It’s
never too late! by Bernice Becker
Those
words have been important to me and have made my life
more meaningful. In
fact, they are part of my philosophy of life.
When
I was asked to be in the 2001 Ms. Golden Girl Pageant at
Jewish Community Center, I could not picture myself
singing, dancing, or speaking to a huge audience on
different topics. Nor
could I envision myself telling a humorous story that I
had written and would act out without falling down (I
hoped). After
all, I was the oldest of the group and there was a
20-year age difference between some of the contestants
and me.
Many
friends and my family had encouraged me to take the
challenge. There
were others, however, who had told me, “You don’t
need the hassle and worry; enjoy your life and go to
your time share at the Cape.”
I found that I resented that, and I decided to accept
the challenge, preferring to believe that Golden Girls
can be productive at any age.
I followed my philosophy, which at that time was
(and still is) “Be the best you can be and think I
can,” and not, “I can’t”.
Your body may not be at its best, but you can
overcome that with a positive attitude and spirit.
I have never regretted being in the pageant, and
I still enjoy the friendships of the others who
participated. I
received publicity in the media and much attention from
the residents of Reeds Landing, where I live.
Actually, I felt a bit like a celebrity.
Besides, it gave me something else to write
about.
Writing
stories has been a happy part of my life that is
important and meaningful.
I entertain at functions and am well received.
If I find myself unable to begin a story, I
think, “It’s never too late, and soon I’m on my
way.”
The
influence of that little saying is strong.
It has had a positive effect on many of my
decisions, such as starting college though married with
one child and becoming an elementary school teacher and
having my second child when I was forty, which at that
time, was considered too old.
Those
decisions made my senior years much better than they
would have been. I
had more courage to make positive life changes in each
stage along the way.
“It is never too late” has been a powerful
motto throughout the years that has helped me to live my
life to the fullest.
Still, I never believed that I would become the
author of a book! Thank you, everybody, for helping me
once again confirm the truth and value of the
philosophies that have kept me going:
“It is never too late” and “Be the best you
can be!”
by
Bernice Becker |
