Youth

Youth is not a time of life, it is a state of mind.

It is not a matter of rosy cheeks, red lips and supple knees;

it is an attitude, a quality of the imagination, a vigor of the emotions.

Youth means a predominance of courage over timidity,

a preference for adventure over love of ease.

Years wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.

Whether seventy or sixteen, there can be in every being's heart a sense of wonder,

the sweet amazement at the stars, the challenge of new events,

childlike curiosity and the joy of living.

You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; 

as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear;

as young as your hope, as old as your despair.

So long as your heart is warmed by the messages of beauty, hope, cheer,

courage, and meaning in life, you will remain young.

May youth be forever yours.
~ Anonymous ~