Overcome Obstacles - AGE
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“I’m too young.”
“I’m too old.”
These two excuses, especially the second one, are far too common in all of life. Somehow we’ve bought into the American lie that youth is to be more desired than anything and that at a certain age, we shouldn’t attempt new things. I’m certainly glad Colonel Sanders didn’t subscribe to that line of thinking, or we would have all been deprived of the pleasure of eating his famous Kentucky Fried Chicken. He was in his 60’s when he began that operation.
For some of you reading this blog, the biggest obstacle you’re going to have to overcome is your AGE. I want to especially address those of you who are past “retirement age,” whatever that is!
I’ve discovered in my years of teaching that many of my older students put their dream of oil painting on the shelf years ago. Although they became very accomplished in another line of work, they always had the nagging question of “what if?”
So here they come walking through my doors after retirement, some battling physical problems, and most battling the doubts of whether or not they’re cut out for the art world.
One such person was a gentleman by the name of Bob Gillan. Bob first started attending my classes when he was 85. He had been successful in just about everything he had ever tried. Bob was a decorated World War II veteran. Not only was he a pilot, but he also trained other pilots. This man was a war hero. A book could be written about this man’s life and all that he had accomplished. He’s one of those guys who seemed to cram at least five lives into the one he lived.
I was privileged to train Bob for 7 years, and to be quite honest, he became a very accomplished artist. In fact, he completed his 92nd oil painting when he was 92 years old.
Bob, with one of his favorite pieces.
Bob was certainly no “excuse-maker.” When he set his mind to do something, he forged ahead until he failed or he completed his task.
So let me ask you, “What are your oil-painting goals?” “Have you used your age as an excuse not to start?”
If so, PLEASE overcome that excuse. Age is not a reason to give up on your dream.
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