Sourced from NYT | Jan 1, 2022

Let their stories be your inspiration

as you set resolutions for 2022.

The arrival of a new year presents a moment to set goals and reconsider what's possible. It is never too late and there is no deadline when it comes to pursuing your dreams. Here are some words of wisdom from people who have fully lived their experience and encouraging tips on how to get there. Dream big! Don't let fear stand in your way and do something new as you set and flesh out your 2022 resolutions.

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You have to figure out why you think you can’t do something and ask yourself why. What’s the reason for that.
If there was somebody telling you every step of your life what you can do, eat, wear - that’s all nonsense. You can decide for yourself what you are capable of. Who cares! You might be surprised.”

— Dierdre Wolownick, who climbed El Capitan for the first time at age 66(!)

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Don’t give yourself an option to give up. I never thought about quitting. If I invest mentally, I won’t quit.
”

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Vijaya Srivastava, who learned to swim at age 68. Read her story.

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Don’t be afraid of embarrassment or opening yourself up to criticism. You have to be OK with not having mastery over something. Don’t let fear stand in your way. It will get less scary every time.
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— Rose Young, who learned how to ride horseback at age 63!

Rose Young image — Leslie Ryann McKellar for The New York Times

Russ Ellis image — Aubrey Trinnaman for The New York Times

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Do something that involves other people. Even one other person. Getting out of the groove, sometimes you just need some company. Do something with other people who are genuinely as interested as you are.
”

—

Russ Ellis, who recorded his first album of original music at age 85!!! Read his story.

Richard Klein image — Prarthna Singh for The New York Times

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Dream a big dream but then figure out what all the small little steps are to get there and take those steps one by one. There will always be obstacles. Loved ones can be one, money can also be an obstacle. It won’t be easy. There’s a lot of sacrifice involved but if you can dream big, it can come true.
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— Richard Klein, who moved to Mumbai to become a Bollywood actor in his 40s!

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If you are feeling stuck, try learning to be more patient and not freak out about everything. Everything you do gives you experience, skills and tools wherever you go.
”

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Martha Prewitt, who left her opera career behind to run her family’s farm in Kentucky. Read her story.

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Do something new that you normally wouldn’t do or something you hadn’t planned on doing, or if it is something you’re passionate about. Take an acting class, a cooking class or go to a museum. These activities let you connect to other people that you might not have the chance to meet had you not gone outside. It can add some excitement to your life. Pick up the phone. Send an email. Think of something you want to do then ask someone. Don’t be afraid to let things happen.
”

— Phyllis Raphael, who found new love in her 80s (!!!)

Jocelyn Nicole Johnson image — Matt Eich for The New York Times

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Embrace rejection and find your people.
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Jocelyn Nicole Johnson, who published a celebrated debut book at age 50. Read her story.

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Be as open as you can be and honest about who you are. LOVE overwhelms.
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— Vica Steel, who enrolled in seminary to become a Lutheran pastor in her 50s.

Vica Steel image — Evan Jenkins for The New York Times

Vera Jiji image — Vera Jiji, 93, at her home in New York with her cello. “It has given me a way to communicate without using words,” she said.
Credit Justin J Wee for The New York Times

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Do not be afraid to go back to something you loved. People say no to things quickly. Your passion or skills are still there. You will remember more than you think or realize.
”

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Vera Jiji, who returned to playing the cello at age 62. Read her story!