Our Youth...

Life is a collection of shades, we progress as we move along. The term 'Youth' portrays a confusing shade. It speaks of both the needed energy, and priority in approach at the same time. Nevertheless, it is the shade which each of us wish to remain with. The legend of Ponce de Leon, the Spanish explorer  speaks of  how he was supposedly looking for the fountain of youth and discovered Florida instead. Well, he certainly wasn't the first person to be lured by a dream of eternal youth.  There are numerous stories about powerful figures in history such as Alexander the Great and Cleopatra who also sought to hold onto their beauty and vitality. And the search for youth continues.  All you have to do is to turn on the television or open a beauty magazine to find advertisements for miracle hair tonics, wrinkle cures, stomach flatteners, etc.  It seems we are still looking for a fountain of youth, but this time it is through creams or supplements or health regimens that make extravagant, unproven claims.  However, I don't think that is the right way to stay young.

 
It is more about growing from within that is needed, we need to connect with nature. Staying physically fit is important, but so also is keeping mentally and emotionally fit.  We need to handle stress well and need to let go of our worries at the end of each day.  Each of us, have our difficult or challenging experiences, but it is our positive response to these difficulties and challenges that enable us to carry on.

So there may be a fountain of youth after all, but not exactly as we envisioned it.  As the "ageless" Sophia Loren has said, "There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love.  When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age."

Now that's a fountain I think we can all dip into....

                                                                                                          -Abhijith