At what age should we stop dreaming?

Welcome back to my Linkedin Newsletter!

If you're a life-long dreamer, like me, you know that unless acted upon, dreams are just that, dreams.

One of my favorite quotes on the subject comes from Thoreau, who enthused, "If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours."

How powerful is that?!

Way to go, Thoreau!

But, should our dreams ever cease?

Several years ago, I had the honor of serving as emcee at the opening ceremonies of the International Senior Olympic Games, held at Alamo Stadium, San Antonio, Texas.

Senior athletes from all over the world, many of them former Olympians, had come to compete in a myriad of games.

It was there that I met a man named Harry, whose sport was golf.

When I asked him how he got interested in the game, he explained that while his friends had always played, he was happy to ride along in the cart and watch.

One day, he picked up a club, hit a few balls and hadn’t stopped since.

Then, I asked how long ago that was.

“Twenty-two years ago.”

I wondered how old he was at the time.

“Eighty.”

That’s right, Harry was now 102 years old and still hitting the little white ball.

His love for the game had started long after others would have never given a thought to beginning such a sport.

Shooting his age was no big deal!

Or consider, Gladys Burrill, who was an accomplished pilot, horseback rider and mountain climber. However, she is better known for what she did in her 90’s: completed a marathon.

That’s right.

After completing her first marathon at age 86, Gladys famously competed in and finished the Honolulu Marathon at age 92!

After power-walking for 9 hours and 53 minutes, she proudly crossed the finish line and was later recognized by Guinness World Records and the Hawaii House of Representatives for her amazing feat and inspiring determination.

Then, there’s the story of a singer named Dolores who met her future husband while working at the Vogue Club in Manhattan in 1933. He was a vaudeville comedian who used his talent to entertain soldiers during four different wars.

As you’ve probably guessed, his name was Bob Hope.

But, what you may not know about Dolores Hope is that after appearing with her legendary husband on television specials and accompanying him to his military concerts, she took time to focus on raising the couple’s four children.

Then, in 1993, well into her 80’s, Dolores began singing professionally again, recording several albums over the next 10 years.

So, at what age should you stop dreaming?

Perhaps the answer lies in this reminder from C.S. Lewis, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

A final thought.

Let's face it, sometimes our dreaming can be a lonely experience. This is especially true if we are surrounded by discouragement.

Don't be.

Moreover, when you kindly take every opportunity to cheer on those following their own vision, don't be surprised when someone does the same for you.

Stay enthusiastic!

~Sonny.

Want more inspiring stories?

Listen to my podcast,?The Sonny Melendrez Show ?wherever you access your podcasts.

Watch my TEDx Talk:?Intentional Enthusiasm - How to accelerate personal greatness?here .