Forever Young

Genetically speaking, we were all blessed in many different ways. Some of us have maintenance-free bodies, hair and nails that grow to there, flawless skin, perfect teeth that upset dentists, etc. People tell me, albeit exaggerated, that I look younger than what I truly am. Since we've sometimes tried to make ourselves older than what we truly are, I've come up with a few tips that I actually practice to keep myself feeling young.

Here they are in no particular order:

Skip, instead of walking to your destination sometimes.

Sing in the shower.

Sing while driving.

When you go to a spa, don't be ashamed to undress fully. You're paying for the services so they CAN'T laugh at you.

Eat a piece of your favorite candy (or blow bubbles with bubble gum in a crowded area) every now and then.

Laugh at yourself before laughing at anyone else.

Hell, just laugh anyway. A few wrinkles in your face is a small price to pay for a healthy heart.

Play video games even if you have poor hand/eye coordination.

Dance to your favorite song over and over (or to no music at all), especially before going to work.

Try to hug someone at least once a day, and if you have no one to hug, hug yourself.

Make every attempt you can to feel the sand or grass between your toes.

Drink your non-alcoholic beverages from a beer mug, wine, or champagne glass. It just makes you FEEL like you're doing something grownup for some reason.

Read a favorite book from your childhood.

Watch a cartoon once in a while (news, and unfortunately, reality shows, are here to stay, so take a break from the drama).

Spend time with your parents, grandparents or other elders. It's a bit hard to not feel young around people who are at least 20 years your senior.

Do something you were always afraid to do as a kid (even deviant behavior like mooning someone, TP'ing a house, and streaking and skinny dipping count).

Don't ever be afraid to get really, really dirty. I'm talking, having to take your shoes and clothes off at the door, not touching anything in the house but the shower, dirty.

Have a sleepover with your friends, especially in a hotel, and play pranks on the staff, patrons and each other (without getting arrested, of course).

Smile at a perfect stranger. It'll make you feel good and could quite possibly save someone's life.

Take a day to do absolutely nothing...