I have been reading recently about a few remarkable people.
Just to mention some examples: Captain Sir Tom Moore, whose passing away this month at 100 was unfortunately blighted by hundreds of anonymous trolls who begrudged him a holiday trip to the Caribbean; Carlos Soria, the 81 year old mountain climber featured in the last issue of The Long View and Eileen Ash, an elegant English lady, 109 and still driving her car.
I noted that what these three had in common, was a spirit that is not defined by age. A desire to get on with life and do their thing, regardless of what others may think. Indeed, if they had taken notice and conformed to the criticisms of the naysayers, I’m sure their achievements would have been lessened and thier quality of life and even their health, would have suffered.
We know that Society doesn’t like non-conformists. But should we be concerned about this?
Yes, we should. Not because of upsetting those who would be better off minding their own businesses, but because we have the right to think and act for ourselves and that right should not be taken from us.
Happily, I have found the perfect defence.
Eccentricity.
None more eccentric than the Seinfeld bunch!
It’s a wonderful state and I find myself claiming it more and more. Being eccentric it seems, allows one to side-step those well-intentioned (or not) who would prefer that we conform with their expectations.
Being eccentric is quite enjoyable and it beats hands down, sitting still and doing what one is told.
The good thing is that you don’t have to sit a test or wait until you are a specific age. If you find yourself being pushed around, go eccentric.
Tom, Carlos, Eileen and many, many others I know have discovered this for themselves and their lives have been much richer for it. There is also a lot more to chuckle at.
Written by Kevin H Smith, Longevity International Managing Director
