Last weekend I went out and bought myself a beach cruiser. I was influenced to make this purchase by my 32-year daughter. She suggested that I go green by riding to the store (two miles) and riding to the farmer’s market (five miles); both of which are up-hill. Never being one to shy away from a challenge, I purchased the bike.

When I was 32-years old I was inspired by a 72-year old woman, who delivered the newspaper at 5:00 a.m. everyday. She climbed the stairs to the sixth floor, Monday through Friday just to deliver those newspapers. Seeing her in action gave me the motivation to train to run a marathon. Six months later I ran a half a marathon, along with numerous 5K and 10K races. For the next ten years running became part of my life. I didn't stop until an accident, which resulted in rotator cuff surgery forced me to put running on hold. When I found myself looking at the big “5-0," I decided that I wanted to get my body back in shape. That's when I started walking and got back into running again.

I stayed the course with my fitness for a lot of years. But when my 32-year old daughter decided to get her body into shape, my life took on a whole new focus. I started doing step aerobics, weight lifting, yoga, hiking, running and martial arts fighting. Some days I would work out back-to-back, taking yoga and step aerobics on the same day. I was the only great-grandmother working out alongside ladies whose ages ranged from 21-34. I couldn't convince anyone that I was a great-grandmother; I was even being picked up on by men who could have been my grandsons.

That's when I discovered the 4-part formula for staying young:

1. Stimulate your mind with continuous learning.
2. Be open to new thoughts and ideas.
3. Be adventures and take on new challenges.
4. Be positive, laugh and enjoy your life daily. 

A clean, clear mind will rejuvenate the body on a daily basis. A smile will keep the ugly wrinkles away, and the love of life and people will give you hope and something to look forward to.

Staying young starts from the inside, staying active starts in the mind. Having a willingness to embrace the younger generation as well as your peers starts in the heart and empowers you to live life to the fullest. It all takes a commitment to life.

The real fountain of youth is within your own mind. My wise father who lived to be 102-years old, had not seen a doctor for forty years. Before he died, he told me “you are the steward of your life, your mind is the machine to take you where you want to go.” He is so right. Some would consider me a senior citizen, but in my mind I am an experienced person with an abundance of energy and the curiosity of a child.

I believe I can still walk with a bounce in my steps, dance the night away, and be happy at the start of each new day. The permanent smile that I wear on my face is also the smile I keep in my heart. My state of mind keeps my body young, my heart healthy, and my thoughts active. Look for your fountain of youth, within you.