAW
You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear, as young as your hope, as old as your despair.
DOUGLAS MACARTHUR
There is a certain part of all of us that lives outside of time. Perhaps we become aware of our age only at exceptional moments and most of the time we are ageless.
MILAN JUNDERA
Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever.
WALT DISNEY (more Walt Disney quotes)
None are as old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
HENRY DAVID THOREAU (more Henry David Thoreau quotes)
Wrinkles merely mark where smiles have been.
MARK TWAIN (more Mark Twain quotes)
How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
SATCHEL PAIGE
If wrinkles must be written upon our brows, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should never grow old.
JAMES A. GARFIELD
The longer I live the more beautiful life becomes.
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT
Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.
FRANZ KAFKA (more Franz Kafka quotes)
He who is of a calm and happy nature will hardly feel the pressure of age, but to him who is of an opposite disposition, youth and age are equally a burden.
PLATO
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
Les Brown
Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.
BETTY FRIEDAN
Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.
UNKNOWN
Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.
HENRY FORD
Growing old with someone else is beautiful, but growing old while being true to yourself is divine.
DODINSKY
As we grow old, the beauty steals inward.
RALPH WALDO EMERSON
I don’t believe in aging. I believe in forever altering one’s aspect to the sun.
VIRGINIA WOOLF
Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional.
WALT DISNEY
Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.
SATCHEL PAIGE
Know that you are the perfect age. Each year is special and precious, for you shall only live it once. Be comfortable with growing older.
LOUISE HAY
Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.
C.S. LEWIS (more C.S. Lewis quotes)
Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideas. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.
SAMUEL ULLMAN
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.