For A Touch Of Hope, A Glimmer Of Optimism, A Whisper Of Positivity, I Paint My Sky Pink

By Agastyaa Goradia

Dance, dance like there is no tomorrow, age is just a number. Enjoy the oyster of life from the tunnel of darkness to the rays of sunshine. Tango or Salsa, Zumba or rock-n-roll, hip hop or belly dance, dance to every move as age is just a number! 

 "You are not too old, and it is not too late"1, so why be bound by society's limitations? Through the curtains of the waterfall, let your body drench, sway like never before, on every beat of life, happiness, fear or hopelessness, swing your hips and blush your cheeks, let the glow on your skin and the radiance in you be the only halo in the room. The pulse of joy fills the air as you bloom and blossom. Today is meant for life and laughter, enjoy every moment, be the bold brushstroke by leaving an impressionable mark behind, and paint a vibrant mosaic of love and conquest.  

 Yes, age does not matter, let me share my own story. Amidst my mother’s thriving corporate career, she felt a deep void as she reached 34. A child's absence weighed heavily on her heart, and the ticking of her biological clock grew her increasingly relentless. And then, defying the very laws of nature, I entered this world preterm, eight weeks premature. Yeah, the rebel within me ruptured the water bag and emerged after 28 weeks. My mother and I shattered the norms that dictated numbers. My mother has imparted profound wisdom, proclaiming, "Remain undisturbed by the perpetual flux of numbers. Age, weight, and wealth undeniably fluctuate with each passing day. Why exhaust yourself needlessly by these matters? Why do we allow age to become a subject of undue concern?"

To provide evidence to the statement, 39-day-old Ababat Kaur from Punjab, India, whose organs were selflessly used to save five lives, her age was not a factor considered in her heroic act. At the tender age of 14, Dan Bullock, a young boy from Brooklyn, embarked on a journey to Vietnam, where he lost his life in the War. The bullet that claimed his life did not inquire about his age, for it knew no such boundaries. Similarly, Colonel Harland Sanders, the esteemed founder of KFC, achieved his iconic status at 65. His age did not hinder his ascent to the throne of the fast-food kingdom, as his culinary prowess and entrepreneurial spirit spoke volumes far beyond mere numerical value.

 Dimitrion Yordanidis was an astounding 103 years old who reached the finish line of a marathon without anyone questioning his age. Likewise, at the tender age of 27, Princess Elizabeth was coronated to the throne as the Queen of England. The crown that adorned her head did not inquire about her age, or perhaps it did so silently, recognizing her strength, wisdom, and suitability for the role. Our age does not determine how much of an impact we can make, instead, what separates the mediocre from the achievers is the ability never to falter or crumble in the face of adversity. Consider the case of Gotthold Eisenstein, who propelled the field of number theory and fell at the tender age of 29 to tuberculosis. All evidence points to the idea that some of the most pre-eminent individuals in mathematics and science have burnt bright before fading into oblivion, this reinforces the idea that you do not require the passage of time to achieve greatness. 

Age is best compared to a mathematical puzzle with numbers that demand our attention. Yet, it is not a mere division equation that diminishes us into a fraction of our former selves. Instead, it operates as a multiplier, expanding our experiences and influencing our existence. We may not be able to combat the ageing process. However, even as our body fails us, our mind should possess enough vigour to push us forward and accomplish our goals. Create your bucket list, sleep under the stars or go sailing, go hiking, colour your hair purple or burgundy, go to the northern lights, or toss a pizza up in the air. Take an epic road trip, solo or with someone special, bungee jump or scuba dive, get your nails artfully manicured, and embrace new technological advancements. Dare yourself, deceive your mind. Don't let a number hold you back. Make good use of the supreme gift called life, every breath we take comes with a promise to make the most from sunrise to sunset before the curtains fall. 

1. Poem “You are not too old, and it is not too late to dive into your increasing depths where life calmly gives out its own secret.” by Rainer Maria Rilke, Austrian Poet and writer (1875-1926).

Through unwavering passion, intensity, and diligence, we have the power to propel humanity forward. When our imagination knows no bounds, we can aim beyond the sky, the moon and the stars. Holistic success hinges on taking the unchartered path, unburdened by the fear of failure and letting go of the constant need for validation. True empowerment comes from living on your terms, guided by your convictions and accountability for your life. 

Your life, your rules, if you wish, you can PAINT YOUR SKY PINK; who says it needs to be only blue? Even a yellow would do. Only a heart willing to venture into unexplored territories can unlock the world of endless possibilities. Only if you scream your lungs out can you hear the echo resounding from the mountains. Don't stop, have the audacity to dream big. Get stubborn to make your dreams a reality rightfully. A safer route helps you get closer to the shore, but it comes at the cost of settling for mediocrity. Claim your universe; there is no stopping you. 

Individuals possessing the necessary know-how can execute ideas with meticulous planning, diligent implementation and determination, hence if there is a comprehensive effort between the different age groups, humanity will soar. The fear of being boxed, labelled, and confined by cultural norms does not allow for lateral thinking. Societal validations become a roadblock to ability, enthusiasm and an earnest approach. No predetermined timetable can govern the journey of any age group. Each individual follows their distinct path guided by a higher power and their inherent timing.

'The best teacher in life is experience'- LeBron James2. This holds true, as no person is born with a manual for success. Failure serves as the most outstanding teacher for all. To fail, falter, fall, get up, fall again, push hard, get up, and walk helps us overcome the obstacles faced in the journey called life. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, let your failures fuel your uninterrupted pursuit of greatness. Ageing provides edification and great expertise, accelerating both physical and mental growth. The threads of familiarity beautifully woven together can make a gorgeous tapestry of perseverance and zeal, capable of withstanding any storm and staying calm in triumph and tribulation. 

Age bestows upon us the gift of perspective. For some, through the passage of years, lush tints illuminate the golden rays of the sun, which slip through the willow leaves like sand in an hourglass. As time passes, life adopts a different rhythm, winters get colder, and summers lose their hues. Those with profound wisdom use their second innings to seize the world's grace with open arms and a delightful cherry on the cheeks. Every life is akin to a verdant garden which houses emotions like joy, delight, fear, remorse, disillusionment and several challenges coexisting harmoniously, yet you can flourish with tenacity and grit. One has to be a gardener of his life to meticulously culminate the creation of a radiant bouquet of love and positivity.

While pondering on age, the concept of right or wrong dissipates into subjective contemplation. There are compelling arguments on both sides, and both hold their truth. Yet, in the grand melange of life, a balanced perspective emerges, suggesting that while age holds its importance, it should not be the sole gauge of a person's worth. Embrace the present and seize the essence of life. Savour the bright mornings, delight in the fragrance of rain-kissed earth, splash in puddles, engage in lifelong learning, allow the symphony of gratitude to permeate every fibre of your being, choose forgiveness as a sacred act of liberation, shed the armour of self-doubt, unlock the boundless potential of your brilliance, reshape the narrative of your destiny, create memories and foster deeper connections, gaze upon the mesmerizing moon, witness the captivating sunset, catch the fleeting beauty of butterflies, rejoice every milestone, dance fearlessly at the edge of uncertainty, for it is in the dance that you'll find the rhythm of life, the symphony of resilience, and the ecstasy of living unbridled.

Dance, dance like there is no tomorrow because age is just a number!!!

By Agastyaa Goradia