Cup of Inspiration

Today, September 7^th, is Grandma Moses Day. This day we remember that it’s never too late to try something new.

Anna Mary Robertson was born in 1860, and married Thomas Moses in 1887. As a child, she enjoyed painting. Painting, however, took a backseat over the years as time was filled with work and family. In her late fifties, she dabbled more in painting, but it wasn’t until the age of 76 that she pursued it fully. Arthritis had made embroidering too painful, so she turned her creative desires to paint. Her painting career took off and would eventually be featured in Time Magazine in 1953.

The world seems to dictate a formula for how our careers should go. A person will finish schooling in their late teens, pursue more training (college, trade school, etc.) in their early 20’s, start a job, and work to move up the ranks in that career for the next 40 years. Retirees then spend the rest of their lives traveling, helping as volunteers, however they would like to enjoy their days.

What if that is not the path for you? What if you couldn’t finish high school, but got a GED in your 20’s, or even 30’s? What if in your 40’s or even 50’s you look at your life, and you desire to try out a business idea, or go back to school to reinvent yourself? When you’re in your later years, do you really need to move out of the workforce to make way for the younger generation? Isn’t there room enough for all ages?

Today we are reminded of two things. One, it is never too late for you to try something new. There are examples of people pursuing law degrees in their 40’s, doctorate degrees even later. Don’t stop living because society says you’re past your prime. A second thing to remember is that we should respect others making these pursuits in life. Don’t hold someone back from a position because they seem too old. Don’t resent someone for not retiring and moving out of your way. If the person is enjoying their work, and they are contributing to the organization, allow them. If you are “waiting your turn”, remember that one day you may find yourself in that same position, feeling pushed aside by the next generation.

We should encourage each other to pursue our dreams. Don’t feel discouraged from trying something new because it doesn’t fit in society’s age model. If you have breath, you have a purpose, and should pursue it regardless of how many birthdays you have celebrated on earth.