There is a woman at Harvard studying aging. Not looking to turn back time, but how to make the most of it. She brought a group of elderly men to live together. Their only assignment was to live like they did when they were of college age. They ate together. They talked and laughed. They watched the old tv shows. Listened to the music of their time. Within only a week or two, things started to change. Their hearing improved. Their eyesight improved. They weren’t getting younger, but they were living like they were. 

And I suppose that’s why I write about cherished memories of youth. Of school and lake. Of playground and gym. Bike rides and friendships. I don’t want to go back. I love the time I’m in. But I want to keep alive the vigor of youth. The curiosity. The hope. The belief in possibility. When will triumphed over expectation. Fun over winning. 

I think our hearts and brains are designed like an Apple Computer (I know it’s the reverse direction, but let me make the point.) They are designed to help you make the best choice. Direct you to the option in order to achieve the desired result. Prompt you to the greatest of possibilities. I know this to be true because for the last ten years or so, I have awakened each morning to the same song. It was never my favorite song. I’m not sure I even listened to it that much, and yet it is the prompt in my head and/or heart each morning roll out of the covers. As I’m making the bed the Pointer Sisters are indeed pointing me in the right direction with their song, “I’m so excited, I just can’t hide it…” And it doesn’t matter the day. Without longing or permission. Without ideal health or weather, it is there — telling me to be excited. 

I am more optimist than scientist, I suppose, but the facts remain the same. The heart and brain are so powerful. They want us to succeed. So easily we can swap perception from expectation. Choose to live each day. 

The sun that shines through the morning window whispers youth, and I truly am excited.