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200 words, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, growing up, integrity, joy, living in the moment, mission, passion, Purpose
“Try to keep your soul young and quivering right up to old age, and to imagine right up to the brink of death that life is only beginning.” ~ George Sand
Have you ever caught yourself thinking that when you were younger you should have gone back to school or started a new career in what you really wanted to do?
In what you’d really be good at doing?
Maybe you should have worked harder at your marriage or found and married the love of your life, climbed a mountain or took up running and ran in a marathon.
It used to be that people died 5-7 years after retirement. These days people are living 20, even 30 years past their retirement date!
Are we just ships relegated to the dock or can we set out again across the ocean?
What if we actually believed the George Sand quote?
What if we keep our souls young and quivering into old age?
What if we believe, even to the brink of death that life is a new beginning?
~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~
Is it ever too late to start something new?
What do you think?
myrthryn said:
Excellent quote, Diana!
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dianasschwenk said:
haha wish I could take credit for it!
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When in New Places said:
Great quote and question, Diana!
No, it’s never too late to start something new, NEVER! My greatest goal is to live like the quote, how amazing would that be?
We dealt with a lot of the fear prior to making the move to Korea. My hubby was an architect, I was in business, what the hell were we doing thinking of becoming ESL teachers?!?!
We’ve never been happier since taking the plunge into this new adventure…change is life’s elixir – drink up! 😀
~Andrea<3
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dianasschwenk said:
Oh how encouraging Andrea! I am on the brink of finally getting my butt in gear to define and pursue my dreams – better late than never right? 😉
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When in New Places said:
ABSOLUTELY – Good for you!!!
I’m so excited for you, Diana!!:D
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Kristi said:
My answer to the questions is ….hell no. 🙂 It’s never too late! haha, sorry for strong reaction, I’m really passionate about this. I hope you’ll bring it to the world, whatever you’re considering.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Kristi – I’m working on it!
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elizabeth2560 said:
My Mum used to say to me that it was better to wear out than rust out. She has lived by that mantra and at 86 is still involved in community affairs and writing history books. A great role model.
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dianasschwenk said:
Ahh so that’s where you get your drive and determination from – you come by it honestly!
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Sheryl said:
I love the quote! I’ve been reading a fictional book published in 1911 called The Autobiography of an Elderly Woman–and been thinking a lot what it means to age well. The title page of that book contains a quote by Margaret Deland that I also like: “As you as you feel to old to do a thing, do it.”
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dianasschwenk said:
I like that! Do what you feel too old to do.
xo
Diana
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stuffitellmysister said:
If we can see past the initial hesitation (aka: fear) ~ we can do it. I seem to need a push these days where I used to just jump right in. Thanks for the push, Diana ♥
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dianasschwenk said:
You’re welcome. I need a push too!
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stuffitellmysister said:
PUSHING!!! 😉
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dianasschwenk said:
haha thanks!!
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stuffitellmysister said:
🙂
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Denise Hisey said:
Great question! Never too late 😉
I love reading about people in their 70s, 80, 90s that go sky diving for the first time, or learn to play an instrument etc.
Wow!! That is so cool!
I hope to either learn a new language or play an instrument after I retire.
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dianasschwenk said:
Hi Denise!
Thanks for stopping by – I appreciate it! Which language would you learn? I speak German and French, as well as English and would love to learn Spanish!
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Denise Hisey said:
Wow! That’s great Diana! I’m impressed!
I would love to speak Spanish…I speak a little ‘Spanglish’ but that’s it for now! 😉
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dianasschwenk said:
It’s not that I’m so much brilliant than it is that German was my first language (I’m first generation Canadian) and I was raised in Quebec, Canada which is primarily Francophone. 🙂
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Denise Hisey said:
Well, I remain impressed just the same!
😉
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Jennifer's Journal said:
No, I don’t believe it is ever too late, Diana. I can’t imagine not having the freedom to entertain new ideas and interests, and I don’t think age should hold anyone back from pursuing a new course of study, a new career, or an exciting new hobby.
Did you have something in mind? 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
yes, just figuring that out and hopefully will be able to articulate it soon! I know – I’m taking forever!
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Jennifer's Journal said:
It hasn’t been that long, really. 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
HUGS. Thanks Jennifer!
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on thehomefrontandbeyond said:
never too late
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dianasschwenk said:
Never EVER! 🙂
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Healthy A-Z said:
I so agree with the quote. It is never too late. Starting something later in life just means you starting from a whole slew of experience that you bring to the new venture/adventure. Everything you have learned or experienced before that is simply bringing you to the perfect place to do what your heart and passions call you to do now. Go for it! Life is an adventure!
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Louise Gallagher said:
I have always been a risk-taker — and with age, find myself holding back. Thanks for the reminder to keep my heart engaged and my head out of my dreams!
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dianasschwenk said:
I kind of am holding back to! Is there a camp we could go to together and whoop some butt?!
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mrs fringe said:
This is what I’ve been wrestling with. Is it too late to start something new, when you know that 90% of where and who you are will be brought into the new project? 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
90%? That is a huge commitment! I’m super curious – what would take 90% of you?
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Cassandra said:
Great sentiment Diana. This reminds me of a NY Times article I read yesterday by Oliver Sacks reflecting on the occasion of his 80th birthday. It’s called ‘The Joy of Old Age’: http://t.co/UK49psrqNR
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dianasschwenk said:
A great article Cassandra – thank you!
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Cassandra said:
Thanks Dianne, I love Oliver Sacks!
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artsifrtsy said:
Never too late! I’m glad to have had a career doing what I love, but I love learning new things and having new adventures!
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dianasschwenk said:
I once had a job for which I felt so blessed; I couldn’t believe I was being paid to do something I loved so much so I completely understand. 🙂
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joannerambling said:
No it’s not if the person really wants it then it is never too late but it has to be something the person wants to do
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dianasschwenk said:
Indeed. It’s not really worth it if you don’t want to do it!
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jensine said:
it’s never too late to start something new… however it may take a little longer the longer you wait …
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dianasschwenk said:
depends on what it is I suppose. 🙂
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jensine said:
wel we all just get slower with time
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dianasschwenk said:
haha again, it depends what it is! 😉
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Wyrd Smythe said:
The only time it’s too late to start something new is after you’re dead!
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dianasschwenk said:
Love it!
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Resa McConaghy said:
It’s an excellent quote!
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes it is!
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utesmile said:
I agree so much with you, I feel never too old to start something new. In fact I have only really started to LIVE in the last 3 years, and really do what is bringing me joy. I do take risks, I do what I like and dream, I am going for it and I will do so until retirement and further. I love life and take all it gives me! 🙂 I love George’s quote! I start a new life every morning when I wake up and have another wonderful day to live!
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dianasschwenk said:
How inspiring Ute! What do you like and dream?
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utesmile said:
I like to make people happy, to be around happy people and to spread happiness. I love smiles all around. I love to help and be there for others. Smiles work wonders and it is one way to give something away! 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
That is so true. I can’t tell you how many times someone’s smile has lifted me out of a bad mood. They are infectous!
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cyclingrandma said:
Why not? Though with age, I don’t take risks– probably never did. But one should never stop learning.
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes – every day is a lesson! Not taking risks, what does that mean? financially? Physically? Because you strike me as a cutting-edge, out front kinda gal. 🙂
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bulldog said:
Now this is something I can with all conviction say..”one is never too old to try something new” ..having started my life as a Land Surveyor, reached my peak as a Chief surveyor in the engineering field at a young age,, I threw it all up to go farming… big mistake took about five years to see it was a big money eater.. sold up and took a job in the Farmers Co-op.. became a manager and once again tossed it all to started a business, which grew to 2 then 3 and ending at 5… selling it all up to go full time into a career in Golf Course Superintendent, a job meant to take me to retirement… nearing this I designed a computer software for Golf Course analysis… what happened??? on the brink of retirement, I’ve invested all my money accrued into the software, the program has been written and is now selling… I’m going to be involved in this till early 70’s… am I feeling old and should be sitting enjoying doing nothing.?? No, too young in the head and retirement seems so far away. Does that seem stupid.?? No way, bring it on I’m good to work ’till I die.. I can enjoy a semi retirement whilst still being involved in my company Bulldogs Turf Solutions, I think I’d pass within 5 to 7 years if I did retire, this way I keep going till I drop… and that makes me happy…
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dianasschwenk said:
I was actually thinking about whilst writing this post! Wow the things you have done and continue to do!
Thanks for stopping by and being a living example of George’s quote!
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adam alexander said:
people like you are what makes the world go round. Very inspiring thank you for sharing.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks for stopping by Adam. Bulldog sure is a go-getter isn’t he?
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billgncs said:
no — starting new things helps us have a young mind and young heart.
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dianasschwenk said:
I totally agree! 🙂
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