Wrinkles.
Yes, I notice them when I look in the mirror. I don’t care for them, but I don’t post whiny comments on Facebook or lament about them in my journal because, well, what am I going to do? Botox?
I don’t think so.
When I look in the mirror I see me — not my age. But the reality is, I’m staring at an older me. I don’t need to magnify the wrinkles near my eyes — let’s call them laugh lines, shall we? — to convince myself that I’ve aged. All I have to do is look at my children. Really — when did these kids grow up?
Okay — changing topics now because I wasn’t thinking about my age after I read today’s quote. No, I was thinking about the effects of quitting … how quitting damages your soul just like the sun damages your skin.
Quitting ages you.
And I don’t want to grow old before my time. I’m believing the saying, “It’s always too early to quit.” I want to be known as a dream-chaser for years and years to come. I want to be a young soul in a getting older body.
In Your Words: How’s your soul look today? When was the last time you had the choice between quitting (soul-wrinkles) and persevering? What kept you going?
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Comments 21
I face that choice every day, but so far, so good. I’m not interested in wrinkles.
When I was younger, I said, “I want to be a pilot when I grow up!” I was told, “Great, but you can’t do both.”
I chose flight.
The problem with quitting is that it sounds dramatic, but you’ve still got to do ‘something’ after you quit. There’s a void in one’s time and effort that has to be filled with something besides chocolate and cheap cigars.
Another problem with quitting is that it’s dishonorable. It’s the ultimate exercise in self-pity. (I’m not talking about, say, abandoning a specific writing project because it’s not panning out; rather, giving the coup de grace to one’s own writing career. The first is part of the job; the second is the path of weakness.)
Author
On the spot perspective, Andrew!
“The problem with quitting is that it sounds dramatic, but you’ve still got to do ‘something’ after you quit”
Exactly so.
Great and encouraging quote. May our souls stay fat, sassy, spry, and so busy being inspired and eager to go forward, that we never get old.
Author
Here, here for fat, sassy and spry souls, Dee!
The first time I heard the expression ‘fat and sassy’, my wife had applied it to a cat.
Unfortunately, I misheard.
“Barbara, why did you just call the cat a fat sissy?”
Author
*snort*
Excellent words, Beth. Since each new day brings a mixed bag of life I renew my soul’s desire to persevere each morning when I get up. I always say that if it weren’t for God I’d never get out of bed!
Author
My husband and I have started a tradition with our caboose daughter: Each morning before she heads out the door to school, we say, “This is the day the LORD has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
It’s a choice to set our hearts and minds on a certain perspective — God’s.
Ditto to your post, Beth, and to the comments by Andrew and Delores. I’ve gotten my dose of inspiration for the day. I love when that happens.
Author
I love peeking back in on this conversation during the day, Kim — and hearing what others have to say. Y’all inspire me.
I loved this quote, and your words on it, Beth. It’s so true. Today, my soul looks pretty good. Ten days out from our Christmas vacation has given me a fresh perspective on life. I like the direction I am headed in.
There have been times I’ve been tempted to quit something. I was raised not to be a quitter, but when the recordings in my brain gain the upper hand in guiding my perspective, quitting sounds like a good option. I always have to look at what comes of that decision though. Usually a sense of loss, of incompleteness and unsettledness as I wonder, “What if I had kept at it?”
Writing has been one of the most difficult things I’ve undertaken, mostly because it rubs my soul and my spirit raw some days. I have to turn my thoughts and my heart back to Jesus to know peace and to be enabled to persevere beyond the momentary desire to quit.
Author
Here’s my challenge to you, Jeanne:
When writing rubs your soul raw … what truths are revealed?
Write those, my friend. Write those.
I love this post! My husband and I have had similar conversations over the years. Both of our parents upon retirement basically sat down and did little else. We’ve decided this is not for us because as your quote says…it ages the soul.
Author
I can think of people who, when asked, “How are you?” say something like, “I’m still here.”
Really?
That’s all you’ve got?
Even that response ages the soul.
When I see physical wrinkles on a person, I think of wisdom. They’ve lived some years and experiences that I could learn from if I take time to listen. When I think of a wrinkle on a soul, I think of dark, damp places in the creases that we’re not allowing God’s light to penetrate. Left alone, they have the power to erode us from the inside out. What a great quote to chew on today, my Friend.
Author
And your insight has given me more to ponder too, Donna.
It’s been awhile, I guess, since I had the choice between quitting and persevering (unless we count trying to do my hair in the morning–in which case, I often go the quitting route…lol!)…but I would probably say the winter of 2011-2012 I had some, “Should I quit moments?” regarding writing. Don’t think I ever truly, deep down considered it, though, and I’m glad I didn’t. Because like you and that quote say, I think it would’ve aged me much more than the work and persevering did. 🙂
Author
Melissa:
If we are being honest here — and why not? Let’s be honest! — there are times I have thought of quitting, well, lots of things. But the example of others have kept me going. Others like you … and my other friends and mentors … and yes, Jesus … who had every reason to quit because those closest to him quit on him!
Oh my goodness, I’ve never heard this MacArthur quote before but it is wonderful! SO so true. And I agree. I don’t see my age, I see ME:) My number and how I feel in my head are so opposite. Unfortunately, my body is starting to agree with my number…LOL
Author
Oh, numbers, numbers, numbers. I’ve never liked ’em. But, yes, sometimes my body listens to the numbers. And then I stuff a sock in it (the voice in my head, that is.).
Your post made me think. “Am I quitting? Have I quit?” Then I thought, “Just what is it that I am trying to accomplish?” Perhaps I need to answer that question first. A goal seems like a prerequisite. I’ll think some more on that 🙂