I found a quote recently that struck a chord with me. Two actually.

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” C.S. Lewis

The words from the author of one of my favorite series of all time, The Chronicles of Narnia, were a beacon of hope and affirmation that I’m not as crazy as I might have thought to pursue this dream of writing many more books before I am called away from this world.

The second quote from Oscar Wilde, resonates with me and is a theme of my second published novel, Winning the Twin’s Heart. Here it is:

“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist.” Oscar Wilde

Combining these two bits of wisdom brings me to my main point. Often, those approaching the years of their lives in which they recognize that there are fewer ahead than behind, are pushed aside by society. Especially when health concerns limit their mobility and self-reliance. They disappear into group homes, nursing homes, and retirement homes, and it seems their contributions to society at large may have reached an end.

For the record, I’m not saying any of these types of living arrangements are bad, wrong, or shouldn’t be utilized. In fact, I believe many people are helped immensely, encouraged, and given companionship and friendships they wouldn’t otherwise have had when living in such communities. My mom’s health and mental acuity improved by leaps and bounds when she moved into our local nursing facility. It was a vast step forward for her in terms of social access, and she made many new friends as well as renewed old acquaintances. It was a blessing for her and for us as her family.

What I am saying is that the residents of these places need to be encouraged to set goals and dream. They need not simply exist. They are still able to live and live abundantly.

This goes for those of us in our fifties and sixties and seventies or eighties who are physically able to live in our homes and maintain normal lives — using “normal” in a context of comparison to when we were younger — in our twenties and thirties, for example. Normal may take on different parameters depending on each person’s circumstances, of course. Please don’t let that word trip up this analogy.

I do believe that often empty-nesters find themselves at a loss. What to do now that raising the children is no longer the main focus of our day. We may still work outside the home. We still have other responsibilities, but that “extra” time and energy needs a new focus.

Don’t be afraid to listen to those little nudges from God to step outside your comfort zone and pursue a new goal or go in a new direction. You are not too old to try or learn something new, and you never will be.

For me, that looked like pursuing writing as a career. I began writing with an eye toward publication in 2010. I was 45. Through a roller-coaster of events, I won several contests and finaled in others, was chosen for, then released from a contract, attended writer’s conferences, joined writing groups, and eventually, learned enough spiritually and professionally, to publish my first novel in a collection last year (2024), then republish it on its own several months later. Book 2 followed shortly after, and there are 2 others planned for 2025 releases.

I tell you none of that to toot my own horn, but to encourage you to see that you, too, can achieve your dreams. But first, you have to take hold of the idea that you can have a dream in the first place.

So I encourage each one of you, don’t be afraid to set goals and dream because in the words of one of my favorite musical groups Casting Crowns, we were made to do more than just survive. We were made to thrive.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10 ESV

Do not let age be the thief that steals what Jesus came to give: life in abundance.

This post first appeared on Patti Shene’s blog, “The Over 50 Writer” on June 20, 2025.

As always, I appreciate those who choose to read my words. You are amazing, encouraging folks, and I can’t tell you enough how much you mean to me. You are in my prayers and please send specific requests if you have them. I’d be blessed to support you in that way.

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Until next time, que Dios les bendiga!