As a retired person and being in a lock-down, I have more time to watch TV. The other day, I was watching the Korean Drama Series "I Am Eighteen Again". In this series the protagonist, a 37-year-old married man was magically transformed into his 18-year-old younger self. Before the transformation, this man was in the midst of a number of problems; he was in the process of a divorce from his wife, had a tumulous relationship with his daughter and his career was in the doldrums. In one scene after the initial bewilderment, the protagonist said to himself "I can dream again".
That really got me thinking. Are dreams only for the young? Why can't the protagonist at the age of 37 despite facing a multitude of problems dream of a better life? Now that I am 60 years old, is it too late to have new dreams? Well, I don't think so.
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Age to me is just a number and should not be a barrier to get what you want out of life. Here are just a few examples of men and women who had achieved considerable success in their later years.
Frank McCourt
Frank McCourt began writing when he was 65 years old. The book that he wrote "Angela's Ashes" went on to win the Pulitzer Prize as well as the National Book Critics Circle Award. It was also adapted into a film, and there are now museums dedicated to him.
Charles Darwin
Charles was already 50 years old when he released "On the Origin of Species" in 1859, which sparked a debate on the evolution of mankind. The Darwin Awards, on the other hand, came considerably later.
Judi Dench
Dame Judi Dench has been a standout in her work for theatre and television throughout her career, but it wasn't until she was in her 60s that she became a household name. Judi has garnered seven Academy Award nominations, all of which came after she turned 60. No other actor or actress beyond the age of 60 has received more nominations.
Vera Wang
Wang began her career as a successful figure skater and fashion editor. At the age of 40, that she decided to be a designer before her 1989 wedding. She spent $10,000 on her own wedding gown and started her own bridal boutique the next year.
I hope that the above examples will provide you the inspiration to chase after your dreams regardless of your age. No one is too old or too young to go after their dreams.
Renowned Storyteller
Writing is not only an activity that I indulge in every day, but my writing also defines who I am and I am my writing. It is something that keeps me sane when I have to stay in the house the whole day during the lockdown. I find writing rewarding and I get that sense of satisfaction when my reader tells me what I write resonates with them.
I hope that what I write will impact more people beyond the hive platform. At this point in time, the world needs positivity and I am trying my best to spread positivity one post at a time. My dream at age 60 is to become a world-renowned storyteller so that what I write can touch the lives of more people. For this, I will need to upgrade my computer and to some extend programming skills. I also need to explore beyond the hive platform, perhaps to have my own blog or even youtube channel. I will be most grateful if anyone can give me some advice on other channels that I should consider if I want to achieve my dreams.
A Home For People With Autism
One of the worries that my wife Roselind and I had is who will take care of my autistic son Jonathan when we are no longer. Sometimes when we see a homeless person rummaging through a dustbin looking for food, we often wonder whether the same fate will fall upon Jonathan. Therefore one of my dreams which I share with my wife is to establish a home for people with autism when their caregivers are no longer around.
With the establishment of the Kuching Autistic Association (KAA), I see a light at the end of the tunnel. In fact, the Sarawak State Government has given a grant of RM4.179 million to KAA to construct a second educational block. With the second block, there will be a venue for the home. Of course, a lot of work still needs to be done before this home can materialize.
Travel The World
I was bitten by the travel bug when I visited Japan on a Japan Air Lines Scholarship in 1983. You can read about this article here. Since then I had backpacked Europe alone during my student days and a few years back, my wife and I embarked on our most adventurous trip ever, "The Trans-Mongolia Express". For this trip, my wife and I traveled by train from Bejing, China all the way to St Petersberg, Russia over a period of 24 days.
Unfortunately, I am unable to travel during this pandemic. We are raring to travel once it is safe to do so. I had dreamed of visiting faraway places ever since I was in my twenties. Now, I will have more time to travel. I have a number of trips on my bucket list and these include:-
When it comes to going for our dreams, age should not be a barrier. Nobody is too young or too old to chase their dreams. So share with us what your dreams are.
Follow me and stay positive.
Do check out my previous posts.
Hope: How Your Struggles Can Bring Hope To Others
An Amazing Adventure At The Great Ocean Road
The Day I Met With The Prime Minister Of Japan And Why I Am My Memories
Spreading positivity one post at a time.
Charles
